Via @afroswimmers from @meeks_gone_rogue - In #Zanzibar, an island off the coast of #Tanzania, daily life centers around the sea, yet the vast majority of #Zanzibari girls never learn to swim. An estimated 98% of the population is #Muslim. Conservative Islamic culture and the absence of modest swimwear have discouraged girls from swimming. Until the Panje Project, that is. โPanjeโ is a ฤSwahili word that translates roughly to โbig fish.โ For the past few years, the Panje Project has made it possible for local women and girls to get into the water, not only teaching them swimming skills but aquatic safety and drowning prevention techniques. The group has empowered its students to teach others, creating a sustainable cycle. And has also provided them with burkinis, full-length swimsuits, so they can get into the water without compromising their cultural and religious beliefs. Photographer Anna Boyiazis was captivated by this initiative for a number of reasons. Growing up, her love of the water earned her the nickname โpsaroukla,โ a Greek word meaning none other than โbig fish.โ But it wasnโt only the coincidence of this nomenclature that drew Boyiazis to the story. The mission of the Panje Project intersected her interests around human rights, public health, and women and girlsโ issues. . . . ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ Powerful images. Even more powerful explanation. Thank you @meeks_gone_rogue Swim More. #Afroswimmers #CoachWithTheFro #LoveSwimCoaching #PanjeProject
