Our Staff
Leadership & Quality Assurance Department
Dr. John Kalage
Executive DirectorSince May 2015 (3rd since inception). John has more than 26 years of professional experience in senior strategic management roles in local and international NGOs having worked in Tanzania, Belgium, South Africa and Zambia, that is 6 years as the Director of Programme Operations at Save the Children International, Tanzania Office, 3 years as Country Director for Student Partnership Worldwide (SPW) in Zambia and South Africa, 2 years Deputy Country Director for SPW Tanzania, and over ten years with World Vision International in different capacities, in Tanzania and Brussels.
John is a holder of the MSc Education for Sustainability from the London South Bank University (UK), B.A. Economics from the University of Dar es salaam, PhD. Business Administration (DBA
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. Ellen Otaru
Quality Assurance CoordinatorA holder of M.A. International Relations and a Ph.D. Political Science and Problems of Global Development from the Kyiv State University (Ukraine) and numerous Professional diplomas and Certificates, Ellen has international and multi-cultural exposure, and more than 18 years of experience in the corporate and development industry, such as ZK Advertising, Celtel, Precision Air Services, Save the Children, ILO, Benjamin Mkapa Foundation among others, where she managed projects related to leadership and good governance, advertising, communications, education, entrepreneurship, social justice, health including sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, child rights, child safeguarding and protection in Tanzania, EAC and the SADC States. She also spearheaded CSR and Advocacy Projects in international and national organizations. Ellen sits on several Boards as a Director.
Emma Munslow
Programme Development and Funding ManagerEmma is an international development professional with ten years’ experience in the sector, including five years as a senior team member in local NGOs. Emma’s international engagements have resulted in Grants Portfolio growth from a broad spectrum of donors, including DFID, Sida, GAC, USAID, EC, MasterCard Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Comic Relief. She has a MA from UCL in Education, Gender, and International Development. She is interested in issues of education, gender, sexual and reproductive health and rights, youth engagement, and civic participation.
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
Benedicta Mrema
Program Officer- Regional Education Learning Initiative (RELI)Benedicta holds a B.A. Public Relations and Advertising from the University of Dar es Salaam, and Certificates in Critical Writing for Change, Budget, and Accountability as well as Monitoring and Evaluation from MS
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 Development Communications Expert with over ten (10) years experience in Human Rights and Media Engagement, Elisante joined HakiElimu in 2011 as a Policy Analysis and Advocacy Volunteer. He leads the design process and development of Media Campaigns for Advocacy, Behaviour Change, Gender, Child Protection, Citizen Mobilization for social change interventions in schools, as well as Programme/Project Planning and Management. Elisante has attended local and international training on Media and Communication, Human Rights, Policy Analysis and Advocacy, Civic Leadership, Gender, and Child Protection.
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.
Elvis Mkera
Programme OfficerElvis is a holder of BSc in Mediated Content Development from the University of Dodoma, with over 5 years of experience in graphics design, website development, content development, the use of ICT for pedagogical development, and developing technology solutions for the e-learning processes. Elvis joined HakiElimu in 2020. Before joining HakiElimu, Elvis worked as an Instructional Designer and E-learning Specialist at the Open University of Tanzania.
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 holder of M.Sc. Development Policy from the Mzumbe University, Tanzania. She joined the Organisation in 2009, to enhance the capacity of “Friends of Education
Research Innovation and Policy Analysis Department
Mwemezi Makumba
ManagerSocial Sectoral Policy Analyst. Makumba is a holder of LLB from the Law School of Tanzania & The Tumaini University. responsible for Research, Public Policy, and Budget Analysis in the Education, Health, Agriculture, and Water Services Sectors. Makumba has more than 8 years of experience in building organizational capacity, analysis, and tracking of public finance, public policy, accountability, strategic planning, as well as communication strategies and program designing. He has conducted several qualitative and quantitative studies. His areas of interest include social, economic, political, and development challenges of contemporary Tanzanian and African societies.
Rose Kalage
Programme OfficerA Sociologist, Rose has M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Nairobi. She has more than ten years
Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning Department
Robert J. Kindoli
ManagerRobert is a holder of B.A. Sociology from the University of Dar es Salaam and M.Sc. Development Policy & Practice for Civil Society from the Bradford University (UK). He has more than 10 years of experience working in local and international organizations, designing and implementing Surveys and Special Studies, M&E Systems, Data Collection and Management, Analysis, Visualization, and Documentation of Best Practices and Lessons Learned.
Support Services, Admin and Finance Department
CPA Peter Letema
ManagerPeter is a holder of M.Sc. Economics and Finance for Development from the University of Bradford (UK), and B. Com- Finance (Hons) from the University of Dar es Salaam. He has over 10 years of experience in Grants Management, Compliance, and Reporting. His expertise and experience gained from 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).
Frederick Rwehumbiza
Administrative Officer -ProcurementFred holds an M.Sc. Procurement and Supply Chain Management from the Mzumbe University Dar es Salaam Business School, and a B.A. Business Administration from the Tumaini University Dar es Salaam College. Fred has vast experience in various disciplines including management, sales, marketing, and administration and this contributes to his excellence in the procurement and management of assets, as well as all logistic issues for the Programme and Management team.
Esther K. Mashoto
Assistant AccountantEsther is a registered NBAA member under module E (2008) and holds an M.Sc. Accounting and Finance (Mzumbe University, Dar es Salaam). She also has an Advanced Diploma in Accountancy from Tanzania Institute of Accountancy and has attended short professional courses in Taxation and Accountancy.
Rosemary Mwenda
LibrarianFormer Personal Secretary, Media and Advocacy Programme Assistant -Rosemary has experience and skills in secretarial, administration, media monitoring, and library issues. She holds a Diploma in Full Secretarial.
David Kagondi
Storekeeper Cum DriverDavid has a Fitter Mechanic Grade III Certificate. He also supports the team when traveling to the Programme Districts.
Sylvand Jeremiah
DriverCertified Driver from the National Institute of Transport (NIT).
Joel Zebedayo
Security Guard Cum DriverJoel is a driver and also responsible for the safety and security of HakiElimu premises.
Regina Monarya
Cleaner and Office AttendantRegina is responsible for office hygiene.
Yona Leng’anda
Cleaner and Office AttendantYona is responsible for office hygiene and administration.