A Classroom Without Walls – How Community Learning is Changing Zanzibar’s Future

In a small village tucked between the palm-fringed shores of Unguja, a group of eager children sit in a circle beneath a baobab tree. They are laughing, reading, and solving math puzzles with a local teacher. This is not a typical classroom—but it’s one of the most powerful symbols of community-driven education in Zanzibar.

At Teach for Zanzibar, we believe that education doesn’t need to be confined within four walls. Through our Community Learning Centers, we’ve brought flexible, culturally-rooted learning spaces to areas where formal education infrastructure is still lacking. With the help of trained volunteer educators and donated learning materials, we’re reaching children who might otherwise be left behind.

We’ve seen incredible transformations: children who couldn’t read a single word now reading full sentences, young girls who once stayed home now dreaming of becoming doctors, and entire families getting involved in their children’s learning. One young student, Asha, said, “I used to stay home while my brothers went to school. Now, I learn with them. I want to be a teacher, too.”

Through initiatives like Tech4Education and our School Supplies Campaign, we’re not only filling gaps—we’re building futures. Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive. And sometimes, all it takes is a few books, a passionate teacher, and a tree to sit under.

Want to be part of this journey? Volunteer with us or donate to support our classrooms under the sun.ep water flowing for years to come.