Who We Are
Learn about our mission, vision, values, team, and the impact we strive to create across Tanzania.
Prevention begins where dignity and opportunity take root.
The World Anti Drugs and Development Organization (WADO) is a legally registered nongovernmental and nonprofit organization in Tanzania dedicated to dismantling the root causes and devastating consequences of substance abuse. WADO operates at the intersection of public health, education, human rights, social protection, gender justice, humanitarian response, and economic development, treating drug-related challenges not as isolated law enforcement issues, but as deeply human development concerns.
Founded on the conviction that resilient communities are the strongest antidote to the global drug crisis, WADO works to empower individuals, strengthen families, and transform the social and economic conditions that make people vulnerable to substance use, exploitation, and exclusion. As a horizontal development organization integrating multiple sectors rather than treating substance abuse in isolation, WADO believes the fight against addiction is inseparable from the fight for human dignity — addressing climate resilience, food security, and WASH as essential foundations of drug-free communities.
The communities WADO serves are viewed not as problems to be solved, but as people with potential to be unlocked — the organization's purpose is to remove barriers such as disease, stigma, trauma, poverty, or exclusion. Through compassion, evidence, and enduring partnership, WADO is building societies where health is a right, recovery is possible, and every person has the chance to thrive.
Our Mission
Our Vision
Our History
WADO was founded by Ruvako Victor Nyereza. His journey began in 2018 during his college years, witnessing how peer pressure, life stress, and the pursuit of glamorous lifestyles were driving over 30% of youth into drug use and risky behaviours.
Between 2019–2022, Nyereza developed the WADO concept through research, reflection, and strategic planning, expanding his vision beyond youth to entire families and communities. He identified five essential pillars for intervention: education and awareness, economic capacity building for families, family counselling, social support networks, and community mobilisation.
Despite starting without a team and facing scepticism due to his young age, Nyereza drew strength from mentors including Pastor Kimolo (Senior Advisor, Church World Service); Richard K. T. Tan (retired civil servant, University of Oxford, Singapore); Shafiqur Rahman (Fellow/COO/Co-founder, AcieR Building Technology, UK); Janet Chapman (Chairperson, TDT, USA); Mussa Sang'anya (Executive Director, Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Tanzania); and Clotilda Kokupima (Founder/CEO, Endeleza Wazee Kigoma/EWAKI).
In 2023, WADO was formally registered with a mandate to prevent drug abuse, promote public health/human rights/community development, and equip youth to lead purposeful lives.
The name reflects WADO's belief that while drug abuse manifests locally, it is a global challenge requiring comprehensive responses beyond national borders.
Looking at the progress made, WADO is no longer just a dream but a driving force for action — what began as one student's concern has grown into a collective movement now turning vision into life-changing reality.
What We Stand For
Compassion
Approaching every individual with deep empathy, offering a safe environment for those struggling with substance use, trauma, poverty, or climate-induced stress.
Evidence
Grounding interventions in solid research, ensuring strategies are scientifically sound and continuously improved.
Transparency
Operating with absolute openness in financial management and reporting to build trust with donors, government, and communities.
Accountability
Taking full responsibility for actions and resources, maintaining strict compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Human Dignity
Believing every person has intrinsic worth, actively fighting stigma and ensuring vulnerable populations are treated with respect and justice.
Enduring Partnership
Committing to deep, collaborative relationships to build sustainable, locally owned solutions.
Our Policies
WADO operates with absolute openness in financial management and reporting. Our policies and accountability frameworks build trust with donors, government, and communities. Explore the full policy framework below, and visit our Transparency page for related accountability information.
