Education
Project Summary
“Voices of Zanzibar: Youth Leading Change” is a dynamic, youth-driven initiative that empowers young people across the Zanzibar archipelago to become powerful agents of social transformation. Through storytelling, multimedia advocacy, leadership development, and grassroots community engagement, the project aims to amplify youth voices, challenge social injustices, and cultivate a new generation of conscious, capable, and connected change-makers.
This 12-month initiative harnesses the power of digital media, traditional arts, and community dialogue to address pressing issues such as climate change, gender inequality, unemployment, and youth disempowerment. Through workshops, creative labs, community forums, and an online storytelling platform, Zanzibar’s youth will craft and share their visions for a more just, sustainable, and inclusive future.
Objectives:
- Empower 150+ youth (ages 15–30) from urban and rural Zanzibar with leadership, storytelling, and advocacy skills.
- Create 50+ multimedia stories (video, podcast, photography, and blog) showcasing youth-led social change.
- Establish 5 “Youth Action Hubs” as safe, inclusive spaces for learning, organizing, and creating impact.
- Engage 10,000+ community members through public exhibitions, social media campaigns, and community dialogues.
- Influence local policy discourse by presenting youth-generated solutions to local leaders and stakeholders.
Key Activities:
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Youth Changemaker Bootcamps | Week-long immersive training programs in Unguja and Pemba focusing on leadership, digital storytelling, community organizing, and advocacy. |
| 2. Storytelling for Change Labs | Hands-on workshops in photography, podcasting, film-making, and writing led by local and international mentors. |
| 3. Youth Action Hubs | Creation of collaborative, youth-run centers equipped with tech tools, library resources, and creative spaces. |
| 4. “Voices of Zanzibar” Digital Platform | Launch of an interactive website and social media campaign sharing youth stories and campaigns to global and local audiences. |
| 5. Community Forums & Exhibitions | Monthly events bringing together youth, elders, and policymakers to discuss issues and showcase youth-driven solutions. |
Expected Outcomes:
- Entrepreneurship, financial literacy, cooperative development
- Legal rights and gender-based violence awareness
- Digital and vocational skills training
Geographical Focus
- Increased youth participation in civic and community life.
- A rich digital archive of youth narratives and local innovations.
- Strengthened intergenerational dialogue and understanding.
- Enhanced visibility of youth concerns in policy and public discourse.
- A replicable model for youth-led change in other East African coastal regions.
Target Audience:
- Youth aged 15–30 in Zanzibar (urban & rural)
- Local leaders and decision-makers.
- Educators, artists, and civil society actors.
- Broader Zanzibar community and East African networks.
Budget Summary (USD):
| Budget Item | Description | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Training & Workshops | Venue, materials, trainers, refreshments | $15,000 |
| 2. Equipment & Media Kits | Cameras, audio recorders, laptops, editing software | $12,000 |
| 3. Youth Action Hubs Setup | Rent, furniture, tech tools (5 hubs) | $18,000 |
| 4. Personnel | Project coordinator, trainers, media mentors | $20,000 |
| 5. Website & Digital Platform | Design, hosting, content development | $7,500 |
| 6. Travel & Transport | Inter-island transport, field visits, local travel | $4,000 |
| 7. Public Events & Exhibitions | Launch, monthly forums, closing exhibition | $6,000 |
| 8. Communications & Campaigns | Branding, social media ads, printing materials | $3,500 |
| 9. Monitoring & Evaluation | Data collection, reporting, analysis | $2,500 |
| 10. Contingency (5%) | Unforeseen costs | $4,450 |
| Total Estimated Budget | $92,950 | |
Sustainability & Legacy:
The project will establish long-lasting youth hubs, develop digital storytelling skills, and foster community ownership, ensuring impact continues beyond the project’s life-cycle. Youth participants will form ongoing action networks and alumni groups, and the platform will remain a living archive and advocacy tool.
Partners and Stakeholders (Suggested)
- Local Government of Zanzibar
- Youth-led organizations and NGOs
- Schools, universities, and vocational centers
- Media houses (ZBC, local community radios)
- International donors and development agencies
- Tech and telecom companies (for digital infrastructure)
Call to Action
Zanzibar’s youth are ready to lead — they just need the platform, tools, and support to do so.
We are currently seeking:
- Funding partners to help us reach our $92,950 goal.
- Local and international collaborators to mentor, train, or sponsor specific elements.
- Media allies to help amplify youth voices across the region and beyond.
- Volunteers with experience in creative arts, media, policy, and youth development.
Be part of a movement. Support "Voices of Zanzibar: Youth Leading Change" and help shape a future driven by innovation, justice, and youth leadership.
