Joshua is an accomplished research and evaluation professional with over 14 years of experience in research, project and performance evaluation, policy analysis, and data curation. He has led and contributed to more than 40 research studies and evaluation assignments across multiple sectors, generating evidence-based insights that support policy formulation and programmatic decision-making.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Mzumbe University (2011), a micro master’s in development economics from Université Laval (2021), and a master’s degree in research and public policy from the University of Dar es Salaam (2023).

In addition to his academic qualifications, Joshua has completed several professional certification courses offered by the World Bank, including Reproducible Research Fundamentals (2025), Introduction to Behavioral Science for Public Policy (2025), Managing Successful Fieldwork (2025), and Understanding Citizen Data for Better Decision-Making (2026). These trainings further strengthen his expertise in applying rigorous, data-driven approaches to research, evaluation, and public policy analysis.

HakiElimu’s activities are driven by a dedicated and highly committed staff team that brings together diverse skills, experience, and a shared passion for social justice and quality education.

The staff demonstrate strong professionalism, integrity, and teamwork in planning and implementing programs, while maintaining close engagement with communities, partners, and stakeholders. Their commitment to evidence-based advocacy, continuous learning, and accountability ensures that HakiElimu’s interventions remain relevant, impactful, and responsive to the needs of learners and citizens. Through their hard work and collaborative spirit, the staff play a central role in advancing HakiElimu’s mission and values.

Alinanuswe is a next-generation film producer, writer, and director specializing in short films, documentaries, programs, commercials, and advertisements for television. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine and Performing Arts, with a specialization in Film and Theatre Arts, from the University of Dar es Salaam.

With over 17 years of experience, Alinanuswe has created and produced impactful TV and radio documentaries, programs, commercials, and short films for NGOs, private companies, and international organizations across East Africa. In addition, he has leveraged Theatre for Development as a tool for community mobilization and behavior change, using creative performance to engage communities and promote social awareness on key issues.

His work is recognized for combining creative storytelling with high production quality, effectively engaging audiences and supporting organizational and social impact goals.

Mary Ndaro is the Executive Director of HakiElimu and a seasoned women’s rights advocate and multidisciplinary social scientist with over 18 years of professional experience in social justice, gender equality, and democratic governance. She provides strategic leadership to advance HakiElimu’s mission of promoting equitable, inclusive, and quality education through evidence-based advocacy, policy engagement, and citizen participation.

A committed convener and facilitator, Mary has co-created platforms that amplify gender equality and equity narratives, foster inclusive public dialogue, and promote accountability in development and governance spaces. She has facilitated and led critical conversations on feminist leadership, inclusion and intersectionality, decolonizing development practice, and accountable governance, while mentoring emerging young leaders.

Mary brings strong expertise in policy analysis, transformative documentation, movement-building, and civil society strengthening. Her professional experience spans women’s economic justice, girls’ education, land and resource governance, gender-based violence, and bodily autonomy. She is committed to accountable and ethical leadership, strengthening citizen engagement, institutional development, and advancing education justice as a foundation for inclusive and democratic social transformation.

Advocacy and Communication Professional

Benedicta Mrema is a dynamic and results-driven Advocacy and Communication Professional with a strong background in public relations, media engagement, and strategic communication. With a solid academic foundation, holding a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations and Advertising and a Master's degree in Mass Communication. She brings both technical expertise and strategic insight into driving communication for social impact.

Currently serving as the Acting Manager – Media Engagement and Advocacy, Benedicta leads strategic initiatives to strengthen media relations, amplify advocacy efforts, and promote organizational visibility across multiple platforms. She is highly skilled in developing multi-channel communication strategies, fostering stakeholder engagement, and managing campaigns that influence public policy and social behavior.

Passionate about development communication and social change, Benedicta combines creativity, strategic thinking, and a strong commitment to impact-driven storytelling. Beyond professional competencies, Benedicta is deeply passionate about gender equality in education, with a strong commitment to championing equal learning opportunities for girls, especially those from marginalized and underserved communities. She also advocates for child protection and safeguarding, ensuring that every child learns in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

With a blend of creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking, Benedicta leverages the power of communication to inspire change, challenge harmful norms, and promote inclusive education and development.

Education Technical Advisor

Dr. Wilberforce Meena currently serves as the Education Technical Advisor at HakiElimu, bringing with him extensive experience in the education sector as a teacher educator, lecturer, and curriculum developer. He has played a central role in national dialogues addressing key challenges and opportunities within Tanzania’s education system, with a focus on curriculum relevance, teacher competency, community engagement, and student learning outcomes. Dr. Meena is a pioneer of the School Readiness Programme (SRP), an initiative designed to support children who lack access to pre-primary education, as well as efforts to improve Urban Education. He has also been a strong advocate for the Action Learning Approach, which promotes practical, reflective professional development for teachers.

He represents HakiElimu in several national initiatives, including the National Multi-Sectoral Early Childhood Development Programme (NMECDP), where he contributes to efforts aimed at strengthening early childhood development across the country. Additionally, he is an active member of the Teacher Development and Support (TDS) Cluster under the Regional Education Learning Initiative (RELI), promoting collaborative learning and evidence-based practices in teacher development.

Dr. Meena has led numerous research initiatives, including a critical analysis of the Education and Training Policy (ETP) 2014, which informed the widely recognized publication ‘‘The Education We Want’’. He also led a deep-dive study on education designed to inform the Long-Term Perspective Plan (LTPP), a strategic initiative supporting the realization of Tanzania Development Vision 2050.

In addition to his advisory and research roles, Dr. Meena has co-edited several influential publications, including Basic Education Alignment for an Industrial Economy in Tanzania and Lugha ya Kufundishia: Kikwazo cha Usawa Katika Kujifunza na Upimaji Tanzania (Language of Instruction: A Barrier to Equity in Learning and Assessment in Tanzania), underscoring his commitment to evidence-based reform and inclusive, equitable education.