About us
Learn more about our story and meet the faces behind ZEHO
Our Methods and Principles
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Empowerment through education - knowledge is the foundation of lasting change
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Behaviour change for sustainable impact - we focus on prevention and long-term solutions.
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Cultural sensitivity and inclusivity - respecting local traditions and welcoming diverse perspectives.
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Together is better: - community engagement is at the heart of everything we do.
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Evaluation is key - we learn, adapt, and improve by measuring what matters.
Our Team
At Zanzibar EcoHealth Organization (ZEHO), we believe collaboration is the key to lasting impact. Our strength lies in our diverse team—each member brings unique skills, experience, and passion to help us realize our shared vision.
Dr. Salmin Ali Muhidin
Co-Founder and COO
As a passionate doctor from Zansibar, Dr. Salmin leads the health projects in the remote villages and orphanages. His close contact with the communities and local health experts enables him to develop and implement needs-based solutions.
Svenja Staubli
Co-Founder and CEO
Svenja, a dedicated health psychologist from Switzerland, leads our fundraising and develops innovative behavior change interventions. Her research ensures the quality assurance of our programs and strengthens our mission to create sustainable change.
Hilali Hemed Vuai
Co-Founder and Project Manager Mtende
Hilali is our allrounder who is successfully implementing the waste project in Mtende. His extensive knowledge of agriculture and tourism enables him to offer training courses and workshops that contribute to poverty reduction through sharing his skills and knowledge.
Ibrahim Tallib
Secretary and Project Manager
With his many years of professional experience as a social worker, Ibrahim focuses on developing social environments, particularly with regard to vulnerable children and families. His empathetic approach and commitment help to sustainably improve the living conditions of these communities.
Sara Poschung
Board Member and Head of Women's Empowerment
Sara, a Swiss Arts and Humanities student, has a strong appreciation for the connection between culture, empowerment, and well-being, she will go on to lead our women’s programs and help develop new cultural initiatives.
Right now, she’s the creative force behind our visual content—capturing powerful photos and videos that bring our work to life.
Tamara Matvi
Digital Marketing Expert
Tamara has a natural talent for marketing that has impressed many. Her dedication and innovative strategies are instrumental in driving our projects forward. Tamara is committed to supporting our mission and continuously enhancing her expertise in the field.
Miraji, Ali and Hassan
Mtende Waste Management Team
Meet our three boys from Mtende. They have been instrumental in establishing and maintaining our waste management project. Additionally, they actively participate in conservation efforts and assist with our beekeeping initiatives. Their motivation and strong work ethic make them valuable helpers in our community.
From desperation to action: The story behind ZEHO
ZEHO was born in the heart of Mtende village, Zanzibar, when our co-founder Svenja reunited with Hilali, a local friend she had met years earlier. During six weeks in the village, living closely with the community, she witnessed the health and environmental challenges people were facing every day.
Feeling deeply connected and inspired to act, we began to dream of creating something meaningful. Hilali brought deep knowledge of the community’s needs, while Svenja offered a fresh perspective and the drive to turn empathy into action.
Along the way, we met Dr. Salmin, a dedicated local doctor whose compassion and commitment moved us deeply, and Ibrahim, a kind-hearted social worker who shared our passion for community support. Together, we built the foundation for ZEHO - a grassroots organization rooted in empathy, collaboration, and the belief that lasting change comes from within the community.
On Svenja’s final day in Zanzibar, ZEHO was officially registered. It wasn’t the end of a visit—it was the beginning of a shared mission to create a healthier, more sustainable future for Zanzibar.
Our path was not without obstacles—founding an organization proved to be a daunting task but it was worth it. As we look back on our journey, we know that the road ahead may be long and challenging, but we are fueled by a shared purpose and an unwavering belief in the power of collective action. With each step forward, we move closer to our vision of a healthier, more sustainable future for Zanzibar.
Our co-founders Hilali, Dr. Salmin and Svenja in the early stages of ZEHO