Setting the scene
GIVE is an international volunteer organization that aims to foster sustainable change in communities around the world. Since 2011, GIVE has worked on humanitarian projects related to education, clean water, sustainable infrastructure, and wildlife conservation. During the summer of 2017 I spent 3 months in Zanzibar, working for GIVE as a construction guide. I designed a playground and led the construction of a primary school, women's center, and bridge.
Kairo Culture
The village of Kairo is located on the east coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania. The island boasts a dynamic culture that's a kaleidoscope of influences, with its people embracing Swahili, Arab, Indian, and African traditions. The island's lively music, spicy cuisine, and warm hospitality create a tapestry of diversity that pulses through its markets, people, and daily life.
GIVE's impact in Kairo
With local support, GIVE has constructed, opened, and supported a public school in the Village of Kairo, Zanzibar. Local and foreign teachers now work with volunteers to provide supplemental English lessons to members of the community.
The Playground
As required by the government, each primary school in Zanzibar must have a playground that is accessible to the students. Using an existing structure as the foundation, my job was to design and lead the construction of the playground at Skuli Ya Kairo Give.
Final Design
The final playground concept combines a rolling pipe slide, a wooden climbing wall, a net climb, and a protective fenced-in enclosure on the top deck.
The structure's design incorporated locally sourced materials and was meticulously brought to life by skilled artisans from the Kairo community.
Teamwork
Although my time on the island concluded before the playground's completion, it began taking shape during my stay on the island, thanks to the collaborative efforts of local craftsmen and dedicated volunteers.
This collective endeavor culminated in the playground's completion in 2018, and it now brings joy to hundreds of children within the community.
