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Our first week in Zanzibar, Tanzania was an exhilarating start to our program as we introduced the students to the Cisco Networking Academy e-learning platform. Armed with tablets and an interactive learning environment, the children eagerly immersed themselves in our Creative Writing class led by our dedicated volunteer, Chase Wade. Together, they delved into crafting synopses, understanding plot dynamics, and learning the art of storytelling.
Under the guidance of R.O.S.A’s President, Mariarosy Calleri, the students embarked on an ambitious journey of filmmaking. They were taught how to conceptualize and develop their ideas into screenplays, cast actors, and execute their vision behind the camera. To complement these skills, filmmaking basics were also introduced with lessons on "Rolling, Action, and Cut!"
Throughout the week, the students worked on a variety of projects including two fiction films, a music video, four documentaries, and two experimental films. Each project was a testament to their creativity and newfound knowledge.
In addition to student activities, our professional development sessions with faculty focused on introducing the Cisco Networking Academy platform as a teaching tool. Completion of these courses will culminate in the award of Cisco Digital Badges at the farewell ceremony we are organizing at the end of this week, marking a significant achievement for all participants. Furthermore, ReCoding Africa Co-Founder Linda Stevenin has ensured that the school will be equipped with essential digital tools and resources. This includes setting up their URL, introducing presentation tools and the basics of digital literacy, and facilitating their application for the Google Workspace for Education Suite.
We were put to the test when we faced a few challenges during our initial setup process, such as unstable connectivity due to the network not reaching through concrete classroom walls. This situation prompted us to consider how to approach and how flexible, welcoming, and accepting we could be toward a reality that changes daily—sometimes even twice a day! Together, we have been overcoming many challenges and find it deeply rewarding to turn unexpected obstacles into opportunities.
"Linda Stevenin mentioned, 'The faculty have been so welcoming and collaborative, and the students are very excited and curious to learn.'"
Outside of classroom hours, we have been forging friendships with many locals. Matui, the Masai watchman at our house, greets us with his warm smile. Each morning, Rizi, our Tuktuk driver, takes us to school punctually, and our wonderful chef, Shufaa, spoils us with amazing East African food sourced from the market.
Each day, we enjoy walking to our house from school, feeling connected to the community. At the end of the day, we stroll to the nearby powdery white sand beach to catch a breathtaking sunset and take a dip in the crystal blue water.
To celebrate the end of the week, our team took an excursion to Mnemba Island. We set out from shore with Mahady, our joyful driver, and his captain, to swim with the dolphins. We snorkeled in the marine park and saw a lot of colorful sea life. To recover from the adventure, we had an abundant fresh seafood lunch on the shore. That night, we danced on the beach to Afro Techno beats at the Zanzibar Full Moon Party at a resort in Kwendwa, within walking distance from our place.
"'As we refine and tailor our program, meeting the students and teachers where they are at, our team is experiencing incredible satisfaction each day from the impact we are able to make,' shared Mariarosy Calleri during a sunset moment with our team."
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