Our Staff
Leadership & Quality Assurance Department
Dr. John Kalage
Executive DirectorJohn is the Executive Director for HakiElimu since May 2015. He has 27 years of professional experience in senior strategic management roles in national and international NGOs in Tanzania, Belgium, South Africa and Zambia. John worked as the Director of Programme Operations at Save the Children International Tanzania Office (6 yrs), Country Director for Student Partnership Worldwide (SPW) in Zambia and South Africa(3 yrs), Deputy Country Director for SPW Tanzania (2yrs), and with World Vision International in different capacities, in Tanzania and Belgium(over 10yrs).
John has extensive experience in education policy monitoring, strategic management, and financial and human resources management. He has strong advocacy skills and proven ability to build and develop organizational capacity for NGOs/CBOs, professional organizations, government agencies and institutions. He is the Board Chairperson for Africa Network Campaign on Education for All (ANCEFA); the Eastern and Central Africa Regional Education Learning Initiative (RELI), and was the Board Chair for the Tanzania Education Network (TEN/MET) for six years until the end of 2021. He is currently a Board member of the Railway Children Africa, Light for the World Belgium (Tanzania) and Partnership for Nutrition in Tanzania (PANITA). He is also a member of St John’s University of Tanzania Governing Council and the University of Dar es Salaam Convocation Executive Committee. John holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Dar es Salaam, M.Sc. in Education for Sustainability from the London South Bank University and PhD in Business Administration (DBA – Honoris Causa) from the Commonwealth University
Godfrey Boniventura
Head of ProgramsGodfrey is a holder of B.A. and M.A. Economics from the University of Dar es Salaam. He has over 14 years of experience in Programme Development and Implementation, Policy Analysis and Advocacy, Partnership Management and Organizational Development, as well as 9 years of experience in senior management. He is an accredited Convener of the Budget Working Group Tanzania, hosted by the Policy Forum to advance policy and budget advocacy in Tanzania (2012-2017), a Country Lead of Regional Education Learning Initiative (2018-2020), Chairman of the Board of Trustee of Center of Behavioral Studies-University of Dar es Salaam (2019 to date), Board member of School of Spatial Planning and Social Science-Ardhi University (2020 to date).
Dr. Wilberforce E. Meena
EDUCATION TECHNICAL ADVISERHas vast experience as a college tutor, lecturer, and curriculum developer. He has been involved in various innovative research projects including Integrated Post-Primary Education (IPPE), School Readiness Programme (SRP), and Action Learning Approach for pre-primary teacher professional development. He has presented at local and international conferences on the topics of curriculum and teacher education. His recent publication is a co-edited book on Basic Education Alignment for Industrial Economy in Tanzania. His research interests include curriculum development, teachers education, assessment, and inclusive education.
Benedicta Mrema
Program Officer- MEA & Regional Education Learning Initiative (RELI)Benedicta is a human rights activist focused on women’s and children’s affairs. She has vast experience producing and hosting T.V. and Radio programs and documentaries and has participated in and voiced multiple stories and narrations. Benedicta is responsible for media relations and engagements and coordinates the implementation of various learning activities for RELI and the “Good School” Project in Masasi District. As a member of the “National Girls Education Caucus”, she aspires to see all children enjoy their rights to equitable and quality education regardless of their environment.
Benedicta holds M.A. in Mass Communication and a B.A. in Public Relations and Advertising from the University of Dar es Salaam. She also has Certificates in Critical Writing for Change, Budget, and Accountability, as well as Monitoring and Evaluation from the M.S. – TCDC, Arusha. In addition, Benedicta is a Staff Welfare Committee Chairperson, events MC, facilitator and moderator.
Lilyan Omary
Executive Directors SecretaryLilyan is a trained and experienced Secretary in Administration and Office Management, with a Diploma in Secretarial Services and a Diploma in Human Resource Management from the Institute of Social Work, Dar es Salaam.
Media Engagement and Advocacy Department
Elisante Kitulo
ManagerA Human Rights Lawyer and a Development Communications Expert, Elisante has over ten years of experience in media advocacy, child protection and community mobilization for social change. He is also the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Hub Coordinator of the Global Coalition for Good Schools, comprising a group of Global South practitioners committed to ending violence against children in and through schools. Since joining the Organisation in 2011, Elisante has spearheaded multiple media campaigns to advance children’s rights.