1. Governance and Administration
- Organizational Constitution / Governing Document
- Board Charter and Governance Policy
- Delegation of Authority (DoA) Policy
- Conflict of Interest Policy
- Organizational Structure and Job Descriptions Policy
2. Financial Management and Compliance
- Financial Management and Accounting Policy
- Procurement and Supply Chain Management Policy
- Grant Management and Donor Compliance Policy
- Internal Controls and Internal Audit Policy
- Fraud, Bribery, and Anti-Corruption Policy
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Policy
- Whistleblower Protection and Reporting Policy
- Asset Management Policy
3. Human Resources and Staff Management
- Human Resources Manual / Staff Handbook
- Recruitment, Selection, and Onboarding Policy
- Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics Policy
- Remuneration, Allowances, and Benefits Policy
- Performance Management and Appraisal Policy
- Disciplinary, Dismissal, and Grievance Redress Policy
- Volunteer Management Policy
- Capacity Building and Staff Development Policy
4. Programmatic Operations and Safeguarding
- Comprehensive Safeguarding Policy (Child & Vulnerable Adult Protection)
- Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Policy
- Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Policy
- Beneficiary Feedback and Complaints Response Mechanism (CRM) Policy
- Community Engagement and Participation Policy
5. Risk, Security, and Information Management
- Enterprise Risk Management Policy
- Occupational Health, Safety, and Security Policy
- Data Protection and Privacy Policy
- Information Technology and Cyber Security Policy
- Communication, Advocacy, and Media Relations Policy
- Environmental and Social Sustainability Policy
Board of Directors
Pastor Paschas Kimolo
Board Chair
Faith Sbongile Notshe
Board Secretary
Gladness Charles Msangi
Board Member
Ruvako Victor Nyereza
Board Member
Avitha Deusdedith Kalinjuma
Board Member
David Issaya Dyoya
Board Member
Helmut Walter Nyoni
Board Member
Our Staff
Faith Sbongile Notshe
Executive Director
Pastor Paschas Kimolo
Senior Advisory
Hajra Saleh Salum
Program Officer
Fabian Msongo
MEAL Officer
Joseph Mpangala
Finance Officer
Faldeena Domingos
Communication Officer
Victor Kosgei
IT and Software Engineer
Partners & Members
WADO is grateful for the generosity of its partners — each partnership strengthens WADO's work to create meaningful and lasting impact for vulnerable individuals, families, and communities across Tanzania, raising awareness about the value of investing in substance abuse prevention, holistic recovery, and human development.
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SDGs We Advance
Our work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Good Health and Well-being
We address substance use disorders as a public health issue, promote mental health, integrate HIV/AIDS prevention, and expand access to essential health services.
Quality Education
We deliver school-based prevention education, life skills training, and awareness programmes for in-school and out-of-school youth.
Gender Equality
We protect women and girls from drug-related exploitation and violence, and empower them through targeted support programmes.
Decent Work and Economic Growth
We equip young people with market-relevant skills, vocational training, and livelihood opportunities to reduce unemployment as a driver of substance abuse.
Reduced Inequalities
We ensure our interventions are inclusive and accessible to marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities, refugees, and Key Vulnerable Populations (KVPs).
Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
We advocate for human rights-based approaches to drug policy, support justice-involved populations, and promote good governance within our organization.
Partnerships for the Goals
We build strategic alliances with government, civil society, the private sector, and international development partners to multiply our collective impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
WADO (World Anti-Drugs and Development Organization) is a legally registered non-governmental, non-profit organization in the United Republic of Tanzania. Established with a commitment to public health, human rights, and community development, it works at the intersection of drug control, health promotion, and socio-economic empowerment to transform the lives of vulnerable and marginalized populations.
WADO was formally registered on 20 July 2023, though its conceptual journey began in 2018.
WADO operates nationally across the United Republic of Tanzania, with headquarters in Kasulu, Kigoma, and a zonal office in Mwanza.
Our programmes serve young people (aged 10–35), persons with substance use disorders and their families, women and girls, children of drug-affected families, street-based populations, persons with disabilities, refugees, and other marginalized communities.
WADO pursues a diversified funding strategy including in-kind support, institutional grants, government partnerships, corporate social responsibility (CSR) collaborations, individual giving, and social enterprise initiatives.
Visit our "Get Involved" page or contact us at info@wado.or.tz to learn about volunteer opportunities.
We welcome partnerships with government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and private sector entities. Please contact us at info@wado.or.tz.
Yes, WADO provides compassionate recovery pathways, harm reduction services, counselling, and referrals to specialized treatment facilities.
WADO is a registered non-profit organization in Tanzania. Please consult your local tax advisor regarding the tax-deductibility of donations.
We conduct annual independent audits, publish regular reports, maintain open financial records, and adhere to international standards of accountability.