MEET OUR TEAM
MISS. BAHATI CHANDO
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Miss Bahati Chando is the founder and executive director of Tanzanite Support Organization (TSO) focusing on providing essential life skills to underprivileged Tanzanian youths, from the age of 15, to achieve self-reliance.
Miss Bahati Chando is the founder and executive director of Tanzanite Support Organization (TSO) focusing on providing essential life skills to underprivileged Tanzanian youths, from the age of 15, to achieve self-reliance.
Miss Bahati Chando has over ten years of experience in entrepreneurship, focusing on business strategy, operations, cooperative finance, and sustainability.
She is committed to empowering communities by utilizing her entrepreneurial expertise to give back to the community by empowering underprivileged youths to achieve self-reliance through acquiring economic empowerment skills. She has mentored over 50 youths, those from orphanages, to achieve self-reliance by supporting them to retain decent jobs as cooks, front desk receptionists, cleaners, waiters, decorators, hotel porters, florists, housekeepers, or as self-employed over the years. Miss Bahati Chando’s motto: “YOU MUST BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD.”
MR. RODRIGES S.U. MANGESHO
HEAD OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Rodriges S.U. Mangesho has a bachelor’s degree of Science in Taxation (2013) from the Institute of Finance Management (IFM) and Master of Arts Degree in Revenue Law and Administration (2015) from University of Dar es Salaam.
He has over 8 years of experience working as Head of Finance and Administration and Tax Manager & Tax Consultant with banks, companies, cooperatives and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
He has worked with a number of organizations, enterprises, and institutions, including Tanzania Women’s Bank PLC, Tanzania Teachers Union (TTU), Hainan International LTD, and others, to provide tax consultation services and audits of financial statements, PAYE, SDL, developing technical and financial proposals for different tenders’ applications.
Mr. Rodriges helps organizations comply with International Financial Regulatory Standards (IFRS), national laws and regulations, and donor obligations. His motto: “PERFECTION IS NOT ATTAINABLE BUT WE NEED TO RUN TO ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE.”
MR. SIGFRID PETER MUSHI
HEAD OF PROGRAM
Mr. Sigfrid Mushi has over seven years of experience working with non-governmental organizations, enabling him to have ability in strategic planning, project management, and training facilitation. Mr. Sigfrid is a self-motivated individual
who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Jordan University Collage (JUCO) and has received training in project development and management enabled by PACT Tanzania under DDA project.
In seven years of working with Tanzanian NGOs such as Child Outreach International-Moshi Tanzania, People Development Forum (PDF), and Bright Jamii Initiative (BJI), he has contributed to community development by assisting 26 villages (13 Kilolo and 13 Iringa DC) with 988 households and 12200 households from 40 villages in Chalinze DC to receive ODF certifications in 2018-19, encourage sanitation, cleanliness, and healthy eating habits in 16 school health clubs (SWASH) in Chalinze DC, promote child welfare by teaching positive character development skills to 400 children in five schools at Kinondoni and Temeke MC in 2020-22, and provide social-emotional learning and character development to 60 students at Ubungo MC in 2023.
Mr. Sigfrid, presently contributes to support the organization in achieving its vision of a bright future where youths fulfill life’s responsibilities leading to freedom through use of simplicity and a beneficiary-centric approach, fueled by the motto: “NOTHING IS FAILURE IF IT IS NOT FINAL.”
MR. ANDERSON JOHN
HEAD OF PUBLIC RELATION, COMMUNICATION AND FUNDRAISING
Anderson John, is an expert of Information and Communication Technology known for his contributions to various sectors dealing with technology. Anderson developed a passion for Information and Communication Technology from an early age.
He pursued his interests academically, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Information and Communication Technology from the University of Dar es Salaam and completing numerous short courses on various technology programs.