In addition to the Degree in Law, Elisante has multiple professional Certificates obtained from local and international training in Media and Communication, Human Rights, Design Thinking, Policy Analysis and Advocacy, Civic Leadership, Public Social Accountability Monitoring, Gender, Child Protection and NGO leadership. He is an Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania and the 2021 Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumnus.
Abraham Lazaro
Programme OfficerAbraham is a Human Rights Activist, with 10 years of professional experience in using traditional and emerging digital media platforms for social change. He is a holder of an M.A. in Mass Communication from the University of Dar- es- Salaam, Advocacy and Project Planning & Management Certificates from Coady International Institute at St. Xavier University and MS Training Centre for Development Cooperation in Eastern and Southern Africa respectively. Abraham enjoys social networking and traveling.
Alinanuswe Kasyele
Programme OfficerA next-generation Film Producer, Writer, and Director of short films, programs, documentaries, commercials, and advertisements for TV, Alinanuswe holds a B.A. Fine and Performing Arts (specializing in Film and Theatre Arts) from the University of Dar es Salaam. He has more than 10 years of experience in creating and producing successful TV and Radio documentaries, TV Programmes, TV/Radio Commercials, and short films for NGOs, companies, and international organizations in East African Countries.
Community Engagement and Action Department
Pius Makomelelo
ManagerPius is a holder of M.Sc. Poverty Reduction and Development Management from the University of Birmingham (UK) and B.A. in Sociology from the University of Dar es Salaam. Since joining HakiElimu in 2004, he pioneered the “Friends of Education” Movement, which now has over 40,000 members across the country.
Naomi Mwakilembe
Programme OfficerNaomi is a community development practitioner with over ten years of experience working with NGOs and local government authorities, specifically in project planning and management. She joined HakiElimu in 2009, responsible for recruitment and capacity building of Friends of Education, school management members, students and communities on gender equality, child rights and child protection. Naomi holds an M.A. in Science in Development Policy from Mzumbe University, Morogoro.
Rose Kalage
Programme OfficerRose is a Sociologist with more than ten years of experience supporting project implementation. She has also contributed to various studies and co-authored several publications. She aspires to see the contribution of research improving the education sector and the lives of Tanzanian children. She has M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Research, Innovation and Policy Analysis Department
Mwemezi Makumba
ManagerMakumba Mwemezi is a trained lawyer and a public policy analyst practitioner with over ten years of experience conducting qualitative and quantitative studies and analyses. He has overseen over twenty-five research studies, fifteen position and working papers and analysed over fifty social sector policies in education, health, water, agriculture and public finance sectors. Makumba holds a Master’s Degree in Research and Public Policy from the University of Dar es Salaam and a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies from the Law School of Tanzania.
Daniel Mugizi
Programme OfficerDaniel is an expert in Policy and Budget Analysis. He has an M.A. in Business Administration, with over six years of experience in organisational capacity building, strategic planning, accountability, research, advocacy and behaviour change. Daniel also has considerable experience in the banking sector, where he worked for three years as a Retail Banking Business Planning Manager. He has used the knowledge and skills acquired to enhance his work within the NGO sector.
Monitoring, Evaluation Accountability and Learning Department
Irene Kanyankole
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning OfficerIrene is a Certified Monitoring and Evaluation Professional with over eleven years of experience in managing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating both local and international projects. She holds a Master’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation and a Bachelor’s degree in Project Planning Management and Community Development. Irene possesses a strong ability to build and lead project teams, ensuring quality control throughout project life cycles. She has a proven track record in developing appropriate M&E systems, frameworks, and plans particularly in the Health, Gender, Economic development and Education sectors, coupled with expertise in data collection, analysis, visualization, capacity development and report writing.
Support Services and Finance Department
CPA Peter Letema
ManagerPeter holds M.Sc. in Economics and Finance for Development from the University of Bradford (UK), and a B.Com- Finance (Hons) from the University of Dar es Salaam. He has over ten years of experience in Grants Management, Compliance, and Reporting. His expertise and experience gained while working with NSFF, Williamson Diamond Mining Company, and other NGOs contribute to the Core Funds’ and Project Funds’ unmatched performance and expectations by the Development Partners. Peter is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) registered at The Tanzania National Board of Accounting and Auditors (NBAA).
