Assalam eco-village by the Indian Ocean: Sustainable Living in Zanzibar

Global Ecovillage Network logo with Earth and eco-friendly design.
  • Communities

About the Communities

  • Established
  • English
  • Ecological
  • Rural

Founding year

  • 2018

What we do

In 2018, a dream took root in the heart of Kizimkazi, Zanzibar—a dream to create a community where every child, every woman, and every family could thrive.
That dream became the Assalam Community Foundation. From the beginning, we’ve worked hand in hand with the people of Zanzibar, united by the belief that real change happens when we care for each other and for the world we share.
We’re not just an organization—we’re a family. Together with our partners and local communities, we strive to bring hope and opportunity to those who need it most. Through education, loving support, and sustainable practices, we empower children and women to embrace life fully and become the changemakers of tomorrow.
Assalam Eco-village is built on three ethical pillars: Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Sharing. Their primary mission is enriching the soil through natural composting and embracing local seeds and biodiversity. Education and community engagement are central to the farm’s ethos, serving as a demonstration site for sustainable practices. The farm actively involves students, tourists, and vocational training participants to foster a strong connection with the environment.
Nurturing future generations and building regenerative communities, empowering communities, with an aim to instill in young minds a deep reverence for nature and expand impact beyond the farm to 21 villages is our goal.
Assalam practices ethical living, prioritizing cooperation over competition, and integrating modern technology as solutions to challenges. Eco-friendly building designs and the use of renewable energy resources, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting, ensure a balanced coexistence with the environment.
The eco-village incorporates various sustainable elements, including water harvesting and management, sustainable animal systems, organic farming, and food forests. They also offer courses to empower individuals in sustainable practices, fostering a greener future.

  • Purpose
  • Ecological
  • Languages
  • English
  • Swahili
  • Turkish
  • Community type
  • Ecovillage
  • Spiritual Retreat Centers
  • Activities
  • Education

Commemorative dates

  • January 1, 2018
  • Started living together

Video

  • Open to new members
  • Open to visitors
Total
40

How to join

Join Assalam Eco-Village: A Sustainable Community Rooted in Ethics & Nature
Are you looking for a meaningful way to live in harmony with nature while being part of a supportive and values-driven community? Assalam Eco-Village is a unique space where sustainability, education, arts, and ethical living come together. Whether you are seeking an alternative lifestyle, a family-friendly environment, or a place to contribute to a self-sufficient community, Assalam welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and beliefs who share our commitment to eco-conscious and ethical living.
Why Choose Assalam?
Sustainable & Off-Grid Living – Learn and practice permaculture, organic farming, and eco-construction while living in a natural and serene environment.
A Family-Friendly Community – With an on-site school, we provide an ideal space for families who want their children to grow in a nature-based, hands-on learning environment.
Culture & Art – Engage in storytelling, traditional crafts, music, and heritage preservation while contributing to our vibrant community.
Eco-Tourism & Ethical Social Enterprises – Support and participate in local initiatives that promote sustainability, fair trade, and community development.
An Inclusive & Ethical Space
At Assalam, we welcome people of all beliefs and backgrounds who respect our core values of ethical and sustainable living. While our community is open to everyone, Muslims often feel more comfortable here due to our no-alcohol policy and respectful dress code. These values create a space where families, individuals, and professionals can thrive in a safe, respectful, and like-minded environment.
Who Can Join?
We are looking for passionate individuals who want to contribute to a self-sufficient and ethical way of life.
How to Join?
If this aligns with your vision, we would love to hear from you! Email us at info@vassalam.org with a brief introduction about yourself, your interests, and how you’d like to contribute.

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Location

  • Tanzania

Assalam eco-village by the Indian Ocean: Sustainable Living in Zanzibar

Promoted Needs and Offers

  • Events
12 years ago

Gaia Ashram Internship

The Pioneers of Gaia Ashram , 5th of July– 2nd of August 2015 The Gaia Ashram Internship is a one month program on Ecovillage Design, Permaculture and Deep Ecology. The internship will be a holistic participatory learning experience & process. Interns will experience being part of the Gaia Ashram Community and we will live together for one month at– Gaia Ashram-. At Gaia Ashram we belief in holistic learning that balances the head, hands & heart. Gaia Ashram encourages participatory learning & values the power of community in holding the learning space. We design the daily & weekly structure of the internship and of our lives here based on these values and principles. Theoretical learning (Head) The theoretical sessions will be participatory and interactive. It will cover the 4 keys of Ecovillage Design Education (Social, Economical, Ecological and Worldview inspired by Gaia Education). Each week will cover one of the Ecovillage Design Keys and integrated into this we will be introduced to Permaculture Design & Deep Ecology in terms of philosophy, movement and personal experiences. Overall, We will have a maximum of 2-3 hours of theory per day on the session days, to also create lots of space for practical experiential learning. See more details of the key content below. Practical learning (Hands – on) For the hands – on practical learning we will be developing the Gaia Ashram’s farm and restoring nature on the Gaia Ashram land using permaculture strategies & techniques that are appropriate for the Rainy Season & the land and its local context. The hands-on work will focus on Gardening work i.e. developing the vegetable gardens, planting seeds & seedlings, transplanting, propagation of plants, making composts, growing and maintaining a Food Forest, planting green manures, planting lots of trees, planting seasonal crops. Apart from the Gardening we will also will be doing some natural building which mostly will focus on creating natural finishes usi

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A residential project: people live here as their primary home.

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An institution, business, network, or project that isn’t a residence (e.g. a learning center, farm, or network with no one living there full-time).

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