Philanthropic partnerships with schools in Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwean Government has implemented policies allowing schools to establish public-private partnerships with tourism companies in exchange for funds to provide much-needed resources and infrastructure. Dr Kathleen Smithers investigated a host school providing cultural entertainment for tourists in exchange for philanthropic funds.

Dr Smithers’ qualitative research explored three configurations of tours and funding using semi-structured interviews with teachers, school staff and tourism personnel to understand the issues associated with these niche partnerships. While little is known about philanthropic tourism, Dr Smithers contributes a deeper understanding of the tensions these partnerships create for teachers, school founders and children. She also sheds light on these new forms of tourism and the potential risks of perpetuating and recreating harmful colonial stereotypes.