Nine Weeks in Zanzibar
I Came to Teach, but Left with So Much More
By Nadja, Germany
When I boarded my flight to Zanzibar, I thought I knew what I was signing up for.
I was going to spend nine weeks volunteering as a teacher at Miza Wa Miza School, meet new people, explore a beautiful island, and hopefully make a positive contribution.
What I didn't expect was how much the experience would change me.
Learning in the Classroom
Teaching at a government school in Zanzibar was unlike anything I'd experienced before.
The classrooms were full. Resources were limited. Sometimes there weren't enough books for every student, electricity was unreliable, and the teachers had to be incredibly creative with what they had.
But what the school lacked in resources, it made up for in determination.
The students' motivation to learn was inspiring. Education wasn't simply part of the day—it represented opportunity, hope, and possibility. Their respect for their teachers, their discipline, and their eagerness to participate reminded me that a love of learning doesn't depend on having the latest technology or perfectly equipped classrooms.
Working alongside the local teachers also taught me an important lesson. I wasn't there to replace anyone or to "save" a school. I was there to support, to learn from them, and to become part of a community that had already been doing incredible work long before I arrived.
Seeing Beyond the Postcards
Like many people, I arrived in Zanzibar with images of white beaches and turquoise water in my mind.
And yes—they're every bit as beautiful as the photos suggest.
But the real Zanzibar exists beyond the beaches.
It's in the fishermen heading out before sunrise, children walking to school together, bustling local markets, neighbours chatting outside their homes, and the everyday rhythm of island life.
During my weekends and time off, I was lucky enough to explore more of Tanzania too. From unforgettable safaris in the north to nights spent camping beneath skies filled with more stars than I'd ever seen before, every experience reminded me just how incredibly diverse this country is.
Those moments became just as meaningful as the time I spent in the classroom.
Life at the Volunteer House
One of the biggest surprises was how much I'd come to love life at the volunteer house.
People arrived from different countries, different backgrounds, and different stages of life, yet somehow we quickly became a little community of our own.
We shared meals, celebrated birthdays, swapped stories after our placements, planned weekend adventures, and supported each other through the occasional homesick day.
Life was simple.
There wasn't always endless hot water, perfect Wi-Fi, or every comfort I was used to at home.
But somewhere in that simplicity, I found something I'd been missing.
Less distraction.
More conversation.
More gratitude.
More presence.
It made me question how often we measure a "good life" by what we own instead of how connected we feel to the people around us.
A Different Perspective
Before coming to Tanzania, I probably had a very Western understanding of what poverty looked like.
Being here challenged that completely.
I met people with fewer material possessions than I'd ever known, yet who welcomed me with extraordinary generosity, laughter, resilience, and kindness.
It reminded me that wealth isn't only measured by what we have—it's also found in community, relationships, culture, and the way people care for one another.
That perspective is something I'll carry with me long after this journey.
What I Took Home
People often ask me what impact I had during my nine weeks in Zanzibar.
The truth is, I'm not sure that's the right question.
Yes, I hope I was able to support the students and teachers in some small way.
But the greatest impact was on me.
I left with a deeper appreciation for education, a greater respect for different ways of living, friendships I'll treasure forever, and a completely new perspective on the world.
I arrived thinking I would give.
I left knowing I had received far more than I could ever offer.
Volunteering in Zanzibar didn't just change how I see the world.
It changed how I see my place in it.
