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Simple Solutions for Development
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In 1992 a British mechanical engineer, Jim Elsworth MIMechE, 
was seconded by the UN to three African countries for a project to introduce seed treatment technology (the application of seed protectant chemicals) to African village farmers. Jim had enjoyed a long and successful career in the UK designing seed treating machinery for seed companies in the West, so he relished the challenge in adapting that technology to African conditions.

He made a large number of visits to Tanzania, Zambia and Malawi in the intervening years in pursuit of that project. Finally, in 1997 Jim decided to make his home in Arusha, Tanzania, where he could concentrate on what had by now become his principal interest and passion, helping the rural poor in Tanzania to help themselves and their families by the use of purpose-designed appropriate technology.
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Jim Elsworth

Feeling frustrated a few years later that his ideas weren't being properly exploited, Jim was encouraged by Samuel Mollel, a good friend and a Tanzanian pastor in the Church of Assemblies of God, to think bigger than "fiddling in your workshop," as Samuel colourfully put it.

Other friends joined in the project and in May 2006 a formal meeting decided to form a Tanzanian NGO which would embody Jim's aims and ideals. The NGO would be called Twende: Swahili for "Let’s Go". Samuel Mollel was appointed chairperson and in that role he successfully guided Twende through the official registration process which was finally achieved in February 2007 (Registration Number 01NGO/1975).

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Under its constitution, Twende has three officers - a Chairperson, a Secretary and a Treasurer - and a Board of Directors who are charged with an overseeing brief.

The newly formed Board appointed Jim Elsworth to the post of General Manager to carry out the day to day running of the organisation, both administration and technical design. He is assisted in the workshop by Chris Mushi, a talented Tanzanian engineering technician who holds the post of Secretary of the NGO in addition to his engineering work with Jim, and Evelyn Ernest who is Treasurer and Administration Manager.

Chris Mushi, Jim, & Evelyn Ernest

Unfortunately, Samuel Mollel, who had contributed so much to the formation of Twende resigned from the Board for personal reasons in 2007 and is greatly missed. His position of Chairperson has been taken, temporarily, by Jim. It is hoped that a new (Tanzanian) director will shortly be appointed and will be willing to take on the Chair. The remaining members of the Board consist of five Tanzanians and one other expat.
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© TWENDE 2008   Last updated Aug 2008