Making a difference, together
At The Rock Restaurant Zanzibar, community engagement isn’t just a buzzword; it’s at the heart of everything we do. Since opening in 2011, we have been committed to making a positive impact on the local community and empowering the people around us.
Through The Rock for Community, we aim to uplift and support the communities that have welcomed us with open arms.
Education
Education empowerment
Our projects have always focused on three areas: education, healthcare and environmental conservation.
We have worked alongside government entities and other donors to improve local school facilities, helping to make it a better environment in which to learn.
As a result, the schools of Michamwi Kae and Michamwi Pingwe now serve over 600 children, offering them a path to a brighter future.
Our latest project
Be Their Rock
With our latest project, BE THEIR ROCK, launched in October 2026, we are extending our own table to those 600 children, every day. Warm, nutritious meals are cooked fresh by our team and shared with all the schoolchildren of Michamwi.
We are building it now: a kitchen, a table, a garden, every single day.
Living conditions
Improving everyday life
Over the years, we have also championed initiatives to improve living conditions in local communities. Whether providing access to clean water and sanitation or supporting income-generating activities, we strive to enhance the quality of life of everyone we touch.
Since 2021
Watoto Swimming School
Play, entertainment and the chance to learn new skills are, for us, of key importance. Despite living on an island, many people here cannot swim, a vital skill for both safety and livelihoods.
In 2021, we established the Watoto Swimming School, which offers weekly swimming lessons to over 120 children (girls and boys) and 60 women from Michamwi village. We believe in equality, and that teaching girls and women a skill once accessible only to men can open the door to new opportunities. We also firmly believe that play and time spent together strengthen community and bring happiness.
A force for positive change
Through these initiatives and more, we strive to be a force for positive change in Zanzibar. Our commitment to community engagement is unwavering, and we will continue to work hand in hand with local partners to build a brighter, more sustainable future for all. At The Rock, community isn’t just part of our story; it’s our spirit.
Follow our community work on Instagram: @therockforcommunity