Project Summary

Zanzibar is a melting pot of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences, with a unique cultural legacy that is both a source of pride and a vital aspect of identity. However, the younger generation is increasingly disconnected from their rich cultural heritage due to globalization, urban migration, and limited cultural education.

"Youth & Culture: Empowering Zanzibar’s Next Generation of Custodians" is a dynamic youth-led cultural preservation and empowerment initiative. It aims to reconnect Zanzibari youth (ages 15–30) with their heritage through creative education, traditional arts, storytelling, and digital engagement. By blending cultural knowledge with modern tools, the project fosters a generation of informed, proud, and active cultural custodians.

Project Objectives

Cultural Revival & Education

Reignite youth interest in traditional Zanzibari practices—music (Taarab, Ngoma), dance, crafts (weaving, carving), language, storytelling, and cuisine.

Skills Training & Creative Expression

Equip youth with practical skills in cultural documentation, digital storytelling, videography, and heritage conservation.

Youth Leadership & Participation

Develop leadership and advocacy skills among youth to become cultural ambassadors in their communities and beyond.

Community Engagement

Involve elders, artisans, and historians in intergenerational learning programs to strengthen community cohesion.

Key Activities

Activity	Description
1. Cultural Camps & Workshops	3-day camps in Unguja and Pemba featuring hands-on training in music, traditional crafts, oral history, and Swahili customs.
2. Digital Heritage Labs	Youth are trained to digitize and archive oral stories, songs, and photographs via mobile and web tools.
3. Youth Cultural Festival	A vibrant showcase of performances, art exhibits, and panel talks organized by youth, for the community.
4. Cultural Custodian Fellowship	A 6-month mentorship for 20 selected youth to implement mini-projects in their local areas.
5. Intergenerational Story Circles	Elders and youth exchange stories in facilitated sessions, recorded and preserved digitally.

Target Group

• Primary: Youth (15–30 years) from both urban and rural Zanzibar (Unguja and Pemba)
• Secondary: Elders, local artisans, educators, and cultural practitioners.

Expected Outcomes

• 500+ youth trained in cultural knowledge and preservation methods.
• 100+ cultural artifacts, stories, and performances digitized and archived.
• 20 youth-led cultural initiatives implemented across communities.
• Strengthened youth identity, self-confidence, and community leadership.
• Revitalized community participation in cultural preservation.

Partnerships & Stakeholders

• Local Partners: Zanzibar Department of Culture, local NGOs, youth groups, schools, traditional arts cooperatives.
• International Partners: UNESCO, African World Heritage Fund, Creative Commons, cultural institutes.
• Community Partners: Elders’ councils, local media, artisans’ guilds.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Pre- and post-program surveys to assess changes in knowledge and attitudes.
• Ongoing feedback loops via youth-led monitoring teams.
• Quarterly review meetings with stakeholders.
• Final impact assessment report and public presentation.

Sustainability Strategy

• Train-the-trainer model to ensure continuous local capacity.
• Creation of a publicly accessible Zanzibar Youth Cultural Archive.
• Alumni network of youth cultural ambassadors.
• Seed-funding for youth-led cultural enterprises post-program.

Proposed Budget (12 Months Project Duration)

Budget Category	Cost (USD)
1. Personnel (Project Manager, Trainers, Facilitators)	$25,000
2. Training Materials & Equipment	$7,500
3. Cultural Camps (venue, meals, transport)	$12,000
4. Digital Heritage Labs (tech, software, trainers)	$10,000
5. Youth Cultural Festival (logistics, media, performers)	$8,000
6. Fellowship Program (stipends, mentor fees)	$15,000
7. Story Circles & Elder Engagement	$4,500
8. Monitoring & Evaluation	$3,500
9. Communications & Outreach (media, website, content)	$5,000
10. Admin & Overhead (5–7%)	$4,500
11. Contingency (5%)	$4,000
Total Estimated Budget	$99,000

Sustainability Plan

• Partner with local schools, ministries, and cultural institutions for curriculum integration.
• Establish a permanent youth culture club to continue engagement year-round.
• Host annual festivals and digital content updates to maintain relevance and youth interest.
• Generate income through artisanal sales and tourist-targeted cultural experiences.

Call to Action

Zanzibar’s cultural legacy is a treasure trove of untold stories and timeless traditions. This project empowers the youth not only to inherit this legacy but to become passionate custodians and innovative storytellers of their heritage. Join us in igniting a cultural renaissance powered by the next generation.

Conclusion

This project is not only a cultural initiative; it is an investment in Zanzibar’s future. By empowering youth with pride, skills, and a deep-rooted connection to their heritage, "Youth & Culture" ensures that Zanzibar’s past informs its future—vibrantly, inclusively, and authentically.