A short fifteen minute walk from the hotel is Nungwi, our neighbouring village, with a population of approximately 10,000 people. The villagers predominantly live off fishing and some agricultural and small scale production activities, mainly arts and crafts. Additionally, two-thirds of our staff were born and raised in Nungwi village and many have worked for the hotel since it opened. Labayka Development Fund As part of our commitment to the local community, we were the driving force behind the establishment of the Labayka ("The Voice") Development Fund (LDF), a local Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). LDF aims to support and steer sustainable socio-economic development, promote good health & hygiene practices, support education and training initiatives, and offer family counselling for the general population and families in Nungwi village. Furthermore, LDF aims to protect and preserve the natural environment at Nungwi, as well as its cultural and historical assets. LDF is managed by an Executive Committee of 10 volunteers, all of whom live and work in Nungwi village. Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel is one of the main sponsors of LDF and has additionally assisted the NGO in several specific projects since its inception. In particular, LDF is currently involved in the organised removal of refuse from the village to improve health and hygiene levels in a scheme that has created permanent jobs and improved living conditions for many. The fund has also made annual educational packages available to a number of students in Nungwi village, in order to allow them to attend Secondary School. The packages include books, school bags, shoes, school uniforms and other useful and essential items. Future projects include boosting the capacity of the local Health Clinic and Dispensary at Nungwi village and building a house for a permanent Doctor. Longer term projects include the establishment of a Nungwi Village Heritage Centre. In addition to financial assistance, Ras Nungwi also provides on-going technical and logistical support to LDF. If you would like to know about how you can help the fund, please let us know. Football In common with many other countries, football is the most popular sport in Zanzibar and the hotel is the main sponsor of two local teams, namely Sharp Boys FC and Bububu Shooting Star FC. Financial assistance is provided to cover Zanzibar Football Association fees, transport, and the supply of uniforms and training equipment. We are pleased to report that both teams are doing very well in the local leagues. Marine Conservation Ras Nungwi was instrumental in lobbying the Zanzibar government to establish the Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area, and the project has proved a resounding success. A permanent patrol is in place to discourage destructive fishing methods and oversee activities, funded by the fees levied from the divers and snorkelers who visit the atoll. The hotel also organises an annual cleanup day on one of the village's main beaches.