Educational Programs 2026
As part of our commitment to the communities where we live and work, Hangaya is supporting two educational programs in 2026. Both focus on practical health and safety improvements related to waste — one as a local test program in Matemwe, and the other in partnership with Zanzibar Urban Municipal Council.
- Health Education
- Household Outreach
- Waste Picker Safety
- Safety Equipment
- Municipal Partnership
Dangers of Burning Plastic – Matemwe Educational Program
(First Phase Educational Program)
This program educates residents of Matemwe Neighborhood about the serious health dangers of burning plastic, especially inside or near homes. Burning plastic releases highly toxic chemicals including dioxins, furans, and benzene that can cause cancer, damage the lungs, liver, kidneys, immune system, and hormones, and pose the greatest risk to children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Key messages of the program:
- Do not burn plastic inside or near the house
- Dispose of plastic at official collection points or in special bags
- The toxic smoke from burning plastic can cause serious long-term health problems, including respiratory disease, cancer, and harm to children and unborn babies
- Educate family members and neighbors about these dangers
Status (2026):
This is the first-phase test program for Matemwe. Hangaya has prepared the educational materials and is coordinating with the local Sheha. Zanzibar municipalities have given full support and will be present at the formal meeting with the Sheha to launch community education, house-to-house outreach, and simple posters/leaflets.
Goal:
Protect the health of families in Matemwe and prevent avoidable diseases caused by toxic smoke.
Occupational Safety for Waste Pickers
(Zanzibar Urban Municipal Council Program – supported by Hangaya)
This program was designed by the Zanzibar Urban Municipal Council to improve occupational safety for waste pickers working at household level and at waste collection points across the Urban Municipality.
Phase 1 focuses on:
- Stakeholder engagement and planning
- Awareness and capacity-building campaigns for waste pickers and households
- Supply of basic safety equipment
- Door-to-door awareness by trained waste pickers
- Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting
Hangaya’s role is to help raise the funds required to implement this municipal program so that waste pickers can work more safely while contributing to cleaner neighborhoods.
Status (2026):
Program design and Phase 1 budget are complete. Hangaya is supporting the fundraising effort so the Municipal Council can roll out the activities.
This is what giving back looks like
Turning vision into real, lasting impact for local people — as part of our model, not apart from it.