About The Chanzo
The Goal
The Chanzo Initiative exists at the interface between advocacy and journalism. It is founded to uplift the voices of the underreported, vulnerable, and marginalized communities in Tanzania with the goal to make Tanzania the best place to live for everyone regardless of class, creed, sexual orientation and nationality. At present, the modus operandi of most media outlets in Tanzania have made the voices of people from these communities to be less represented thanks to the prevalent attitude in the part of journalists and media managers that issues from these communities do not ensure maximum and immediate revenue returns to the media and their owners.
Our Approach
Through strategic and public interest journalism and advocacy, the Chanzo Initiative will contribute to the development of a new type of people-centred, people-funded journalism to redress obstacles that inhibit people’s ability to change their lives for better. the Chanzo Initiative will work with partners, like grassroots organizations, community radios, like-minded organizations etc. to build interest and public demand for the social responsibility role of the media, advocating for social justice and inclusive development through a change of norms and practices that contribute to the social and economic inequalities, among other things. the Chanzo Initiative will also seek to analyse world and regional issues and their implications to the vulnerable and marginalized groups worldwide.
Mission and Vision
Mission
Our mission is to use journalism as a tool to advance the issues of priorities among the people from underreported, vulnerable, and underprivileged groups in Tanzania and thus contribute to building an inclusive and responsive Tanzania for everyone.
Vision
To be the leading voice of an underreported, vulnerable, and underprivileged member of the community in Tanzania.
The Outcome We Seek
The Chanzo Initiative will seek to achieve the following outcomes:-
(i) A society in which every citizen’s voice is represented without regards to profit, fear of repression from the state or chastisement from the so-called cultural guards;
(ii) A citizenry actively engaged in using the media to fight for social justice and inclusive development as well as the violation of their key rights and fundamental freedoms;
(iii) An active cadre of public interest journalists inspired by their commitment to inclusive development and social justice and to optimally utilize the constitution in defence of key rights and fundamental freedoms;
(iv) Social justice and economic system that is responsive to the needs of the citizenry and guarantees the enjoyment of key rights and fundamental freedoms throughout the value chain.
Meet The Team
Tony Kirita
Co-Founder and Managing Editor
Tony has worked with various national and international organizations. He has a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from the University of Dar es Salaam and has pursued a media diploma from the London School of Journalism.
Khalif Said Rashid
Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Khalifa has worked with various media organizations in Tanzania and internationally. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Tumaini University Dar Es Salaam College (TUDARCo)
Joel Ntile
Co-Founder, Editor and Admin Manager
Joel has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Statistics from the University of Dar es Salaam and has pursued a media diploma from the London School of Journalism.
Joseph Kirati
Creative Cinematographer
Joseph holds a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television Arts from the Department of Creative Arts at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM). In 2023, he was the runner-up for the Excellence in Journalism Awards in the Science and Technology reporting category
Shafii Mussa Hamisi
Multimedia Journalist and Creative Lead
Shafii holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Dar es Salaam’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Swahiba Nuru
Admin and Media Trainee
Swahiba holds a diploma from the School of Library Archives and Documentation Studies
Lukelo Francis Haule
Associate Editor
Lukelo holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Dar es Salaam’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Lukelo has received several journalism awards, including two Excellence in Journalism Awards in Tanzania (EJAT) for his reporting on good governance and human rights
Jackline Kuwanda
Senior Correspondent, Dodoma
Jacline Kuwanda is an award-winning journalist working with The Chanzo as a Senior Correspondent based in Dodoma, Tanzania. She holds a Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Joseph’s Institute of Business and Management. Jacline has received multiple Excellence in Journalism awards, she is also the overall winner of the 2024 Professional Integrity Award.
Najjat Omar
Senior Correspondent, Zanzibar and Staff Liaison.
Najjat Omar is an award-winning journalist working with The Chanzo as a Senior Correspondent based in Zanzibar and a Staff Liaison. She holds a Diploma in Journalism and Broadcasting. Najjat has received multiple Excellence in Journalism awards, along with several international accolades. She is a well-known figure in Tanzania, solidifying her reputation through investigative journalism