Anderson worked with various development organizations, including Norwegian Church, Inter-Religious Council for Peace Tanzania, and Bright Jamii Organization. His diverse experiences in these roles honed his skills and deepened his understanding of the impact technology can have on development and peace-building efforts. In January 2024, he joined Tanzanite Support Organization, a non-profit dedicated to leveraging technology to support education, healthcare, and economic development in Tanzania. He has initiated several ground-breaking projects, such as creating digital literacy programs for underserved communities, developing innovative healthcare solutions using mobile technology, and promoting tech-based entrepreneurship among the youth.
His visionary approach and dedication are to use technology for social good and being recognized both locally and internationally. He continues to inspire and mentor young tech enthusiasts, advocating for the integration of technology in addressing societal challenges and contributing to the sustainable development of Tanzania and beyond. He works not only demonstrates the transformative power of technology but also embodies his commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable future for all. Mr. Anderson motto: “LETS DO IT UNTIL ITS DONE.”
MISS LEONILA FOCUS
ADMINISTRATION OFFICER.
Ms. Leonila Focus has eleven years of administrative expertise, which includes managing schedules, organizing files, connecting with clients, and handling data. Miss Leonila Focus is trained in Administration and Essential Office Management Skills Best Practices, and she has worked for a
variety of companies, including French Gallery and Vintage International Limited. In her eleven years of working in an administration position, she has contributed to developing a conducive working environment by successfully managing the day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth and efficient workflow, assisting with budgeting and financial reporting, and coordinating and scheduling meetings and events. She is currently committed to supporting the empowerment of youths through the provision of quality services using digital technology and ethical principles. Miss Leonila’s motto is “CONSISTENCY IS ESSENTIAL; DO NOT STOP.”
MR. MARTIN BLACK
Board Chairperson
Mr. Martin Black is an experienced executive who is extremely flexible, innovative, driven, bottom-line-oriented, and value-focused. He is the CEO of WiA Company and a director, and the principal consultant of LCC Solutions Tanzania Limited.
He has more than twenty years of expertise in a range of industries, including telecommunications, manufacturing, specializing in sourcing, and purchasing in Europe, the United States, the Middle East, Asia, and, most recently, Africa.
Martin has committed himself to use his experience to assist youths in Achieving Self-Reliance by helping Tanzanite Support Organization (TSO) develop. He believes that this initiative is positively changing one small part of the world taking youth with limited options and supporting them to dare to invent, have the power to act, and the ability to solve new challenges, which will lead to their successful future.
MR FEISAL HAMDAN
Board Member
Mr. Feisal Hamdan is an awfully driven fundraiser with over 15 years of experience in strategic donor development, campaign management, and event organizing.
He has experience in international trading, dealing with gold and natural stones, public speaking, and as a TEDx speaker, researching and advertising investment prospects in Africa and Oman. Mr. Feisal Hamdan believes that “any amount can make a difference in the community.”
MISS ESTHER JOSEPH
INTERN: PHOTOGRAPHER AND COMMUNICATION OFFICER
Miss Esther Joseph has over two years of experience as a photographer and communication officer for non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Miss Esther, who has a bachelor’s degree in Development Studies from the University of Dodoma,
was able to understand the interplay of social, economic, political, technological, ecological, cultural, and gendered aspects of societal change that influence community development, which inspired her to commit herself to communicating community issues through photography.
Miss Esther’s work with the Ladies Joint Forum (LJF) has allowed her to contribute to community development by empowering over 180 girls and women to promote gender equality through the She Drives to Change, Her Climate, and Dada Kuoka projects in 2022-2023. She is working tirelessly for the organization to achieve its Communication Strategic Plan 2024-28, inspired by her motto, “THE BEST WAY OUT IS ALWAYS THROUGH.”
VIRTUAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We dream big and get things done
Virtual Volunteers Can Participate In Short-Term Or Long-Term Projects. If You’ve Got Access To A Computer/Gadget, We Have Volunteer Opportunities And Roles Are Available To You — From Your Home, The Library, A Coffee Shop, Anywhere With An Internet Connection.
