Monique Franke

Name: Monique Franke

Location: Zanzibar, Tanzania

Role with World Unite!: Program development environmental conservation; communication with and preparation of participants, coordination Zanzibar and Tanzania

Nationality: German

Languages: English, Swahili, German

Monique from Germany holds a M.Sc. degree in Forest Science - Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation. She is our expert in the implementation of our environmental conservation programs. Furthermore, she is in charge of consulting, preparing and doing coordination work for our programs in Zanzibar and partially in Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa.

What did you do before starting your work at World Unite!?

I used to work as an Environmental Teacher in Germany, e.g. at the Sächsische Schweiz National Park, creating programs for a variet of target groups in subjects related to environmental conservation, sustainability etc.. I also guided groups of children, students and tourists through landscape where I did environmental activities and games with them. During my studies I got the chance to visit the coastal area of Tanzania and fell in love with that wonderful country and culture.

What do you enjoy the most about working at World Unite!?

I really enjoy communication with participants and planning their adventure abroad with a good preparation for their stay. I love the cultural exchange with our local partners abroad and to work with the great multicultural family of World Unite! Every day I can gain more experience in intercultural communication and I am happy to meet new people during my daily work.

What place in Tanzania do you find most enjoyable to spend your leisure time at?

In my second home Tanzania I love to visit mangroves and other forest areas and just enjoy those nature paradises. For example walking through the Jozani Forest area in Zanzibar, spotting Red Colobus Monkeys, kayaking through the mangroves of Muungoni/Zanzibar, or visiting the beautiful Usambara Mountains and the forest areas on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in the north of Tanzania. And of course being on a safari through Tanzanian National Parks!

What is your favorite local food, and where can it be found?

I love to eat "Ndizi na nyama choma" and have one favorite restaurant half an hour walk from my home. Arriving in Zanzibar means looking for the best Urojo places - I really love that typical Zanzibari soup!

What should participants coming to Tanzania make sure not to miss?

You should definitly use the chance to stay overnight in Muungoni in one of those lovely huts of MTI group either in the mangrove forest to enjoy a wonderful sunset, observing the bird migration and the rain forest with its bushbaby guenons, monkeys, dikdik antelopes etc. Furthermore karibu sana Bagamoyo (a cross over from Zanzibar to Tanzania mainland), where I am based. It's a beautiful town with a unique historical and artistic charme and flair.

Do you have any hobbies or special interests, and where can you do your hobbies in Tanzania?

I just love to walk around and enjoy the colorful life and environments. There is always something new to discover and experience.

What is the most memorable episode that you have experienced with a World Unite! participant?

There are so many great episodes. One of best experiences is always to accompany participants on their way of cultural learning, if they share their experiences with us. Also I love that many participants still keep in touch with us after their stay. Asanteni sana!