Inspiring Change That Lasts: ZEHO's Village Initiatives
We are excited to announce that ZEHO is embarking on two pioneering projects, set to take place in local villages. We are initiating projects in these villages to assess our potential impact. By evaluating their success, we'll gain valuable lessons to enhance our approach. Ultimately, these villages will serve as models as we extend our assistance across all of Zanzibar. While one project will prioritize environmental concerns and the other will focus on health, both embody our holistic approach to ecohealth, addressing the interconnectedness of human well-being and environmental sustainability. Stay tuned for detailed descriptions of these transformative projects below
Project 1:
Health Improvement in KIJIBWE MTU
The health improvement project in KIJIBWE MTU village is a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing critical health and environmental challenges faced by the community. The project is structured in two main steps, with a specific focus on increasing health awareness, hygiene, and sanitation, as well as implementing measures to reduce poverty and improve economic activities in the village.
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Step 1: Empowering Health and Hygiene Awareness
We're starting with an immersive door-to-door health education campaign led by local health experts. Through interactive workshops and comprehensive assessments, we're shedding light on critical health risks and environmental hazards. Together, we're building a foundation of awareness and knowledge that empowers individuals to safeguard their well-being and fighting health problems such as skin diseases, diarrhea and anemia.
The strategic plan also includes the provision of sustainable sanitary pads, bath soaps, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and chlorine tabs, as well as the establishment of communal toilets and education about proper waste collection.
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Step 2: Cultivating Sustainable Solutions
But we don't stop there. Step two is all about fostering long-term resilience and prosperity. We're nurturing entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency by establishing vibrant women's groups, providing training in handcraft activities, and opening doors to diversified income sources. Simultaneously, we're investing in the future generation by equipping young minds with essential school supplies, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.
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We will make sure to involve the villagers in every step and collect data to improve future work.
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Overall, the health improvement project in KIJIBWE MTU village is a vital initiative that addresses crucial health and environmental challenges, with a clear focus on community engagement, education, and sustainable solutions.
Project 2:
Waste Management in MTENDE
The Mtende Waste Management project is a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing the urgent need for education, awareness, and improved waste management infrastructure in the villages of Zanzibar. The project is a collaboration between Zanzibar EcoHealth Organization (ZEHO) and Zanrec (a local recycling company), with the goal of decreasing the long-term impacts of plastic pollution on health and the environment.
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The project consists of a 3-phase plan:
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Phase 1: Education and Awareness
We're starting with education and awareness efforts targeting both school children and villagers. This includes providing information on the dangers of plastic and solid waste, as well as demonstrating correct waste management practices. Additionally, the project involves the development of interactive workshops and games to engage the community in practical waste sorting, recycling, and composting skills.
Phase 2: Village Clean-Up Initiative
Taking action on the ground with a massive village clean-up initiative.
We will employ young unemployed youth to collect non-organic waste from the roads, streets, fields, forests, and the beach. After the initial clean-up, we will try to implement a weekly waste-collection system. The waste will be collected by the villagers and disposed of weekly by Zanrec, a local recycling company committed to environmentally responsible practices, including recycling, upcycling, or safe disposal methods (for more information on their mission and what is happening with the collected waste, visit www.zanrec.com).
Phase 3: Sustainability and Empowerment
Ensuring the project's long-term sustainability through a comprehensive waste management plan. This step includes developing infrastructure, advocating for policies, and implementing ongoing monitoring and evaluation.The project also aims to empower the youth employed in waste collection, emphasizing the importance of their role in environmental preservation and community development.
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The Mtende Waste Management project not only addresses the immediate issue of plastic pollution due to globalization but also contributes to the economic impact of the region. A cleaner environment is more appealing to tourists, which can contribute to the growth of the eco tourism industry and create jobs for local people. Additionally, the project aims to positively impact the local fishing industry (sustainable spearfishing or using fishing traps) and safeguards village food supply by reducing pollution that harms marine life. Overall, the Mtende Waste Management project is a vital initiative that seeks to create a sustainable and healthy environment for the villagers of Zanzibar.
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Donors interested in supporting this project will be contributing to the preservation of natural resources, protection of biodiversity, and the well-being of the local community.
