“A whole world”: this is what really happens behind the scenes on the famous island

In recent years, Zanzibar has become a sought-after destination for Israelis, quite a few of them come to travel on safari in Africa and end the trip resting in the exotic place. Others fly straight to her to relax a bit. And there are also those who come to get to know her behind the scenes, meet with the local community and even volunteer.

This is what Alex Moskal, 16.5 years old, the daughter of Michal Yanai and an actress in her own right, did recently, who came to the scene through the Lumina program – a summer program for teenagers that combines the experience of a summer camp with significant volunteering abroad. As part of the camp, the teenagers live together in a group, travel, get to know another culture, experience various activities, and participate in volunteering projects and activities with the local community.

“I’ve already been to regular summer camps and I was looking for an experience that would allow me to enjoy the social aspect as well, to travel to special places, and to do something meaningful,” says Alex. “In the mornings we went to a local school and kindergarten, the children would wait for us and run to us enthusiastically. Every morning started with movement and games, then we read them an educational story or parable – a meaningful topic with messages that the children could identify with. Then we did works or activities with them related to strengthening fine motor skills and creativity that connected to the story we read to them.”

She continues: “Creating with plasticine or threading beads is something that the children in Israel are used to, but for the children in Zanzibar it’s a whole world, these are things they don’t get to be exposed to. It’s hard to change an entire community in a few days, but small acts and love can really strengthen. After volunteering, we went out every day for cool activities: breathtaking beaches, sailing days, snorkeling and cooking workshops.”

Was the experience more difficult or more enjoyable?

“More fun. I love children very much and I also guide the fourth grade in Scouts. And the children are really the cutest. Of course there are also tiring moments, but they stem from the enthusiasm, admiration and love that the children offer. I was just as excited to see them every morning as they were to see me.”

Do you have a particularly memorable moment?

“Already on the first day of volunteering, almost each of us became attached to one of the children. It’s hard to remember all the names and play with everyone, but there is always one child that catches the eye. Although we didn’t understand each other’s language, we connected beyond words. After I helped one of the five-year-old children wash his face from the food, he really fell in love and refused to let me go all the days of volunteering. I saw that he had difficulties and I was there for him, even showing him how to do breathing exercises to May he calm down. We are from two very different worlds, but a real connection can be formed despite the cultural distance.”

Alex points out that in addition to volunteering, they also traveled quite a bit: “It was interesting to get to know Zanzibar both as a tourist and from a local perspective. Even a cooking workshop we did was in a local village with a woman who employs all the women of the village. For me, this combination of meaning and fun made the trip much more special. We saw a completely different Zanzibar than what you see from the resorts. We entered the community, met children and families and saw life itself.”

Is this an experience you would recommend to other people?

“Of course! Every teenager who likes to travel, meet new people and maybe also wants to spread some good in the world must come.”