Why do we keep coming back to Zanzibar – and why are we so dedicated to doing what we can to help the young students there? Well, there are so many answers to those questions, and I’ll try and share some of the reasons. Truthfully, one of the reasons is that the folks of Zanzibar are just about the friendliest people in the world, the most consistently kind and considerate. Let me tell you a quick story to give you just a sense.
The picture above I snapped of my friend and colleague Steve Wehmeyer from the old spice market in Stone Town on the island of Unguja in Zanzibar. We were walking through the market one day when one of the merchants started hurrying toward us calling, “Mr. Steve, Mr. Steve!” The day before Steve had been inquiring with the same merchant about a plant that we had seen used in a spirit possession ceremony and the guy identified it but said that he didn’t have any in the stall at that moment, but that he would bring some from home the next day. And, true to his word, he did, because that’s how the Zanzibaris roll. The plant? In Steve’s own words: “That’s kiyumbasi, the sacred herb that a mganga uses to help entice the majini or mashetani (spirits) and thus facilitate trance possession . . . It also clears congestion. Kind of voodoo-Sudafed.”
Zanzibar is infinitely fascinating – and the Zanzibaris themselves are remarkably kind and giving – and we’re so happy to play any role we can in supporting them.
-Written by Techdren faculty advisor Gary Scudder
