Our Projects & Initiatives

At the Zanzibar National Association of the Blind (ZANAB), we are implementing the Inclusive Education and Economic Empowerment for Persons with Visual Impairments and Persons with Albinism (2026–2028) project. The project aims to improve access to inclusive education, strengthen economic opportunities, and promote the rights and social inclusion of persons with visual impairments and persons with albinism in Zanzibar. It is implemented with support from MyRight through funding from Sida, in partnership with the Swedish Association of the Visually Impaired (SRF). The project is being implemented in West B District (Unguja) and Chake Chake District (Pemba), working closely with government institutions, schools, communities, parents, and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to create an inclusive environment where children and adults with disabilities can fully participate in education, economic activities, and community life. The project focuses on three key thematic areas: 1. Inclusive Education Improving Access to Quality Inclusive Education This component promotes equal access to quality education for children with visual impairments and children with albinism by strengthening inclusive learning environments, supporting school enrolment and retention, improving teaching practices, and increasing community participation in education. Key Objectives: Increase enrolment and retention of children with visual impairments and albinism in schools. Strengthen inclusive learning environments through assistive devices and accessible learning materials. Build teachers' capacity on inclusive education and disability-responsive teaching approaches. Strengthen school and community support systems to promote quality education for all learners. 2. Economic Empowerment Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods for Persons with Disabilities This component empowers persons with visual impairments and persons with albinism through entrepreneurship development, vocational skills, access to financial services, and market linkages to improve their economic independence and resilience. Key Objectives: Strengthen entrepreneurship and business management skills. Improve access to finance and income-generating opportunities. Promote market linkages and networking opportunities for small businesses. Increase household income and sustainable livelihoods. 3. Advocacy and Organizational Development Strengthening Disability Rights and Institutional Capacity This component focuses on strengthening ZANAB's organizational capacity while promoting disability-inclusive policies and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes. It supports advocacy initiatives, leadership development, and collaboration with government institutions and development partners to advance the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Key Objectives: Strengthen advocacy for disability-inclusive policies and services. Enhance leadership and institutional capacity of ZANAB. Promote partnerships with government, civil society, and development partners. Increase awareness and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.

At Zanzibar National Association of the Blind (ZANAB), we are implementing the CADIR – Collective Action for Disability Rights (2025–2029) project, a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities through inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable interventions. The project is implemented through a strong consortium led by ZANAB, in collaboration with MMH, TAMWA Zanzibar, SHIJUWAZA, SIT, NAD Zanzibar, MECP-Z, ZAFAYCO, SHIVYAWATA, and CHAVITA. It is funded by Atlas Alliance through support from Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, and implemented in partnership with Norwegian organizations including Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted, Signo, Norwegian Association of Disabled, and Norwegian Federation of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities. The project focuses on four key thematic areas: 1. Health and Rehabilitation Promoting Access to Quality Health and Rehabilitation Services This component ensures that persons with disabilities access inclusive, affordable, and quality health and rehabilitation services. It supports the provision of assistive devices, physiotherapy, medical operations, and community awareness on disability and health, while strengthening the capacity of health workers and families to promote independent and healthy living. Key Objectives: Increase access to inclusive and affordable health services Enhance community awareness on health and well-being of persons with disabilities Strengthen rehabilitation systems and provision of assistive devices 2. Inclusive Education Education for All – Building Inclusive Learning Environments This thematic area promotes equal access to education for children with disabilities by supporting enrollment, retention, and meaningful participation in schools. It includes learner screening, provision of assistive devices and learning materials, teacher training, and community awareness to reduce stigma and discrimination. Key Objectives: Increase enrollment and retention of learners with disabilities Support inclusive infrastructure and teaching methodologies Raise awareness on the right to education for all children 3. Economic Empowerment Empowering Persons with Disabilities for Economic Independence Through entrepreneurship training, vocational skills development, and job placement initiatives, this component empowers persons with disabilities to achieve financial independence. It also promotes partnerships with financial institutions, the private sector, and government to expand economic opportunities. Key Objectives: Strengthen skills for self-employment and formal employment Increase access to finance, markets, and economic resources Promote inclusive employment practices and policies 4. Human Rights and Organizational Development Advancing Human Rights and Strengthening Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) This component promotes the realization of human rights for persons with disabilities while strengthening the institutional capacity of OPDs. It supports advocacy, participation in decision-making, and collaboration with government and development partners. Key Objectives: Strengthen advocacy and protection of disability rights Build leadership and institutional capacity of OPDs Promote partnerships for inclusive development