Our vision
To see the whole community with enough awareness of waste management and everything about keeping our surroundings clean — a community that leads its own cleanup.
About us
Weka Mazingira Safi — keep the environment clean
A youth-led idea that grew into a registered national NGO, empowering communities to care for the environment they share.
Our story
From one neighbourhood to a national mission
It was an ordinary evening at our local football ground. As we watched the match, we noticed that the edges of the pitch — right next to people’s homes — were covered in rubbish. Households near the ground had grown used to throwing waste just outside their doors. Local leaders turned a blind eye, and no one spoke up.
A small group of young people who cared about the environment decided that silence was not an option. We began going from house to house, talking with families about how to store waste safely and why contributing to the waste-collection contractor mattered, so that rubbish could be collected on time. We also advised our ward to engage a dedicated waste-collection contractor.
Slowly, attitudes changed. Residents began storing their waste in ways that made collection easier, and the cleanliness of our streets improved dramatically compared with how things had been before.
That experience taught us a powerful lesson: when people understand the problem and are offered practical solutions, communities transform themselves. In 2021 we formalised our work by registering WEMASA — Weka Mazingira Safi as a non-governmental organisation, and we have been growing our reach ever since.
“When people understand why the environment matters, they become its strongest protectors.”
What drives us
Our vision & mission
Our mission
To be a leading organisation providing education and raising community awareness on environmental and natural resources management.
Our mandate
Our objectives
As set out in our constitution, WEMASA exists to:
OBJECTIVE 01
Promote environmental and natural resources management
Equip communities with the knowledge and practical skills to manage waste, conserve resources and keep their surroundings clean.
OBJECTIVE 02
Raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity
Help people understand how healthy ecosystems — trees, soils, water and wildlife — sustain livelihoods and wellbeing.
OBJECTIVE 03
Promote peace in the community
Foster cooperation and dialogue, recognising that shared responsibility for the environment brings neighbours together.
OBJECTIVE 04
Promote democracy and children’s rights
Encourage inclusive participation in community decisions and protect every child’s right to grow up in a clean, safe environment.
What we stand for
Our core values
Four principles — in Kiswahili and English — guide every decision we make and every programme we run.
Equality
UsawaWe treat every person with fairness and respect, and make sure women, youth and marginalised groups have an equal voice in our work.
Transparency
UwaziWe are open about our plans, finances and results, so partners and communities can see exactly how resources are used.
Accountability
UwajibikajiWe take responsibility for our commitments and measure our results against the promises we make.
Diligence
BidiiWe work hard and persistently, because protecting the environment takes consistent effort, not one-off events.
How we work
Education, participation and innovation
We do not believe in quick fixes. Environmental change sticks when communities own it, so our work follows a simple, proven approach:
- Listen first. We start with the realities of each neighbourhood, school or market.
- Educate practically. Training is hands-on — from making natural pesticides to sorting waste.
- Act together. Cleanups, tree planting and awareness campaigns bring people and leaders together.
- Measure and share. We collect data, map challenges and report openly on results.
Our journey
Our journey so far
The beginning
Door to door for cleaner streets
Young neighbours start educating households near a local football ground on waste storage and collection — and streets become visibly cleaner.
2021
Registered as a national NGO
WEMASA is formally registered under Tanzania’s NGO Act (Reg. No. ooNGO/R/2395), turning a neighbourhood initiative into a national organisation.
Growing reach
Schools, markets and farms
Programmes expand to climate awareness in 8 Temeke secondary schools, tree planting in schools, organic farming training and environmental data mapping.
2026
First workshop for women environment journalists
On 11 March 2026, as part of International Women’s Day, WEMASA hosts its first workshop for young girls and women environment journalists — covered by national TV, newspapers and online media.
Leadership
Meet the full team
The people leading WEMASA
Ibrahim Haule
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Jackline Ndawila
Co-Founder & Head of Women ProjectsRegistration & governance
WEMASA Tanzania Organization is registered under the Non-Governmental Organizations Act of the United Republic of Tanzania (Registration No. ooNGO/R/2395, 2021), with a national area of operation. We are governed by our constitution and committed to transparency and accountability in the use of every resource entrusted to us.
Join the movement
Together, we can keep Tanzania clean and green.
Partner with us, volunteer your skills or support a programme. Every contribution helps a community care for its environment.
