Zanzibar

Paradise unearthed.

This year, OHS will be running a pilot program in Zanzibar to begin assessing and addressing the significant pressures on an rapidly developing island economy. For most who visit this tropical island off the coast of mainland Tanzania, Zanzibar is a tourist haven and hideaway. However the true statistics behind the veil are staggering;

  • 23% of primary school age children ages 7 to 13 have not been enrolled in school.   Most unenrolled children are from rural poor families and are more likely girls. (HBS 2005)
  • 46% of households throw garbage outside of their compounds.  Without a strong waste management system, environmental degradation is quickening the contamination of the island’s natural resources, such as the limited soil for food growing and limited safe water. (HBS 2004/05)
  • The prevalence of HIV/AIDS has not been contained.  Stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS is high at 76%, with 44% of women and 20% of men with comprehensive and correct knowledge on HIV/AIDS.  This is a significant barrier that needs to be overcome as education is still currently the only vaccine. (TDHS 2007/08)

    •      Sources: Household Budget Survey 04/05, Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey 07/08

We want volunteers to fully engage this incredible land and people while simultaneously addressing the deep historical inequalities that continue to the present today. Volunteers will have a unique opportunity to proactively develop new programs and assess the needs in this community.

The program will be 4 weeks and offered:   May 24 – June 18      $2500

Learn more about the 2010 Zanzibar volunteer program aspects.

Please see our Apply section for application deadlines.