IB/Aga Khan Project in Zanzibar

At one time Zanzibar supplied 90% of the world’s cloves and is home to many spice plantations.  Spices  are vital to the economy and culture of Zanzibar.  We had the opportunity to visit a farm to learn more about the farming, harvesting and distribution of spices.  Our knowledgeable guides introduced us to the raw forms of cloves, cinnamon, ginger, lemon grass, cardamom, nutmeg, vanilla and other spices which offered a unique and sensory experience.  Consequently, our curriculum conversations were spiced with ideas from our visit… 

Spice girls: Kirsten, Monique, Mshai, Christine and Suzanne

In the morning we experienced the living history of Stone Town with local artist and resident John de Silva.  During the afternoon session, our PYP and MYP participants shared their units of work.  Our morning immersion into the cultural context of Zanzibar with its influences from the Swahili, Omani, Arab, Indian, German, British, and Portugese cultures provided a rich background for developing and refining the units.