Peter Masika

Content created by Virtual Intern Celeste Lan

Peter Masika is the founder and CEO of Tanzania Youth Alliance (TAYOA), an organization that fosters leadership potential in Tanzanian youth. In his 2003 “Youth Leadership in the US” International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), Masika saw new programming opportunities to teach citizenship and independence to young audiences. His IVLP experience inspired him to start HIV prevention services in Tanzania, which include programs aimed at encouraging behavior change, communicating knowledge, and developing technical leadership skills. Masika now understands the importance of technology as a tool to develop leadership and connect youth in communities around the world.

Masika believes “we [Tanzanians] need leadership not only in politics but also business and everywhere.” Since his return to Tanzania, he continues to promote health, leadership, and entrepreneurship among youth and adults as a way to move from ignorance, poverty, and disease to true freedom. TAYOA hosts talk shows, workshops, and outreach activities - all of which promote understanding and equality and engage Tanzanian youth with international volunteers.

Masika formed the National AIDS Helpline Service to provide counseling and prevention services to over three million Tanzanians, who are mostly between the ages of 14 and 24. In 2011, Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete personally commended Masika for his leadership during a visit to TAYOA.

Peter Masika is utilizing community-level HIV services to promote health, address high-risk behaviors, and cultivate leadership skills for Tanzanian youth in vulnerable communities.

Edited by Virtual Interns Regina Navarro-Gomez and Kristin Mitra