TAWREF earns TRA award for tax compliance

KILIMANJARO: THE Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has awarded a Certificate of Excellence to the Tanzania Women Research Foundation (TAWREF) in recognition of the Moshi-based NGO’s exemplary tax compliance.

The award, issued in the medium taxpayers’ category, acknowledges the organisation’s commitment to fulfilling its tax obligations during the 2023/24 financial year.

Speaking during TAWREF’s 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held recently in Moshi, Executive Director, Dafrosa Itemba said the recognition reflected the organisation’s adherence to national laws and its commitment to contributing to the country’s revenue base.

“We understand our tax obligations as an organisation and ensure that we file returns and pay all required taxes on time. This award is a testament to our compliance and transparency,” she said.

Ms Itemba said TAWREF has continued to implement impactful programmes to improve learning environments for teachers and students. These include constructing modern classrooms, equipping them with clean toilets and ensuring access to safe and reliable water.

“Our programmes also aim to reduce the distance—between 4 and 6 kilometres—that many students, including very young children, walk to and from school. This will make education more accessible and safer for them,” she added.

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Unveiling future plans, Ms Itemba announced that TAWREF is collaborating with the Moshi Municipal Council (MMC) to establish childcare centres for children of market traders.

“These centres will provide safe care for children while their mothers conduct business, preventing them from wandering around busy markets,” she explained.

The centres will be located in primary schools near markets, making them easily accessible for working mothers. Ms Itemba expressed appreciation to the government for its support and acknowledged development partners who have provided financial resources, training and working tools.

These include FHI 360 (USA), Vine Trust (Scotland), Kidshare (Netherlands), Wildgees (Netherlands), Susan Bhaumik, Malfrid, friends from Norway, and the Faraja Fund Foundation (USA).

“These partnerships have strengthened our ability to deliver effective programmes that improve education, empower women and enhance community welfare,” she said.

Ms Itemba reaffirmed TAWREF’s commitment to promoting social and economic well-being, particularly for women and children, in line with national development priorities.