Our Projects

At ZL4LF, we believe in creating opportunities that transform lives. Through our diverse initiatives, we empower individuals of all ages to overcome challenges and achieve brighter futures. From providing high-quality primary education at Heroes Community Academy, to offering language and life skills training for youth through our flagship programs, to nurturing children with special needs at GasiCare, our work is rooted in care, inclusivity, and community support. With dedicated teachers, innovative programs, and a shared spirit of hope, ZL4LF is building a stronger, more empowered Zanzibar—one step at a time. Together, we are heroes!

After School Programs

ZL4LF is an inspiring NGO that helps young people turn the impossible into reality. Founded in 2006 by Shafii Mwita Haji, known as Gasica, it began with his own journey of overcoming barriers. Growing up in Zanzibar, Gasica faced a common challenge—Tanzania’s education system transitions to English after Grade 6, even though Swahili is the native language. With limited resources and teachers who often struggled with English, many students, including Gasica, found it nearly impossible to succeed.

Determined to change his future, Gasica learned English with the help of a mentor and began teaching other young people, sparking the creation of ZL4LF. What started as informal lessons has grown into a thriving organization serving over 250 students annually.

With support from the local community and international donors, ZL4LF built classrooms and expanded its programs. It now offers English and German language courses, IT training, and “Life Skills and Work Readiness” workshops to prepare youth for life beyond school.

The center also provides a home for 13 young people who live there as they pursue a better future.

Gasica’s vision and dedication have turned ZL4LF into a beacon of hope, equipping Zanzibar’s youth with the tools to overcome barriers and achieve their dreams. Through education, ZL4LF empowers young people to seize opportunities and build brighter futures.

Heroes Community Academy

The Heroes Community Academy, established in January 2020, provides a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children thrive in a culture of tolerance, care, and equality. As a community-based nursery and primary school, it serves nearly 400 children aged 4 to 13, spanning from baby class through to year 7. At age 6, students begin their journey in first grade, receiving a high-quality education tailored to their needs.

The academy serves the communities of Fuoni-Uwandani, Fuoni-Kichungwani, Jumbi, and Kibondeni, focusing on primary education as a critical stepping stone for brighter futures. Passing grade 7 exams opens doors to better secondary schools, where education is free. Failing these exams often leads to limited opportunities and enrolment in less-equipped secondary schools, which is why Heroes Community Academy prioritises laying a strong foundation for success.

The school’s well-trained and dedicated teachers approach their work with respect, care, and a passion for empowering students. By fostering an environment of love and support, they prepare every child to transition confidently into secondary education and beyond.

To ensure inclusivity, the academy offers sponsorship opportunities for disadvantaged children and families who may struggle with school fees, depending on the availability of funds.

At Heroes Community Academy, everyone is welcome, and the guiding principle, “Together, we are heroes,” reflects the shared commitment to building a brighter, more independent future for every student.

GasiCare

GasiCare, a daycare center for children with special needs, is ZL4LF's latest initiative, opening its doors in 2022. Since then, it has facilitated the enrolment of 43 children and has become a second home for them, providing over 10 hours of care each day. This is a significant blessing for both the children and their families.

In many cases, children with special needs spend their days isolated at home with no activities or support. Fathers often leave after a disabled child’s birth, leaving mothers to raise their children alone while working hard to support the family. Without a special needs school in Zanzibar, these children lack proper care during the day.

At GasiCare, however, children are welcomed with love, respect, and a sense of belonging. Here, they experience the joy of playing, learning, and discovering, just like any other child. They are valued for their uniqueness and given the attention and affection they deserve. This nurturing environment has allowed them to thrive and become cherished members of our project family.

Due to increasing demand from families who want to enrol their children at GasiCare, we hope to expand our facilities next year. We are committed to making this vision a reality and continuing to provide a safe, supportive space for even more children. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of children with special needs in Zanzibar.

Madrasa Classes

In the afternoons, the Zanzibar Learning 4 Life Foundation opens its doors for Madrasa classes, welcoming both students from the school and children from the local community. This program provides a space for religious and moral education, helping children deepen their understanding of Islamic teachings in a supportive environment.

By integrating faith-based learning with the broader educational initiatives at ZL4LF, the program fosters a well-rounded approach to personal and academic growth. The classes also strengthen community connections, offering a place where children can learn, engage, and develop a sense of belonging beyond the regular school day.

Business Sustainability

To help sustain these projects we also run the following initiatives, which not only assist with providing ZL4LF with vital resources to continue our operations, but also provide opportunities for our students and graduates to learn business and life skills that they can apply to their future careers.

  • Chicken Farm

    Our chicken farm supplies fresh eggs for school meals and serves as a hands-on learning environment where students gain practical experience in poultry farming, sustainability, and health. This initiative not only enhances students' understanding of sustainable agriculture but also promotes self-sufficiency within the school community.

  • Heroes Community Garden

    The Heroes Community Garden is also an educational space where students engage in sustainable agriculture practices - our kids learn about permaculture, composting, and the effective use of food waste as fertiliser and chicken feed. The garden not only supplies fresh produce for school meals, but also equips students with practical skills in farming and environmental stewardship.

  • Bike Shop

    Our ‘Bicycles 4 Life’ shop repairs and sells bicycles, providing jobs for locals and generating income to support our educational projects. The shop also rents bikes to students, volunteers, and the public, and we offer guided cycling tours led by trained students, who gain valuable customer service skills. Additionally, students teach children how to ride safely, promoting road safety awareness. The shop refurbishes donated bikes from Canada and the UK, giving them new life in Zanzibar.

  • While these initiatives provide some revenue and also support the community by creating jobs and supporting past students, we still largely rely on the generosity of donors to ensure we’re providing the best possible education to current students and students of the future.

  • Sewing Workshop

    Our sewing workshop plays an important role in supporting the local community. Our team sews and repairs clothes, including school uniforms, which helps provide jobs for women who were previously unemployed. This not only gives them a way to support their families but also brings in money to help fund ZL4LF’s education programs, and students at ZL4LF can also get involved, gaining hands-on experience in leadership, management, and finance.

  • The Kitchen Zanzibar

    We are also launching a restaurant offering a mix of traditional Swahili dishes and English meals, crafted by a UK-trained chef. Located near Zanzibar University, the restaurant will be run by students from our after-school Girls’ Club program, providing valuable hospitality training and employment. ZL4LF also plans to involve parents of our GasiCare kids, giving them a way to earn income and support their families. Additionally, the restaurant will deliver meals to our visitors and volunteers.