Magdalena Mlolere
Human Resource and Administration CoordinatorMagdalena is a dual professional (HR and legal) with more than 14 years of experience in Civil Society Organizations. Five years she dedicated to Human Resource functions, interacting with Senior Management and the Board of Directors. She also has more than ten years of experience in Labour Law and labour dispute settlements. Magdalena holds an LLB in Law from the University Dar es Salaam and a Postgraduate Degree in Strategic Human Resource Management from the Institute of Social Welfare. She is also a High Court Advocate.
Frederick Rwehumbiza
Administrative Officer -ProcurementFred has been with HakiElimu since its inception in various positions and has vast experience in multiple disciplines, including management, sales, marketing, procurement and management of assets, administration and logistics. Fred has M.Sc. in Procurement and Supply Chain Management from the Mzumbe University Dar es Salaam Business School and a B.A. in Business Administration from the Tumaini University Dar es Salaam College.
Wilson Luhoha
ICT OfficerA Systems Analyst, Wilson has more than eight years of experience at various levels developing and analysing ICT Projects, Implementations and Management for NGOs/ CSOs, private sector companies, and government institutions. He is also an expert in Human Resources Systems solutions, databases and systems administration. Wilson has a B.Sc. in Health Information Systems from the University of Dodoma. He has attended multiple certified professional trainings, including in Cyber Security, SPSS and Oracle Database Management at the Microsoft Innovation Centre.
Joyce Mfikwa
AccountatntJoyce is an Accountant and has performed Tax consultancy, auditing, finance and administration functions for more than six years in community development, health, life skills and education, economic development, and gender-based violence programs with public and private companies and non-governmental organisations. Joyce is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA T), holding M.Sc. in Finance and Investment from the Institute of Finance Management (IFM) and a B.A. in Accounting from the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy (TIA).
Esther K. Mashoto
Assistant AccountantEsther is a registered NBAA Member under Module E (2008) and holds an M.Sc. in Accounting and Finance from the Mzumbe University, Dar es Salaam. She also has an Advanced Diploma in Accountancy from the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy and has multiple professional short course Certificates in Taxation and Accountancy.
Rosemary Mwenda
ReceptionistRosemary is a certified Secretary and a holder of Diploma in Business Administration. She has extensive experience working in Administration, Media and Library Departments.
David Kagondi
Storekeeper Cum DriverDavid has been with HakiElimu since its inception. He holds a Fitter Mechanic Grade III Certificate and is responsible for organisational property storage and vehicle maintenance. He also supports the team during project implementation trips.
Sylvand Jeremiah
DriverSylvand is a Church Leader in the Kawe Parish and Visiga Seminary. He is a member of the JEFA/JENGA family, which supports impoverished families, and is a member of the TWEYEMEM group, which promotes healthy family relations. Sylvand served Joyland School Committee for four years as the Parents’ Committee leader. Although no longer the Chairperson of the Parents’ Committee, he remains an active member of the group, addressing queries from parents on joining instructions and supporting the school head in disseminating information about interviews, progress and other issues to parents of the potential students. Sylvand is a National Institute of Transport (NIT) Certified Driver. He has a strong passion for equality in education and child protection and has been with HakiElimu since its inception.
Joel Zebedayo
Driver Cum Office AttendantJoel has seven years of experience as an Advanced-Grade Two Driver -VIP. His entrepreneurship and mentorship talent has benefited many adolescents and youth during his travels in rural areas.
Regina Monarya
OFFICE HYGIENE SUPERVISORFor more than 19 years, Regina has maintained a friendly working space for us to work. While interacting with all departments, she continues to harness awareness of child rights issues, prevention of violence in all settings and the importance of children’s engagement in decision-making platforms at the community level. She shares this knowledge with parents, peers and Church leaders. Regina is also a leader in her Church Community, responsible for fundraising and communications between the Church leaders and parishioners and Church Children’s Matron at the regional level.
