Emerson Zanzibar Supports Chako Zanzibar
Recently Emerson Zanzibar Responsible Tourism Team organised a trip to Chako Zanzibar to see the work of Zanzibar’s Upcycling Specialists – who encourage local artisans who upcycle waste products from tourism and create amazing products that sell around the world.
I was not aware that Chako employs so many people and also trains people who don’t have a formal education background, it’s a great job they are doing for the community.” ~ Emerson Zanzibar Staff
Recently, Chako did a photoshoot for their product catalogue in the Secret Garden at Emerson Spice.
Some of the newly employed waiters at Emerson Spice were surprised to see the products that were photographed at that time.
They had only heard that the empty glass bottles were collected by Chako, but had not seen what Chako was using them for.
Emerson Zanzibar’s responsible tourism team then decided to organise a visit to the workshop of Chako, together with a group of newly employed staff members of Emerson Zanzibar.
Chako Recycles, Upcycles & Uplifts
Welcomed by manager of Chako, Hassan and co-founder of Chako, Suleiman, we were shown around in the workshop and learnt about the production process from the moment Chako collects the bottles from our restaurants. Emerson Zanzibar separates the waste from the hotels and restaurants and the bottles are collected weekly by the team of Chako.
After demonstrating the cutting process of the bottles, the recently employed chef at Emerson Spice, Shufaa got a chance to try this out herself. Wearing the protective gear, she was shown the different stages of cutting the glass and then managed to do this herself as well.
So many women are employed here! It shows that they take the idea of: wanawake wanaweza – women can do it – really serious!” ~ Emerson Zanzibar Staff
Emerson’s Responsible Tourism Team
Rajab, the co-chairman of the responsible tourism team and waiter at Emerson on Hurumzi, experienced how it was to ride a bicycle that shreds plastic for further recycling.
Rajab organised the visit to Chako together with Wakili, the other co-chairman of the responsible tourism team and room attendant at Emerson Spice.
As ambassadors of responsible tourism within Emerson Zanzibar, they spread awareness about protecting the environment, keeping up traditions and conserving the heritage while delivering service in our hotels and restaurants.
All were genuinely impressed by the work that Chako does and we talked about ideas for future collaboration over a cup of lemongrass tea at the end of the trip.
It is important that the tourists who visit Zanzibar see this, but even more important that all Zanzibari’s see what can be done with the bottles we normally just throw away!” ~ Emerson Zanzibar Staff
CHAKO is Upcycled & Uplifted!
Chako started in 2010 in a small workplace in the boutique of Zenji Hotel where local woman created products from recycled waste. As it grew, the need arose for a bigger place to accommodate more products, giving birth to CHAKO!
Their goal is to increase economic opportunity in the island Zanzibar by enabling artisan craft producers in Zanzibar to expand their product ranges, establish networks and connect with broader markets.
Chako initial worked according the “Tourist2Tourist” concept, meaning we make souvenirs for tourists from the waste that tourists directly produce. This offers tourists a way to reduce their negative impact on the island with a positive approach; by buying original, innovative souvenirs for friends and family.
Nowadays, Chako’s products do not only reach tourists, but also other people around the globe.
CHAKO encourages learning by doing and encourages local artisan craft producers, mostly women, to be creative and artistic without any limitations.
For more information about Chako Zanzibar:
Please see all our social media posts on Facebook, or Instagram visit their website: www.chakozanzibar.com
Photographs, video & thanks to: Chako Zanzibar, Mukrim (waiter at Emerson Spice), Maren (Chako Zanzibar), Wakili (co-chair Emerson Zanzibar Responsible Tourism Team), Rajab (co-chair of the Emerson Zanzibar)
