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Zanzibar - January, 2007
Here I am, back in my beloved Zanzibar!!! God, I love this place.
From the exotic sights, sounds, and Swahili cultures in the narrow streets of Stonetown to the lush rural farms and breathtaking white-sand beaches. Everywhere I turn, there’s a different form of beauty and interest.
Stefanie Schotz, a Dutch woman who has a family and has been on the island for 6 years heard about my massage training through Patricia Elias, one of the founders of the Hands Across Borders Society. www.handsacrossborderssociety.com
Stefanie was seeking formal education for the women already working in her beauty salon, Mrembo. mrembozanzibar@yahoo.co.uk
When I explained the objectives of the African Touch, and the requirement to train/hire locals who are disadvantaged, she was delighted. Stefanie is a sweet, kind person who had already volunteered at the UWZ, an organization in Stonetown who assists the disabled. She was able to screen and select a blind woman and a deaf man to join in the training. I had never trained any deaf students, so this was going to be a challenge! If it weren’t for the intensive hours of translating that Stefanie provided during class, this may not have been a successful venture.
Within the first few days of the Introduction to Therapeutic Massage course, it was clear to see we had a good group-dynamic. Where Stefanie’s translating was not clearly understood by Ali’s lip-reading of Kiswahili, the other two employees could make themselves understood through actions and specific Zanzibari language. The same was true for Asha. When she had difficulties with a concept or land-marking, we worked as a team to bring light to the subject.
By the end of two weeks, Ali had me practising the East African sign language alphabet and phrases!
 
An interesting turn of events occurred when I joined Patricia for a Rotary club meeting on the island. Some of you know I’ve received a contribution from the Nelson Rotary Club for a musculo-skeltal model. I’ve attended Rotary meetings in different countries, and find it to be a very ethical and effective charity. There is always great networking and contacts to be made with people who are genuinely interested in making a positive difference around them.
At the Zanzibar Rotary meeting, I was introduced to managers of prominent resorts in Zanzibar. I brought three of my students from the Mrembo training to attend and offer free neck and shoulder massages while I gave my presentation. They were all quite impressed with the treatments, and touched by The African Touch initiative. When Ali graduated he was offered a job by a Rotarian at the meeting: the manager of the Zanzibar Serena Hotel!!
He began working there in January 2007.
 
My stay was extended as a result of the Rotary contacts, and one other woman graduated from the course. She is now also employed by the Zanzibar Serena Hotel.
Asha is now an employee of Mrembo Spa in Stonetown.
Who ever knew humanitarian work could be this much FUN!!!
This has been the easiest and most rewarding project of The African Touch to date!
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