Our Team
FELICIAN CLEMENT MEZA, TREASURER
Felician Clement Meza is a research scientist at Ifakara Health Institute and a Welcome Trust Fellow from 2017 to 2020. He has recently obtained an MSc in Molecular Parasitology and Vector Biology from Keele University and the University of Salford (UK). He joined the Ifakara Health Institute in 2013 as a research officer, working on the NIH-funded project at Ifakara after completing his BSc. in applied Zoology from the University of Dar es Salaam. Apart from his scientific work, he is the founder of Unaweza, a network that aims to inspire people to change their thinking and take responsibility for their lives. With this vision, when he was introduced to Kazi Startfunding he agreed to collaborate and join the venture in helping to promote the vision of Kazi Startfunding
Geofrey I. Ashery, Executive SECRETARY
Mr. Geofrey I. Ashery is a researcher with over eight years of research experience in childhood and maternal health. He obtained his sociology degree from the Open University Tanzania. Currently, he is working as a research officer and social scientist in a Dynamic trial focused on electronic decision trees to manage sick children at Ifakara Health Institute. He is passionate about improving the community's livelihood, especially that of underprivileged women and children. He was introduced to the founder of KAZI Startfunding by Dr. Rainer Tan, a colleague in the Dynamic project. After meeting Dr. Paul-Camille Genton in Ifakara, he decided to be one of the key founders of the KAZI start funding in Tanzania.
Everester Kessy, Program Coordinator
Ms. Everester Kessy is a social entrepreneur who is committed to serving children, disadvantaged youth, women and men. Skilled at building community support, key coalitions, and driven to achieve organizational and individual goals. She obtained her social work degree from the University of Dar es Salaam in 2020. Currently, she is working as a Program Coordinator at KAZI Startfunding Tanzania.
MICHAEL KASMIRI, President
Dr. Michael Kasmiri is a physician at Francis Referral Hospital and currently works as a local project manager at Charité University Hospital in Berlin, Germany. This is a partnership with Ifakara Health Institute and St. Francis Hospital under the Health Telematics project. Through this project, Dr. Kasmiri seeks to improve the care of HIV/TB patients in rural areas of Tanzania, by shortening the time between diagnosis and administration of HIV/TB treatment. He graduated with honors from the University of Dodoma and the Institute of Rural Development Planning with a double medical degree and a BA in population and development planning.