Founded in 2001 by 13 Tanzanians, HakiElimu (Right to Education) is today the leading national expert in education, policy analysis and advocacy.
HakiElimu (Right to Education) is a registered Non-Governmental Organization, established in 2001 by 13 Tanzanian Founding Members. Our history is rooted in the ambition of the Founding members – “Citizens, if actively involved in education governance, can make a difference in the education sector”.
Today, we are the leading national experts in education, policy analysis, and advocacy.
An Open, Just, and democratic Tanzania where all people enjoy the right to an education that promotes equity, creativity, and critical thinking.
Seek to facilitate and promote the transformation of education, both in and out of schools by influencing policy-making and their effective implementation; stimulating public dialogue and social change; conducting research, policy analysis and advocacy; and collaborating with partners to advance participation, accountability, transparency, and social justice.
In 2019 we emerged the overall winner of The African Civil Society Excellence Awards, and we also won in two categories, “Strategic Ability and Adaptability” and “Leadership and Governance”.
Established as a non-governmental organization to promote public engagement, open governance, and accountability in education across Tanzania.
Launched innovative multimedia campaigns using radio, television, print, and public ads to provoke national dialogue on child rights, classroom environments, and government spending transparency.
The grassroots movement that becomes the Friends of Education Network starts connecting citizens to schools in their communities
Introduced pioneering budget analysis in education, empowering citizens to hold local authorities accountable for primary and secondary education capitation grants.
Shifted strongly toward empirical research, publishing landmark reports on teacher motivation, school infrastructure, and learning outcomes in rural districts.
Expanded community-based initiatives, including Friends of Education (Marafiki wa Elimu), creating grass-roots networks to monitor school governance and community participation
Actively contributed evidence and technical input leading up to the government's declaration of Free Basic Education (Fee-Free Primary and Lower Secondary Education) in 2015.
Broadened advocacy campaigns targeting infrastructure accessibility, special needs teaching materials, and Educational Support, Resource, and Assessment Centers (ESRAC).
Scaled up national momentum around pregnant girls' right to return to school, emphasizing inclusive policy changes for non-formal and formal education pathways.
Launched the 5-year strategic framework prioritizing quality learning outcomes, safe learning environments, and youth engagement.
Celebrated official government policy changes permitting young mothers to resume formal schooling, alongside launching 4-year localized empowerment programs like SAUTI ZETU.
Played a major role in submitting civil society evidence and policy briefs during Tanzania’s national Education Policy overhaul and new curriculum framework rollout.
Elevated Tanzania's grass-roots evidence to continental platforms, including presenting findings at the African Union Headquarters during the ARISE Africa II convening.
Co-Founder/Executive Director 2001-2007
Executive Director
