Build a Computer Classroom for Zanzibar Students

Hello from Zanzibar!

Since our last message, we’ve been busy at Welcome Ideas. Our Zanzibar Vocational Training Authority (VTA) program students have been diligently working in the Computer Classroom, completing their business plans. As they finish these plans, we've placed them in local businesses to begin their work experience internships. In addition, our short course students have wrapped up another set of courses, and we’ve been collaborating with a Swiss organization on a project that will expand Welcome Ideas' scope and impact, guiding us toward financial stability.

As we completed the academic portion of our first VTA program, students dedicated time in the Computer Classroom to fine-tuning and formatting their business plans. Incorporating elements from all of their courses, they worked hard to create realistic and actionable business plans. We’re very proud of their efforts and excited to see some of these plans come to fruition.

A key part of our VTA curriculum is our work experience program. Students who have finished their coursework are placed with local businesses to gain practical experience. We ensured that students were matched with businesses that would provide them with the skills needed to execute their business plans. Our students are gaining valuable experience working in hotels, restaurants, tour operators, a local electronics store, and a tailoring school. We are very grateful to our local business partners for making these learning opportunities possible.

In addition to supporting our VTA students, we have completed another set of short courses. Many of these students will be the next to enter our VTA programs, and we’ve been excited to see them enhance their learning in tourism, environmental sustainability, and IT. Moreover, we’ve been working behind the scenes with a Swiss charitable organization on a project that will significantly expand our scope and impact. This partnership aims to bring our programs to other communities that can benefit from economic development and livelihood improvements. It will also play a crucial role in helping Welcome Ideas become a more financially sustainable organization. We’re still in the early stages, but we hope to share more details in our next update.

Thank you again for your continued support. We have made a significant impact on the Zanzibar community over the last few months, and we could not have done it without your generosity.

Warm regards,

Kenn

Links:

• Welcome Ideas Website