We have worked on various projects since 2009, with the main focus being on Education & Health in Zanzibar and community projects that connect Wales with Zanzibar.
In Wales, we have run a number of after-school clubs and community programmes that promote health and wellbeing through fun team-building activities, cultural exchange, and school trips. These projects strengthen the bonds between our two communities and create lasting friendships across continents.
Zanzibar is a beautiful island located in the East of Africa. The island is well known for its mix of exotic beaches, spice plantations, history (Stone Town being the capital) and diverse culture.
There are also disparities in way of life between social groups, including lack of education, difficulty accessing good health, malnutrition due to lack of food and avoidable situations affecting life expectancy.
Zanzibar · Pemba · 2026
The Water Well Project in Pemba is bringing clean, safe water to a community that has long struggled with access. In rural Pemba, women and children often walk miles each day to collect water from unreliable sources, leaving little time for school, work, or rest. This well will serve the village directly, reducing waterborne diseases, freeing children to attend school, and giving families back hours of their day.
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Zanzibar · Health
The Health Project focuses on improving access to essential medical equipment for children and families in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar · Education
One of the main objectives of the charity is helping children in education. We sponsor children so that they have the opportunity to attend school. Through our fundraising efforts, we have managed to establish the following facilities at school in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar · Health & dignity
Menstrual hygiene management remains a major challenge for women and girls in Zanzibar and across Tanzania. Many girls lack access to affordable, safe sanitary products, and cultural taboos around menstruation can lead to shame, exclusion, and missed opportunities.
Zanzibar · Wellbeing
We believe that caring for the whole child means caring for their family too. Our Wellbeing and Activities Project provides regular opportunities for children with heart conditions and their families to experience joy, connection, and support.
Zanzibar · Tanzania · 2021
In partnership with Suhaila Khamis, Fatima Sayid and Habiba Alli, we raised funds for wheelchairs for children with disabilities in Tanzania, many assessed by physiotherapists for their individual needs.
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Zanzibar · 2015–2016
In 2015, Bigger Heart Zanzibar began building a dedicated computer room at Kizimkazi School, a project born from listening to the aspirations of the students themselves. Many had expressed a strong interest in IT, and we understood that access to computers was a crucial first step.
Zanzibar · 2014
Thanks to the generous book donations we received from St Thomas Community Primary School, Bishop Gore School, and many members of the local community, we were inspired to create a dedicated reading space at Kizimkazi School where children can explore a world of stories and learning.
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Zanzibar · 2016
In 2016, Bigger Heart Zanzibar partnered with Books & Hooks — a local group passionate about sewing and crocheting — to bring new skills and opportunities to the women and girls of Kizimkazi. The group crocheted beautiful blankets for babies in the community, warmly received by the mothers of Zanzibar.
Zanzibar · Safeguarding
During her visits to Zanzibar, our co-founder Layla witnessed the devastating effects of child abuse — emotional, mental and physical — on children within local communities. Determined to make a difference, she took action to raise awareness and equip both children and adults with the knowledge to recognise, respond to, and prevent abuse.
Our community projects in Wales — after-school clubs, cultural exchange and fundraising — live on our Wales website.
We are currently collecting sanitary products and focusing on health. We are trying to raise money to get an echo machine, and we accept donations such as clothing, stationery, toys and other items in good condition.
