International human rights organisation DefendDefenders has donated modern office equipment to the Media Aid for Indigenous People and Community (MAIPAC) to strengthen the organisation's digital operations and improve information security.
The equipment was handed over on July 9, 2026, through Arusha-based technology supplier Sound & Vision Ltd after being financed by DefendDefenders.
The donation follows an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) security assessment conducted by DefendDefenders among civil society organisations across East Africa. The assessment identified MAIPAC as one of the organisations requiring upgraded digital infrastructure to enhance its operations and safeguard sensitive information.
Receiving the equipment, MAIPAC Executive Director Mussa Juma said the support would significantly improve the organisation's efficiency, strengthen its digital security systems and ensure the long-term preservation of institutional data.
"We sincerely thank DefendDefenders for this valuable support. These modern office facilities will enable MAIPAC to improve its operations, strengthen digital security and deliver better services to citizens and our members," he said.
Mr Juma noted that DefendDefenders has been a long-standing partner of MAIPAC, having previously supported the organisation through capacity-building programmes for journalists on psychosocial wellbeing, responsible use of social media and resource mobilisation for civil society organisations.
He said the partnership began through the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), where MAIPAC benefited from various training programmes aimed at strengthening the work of human rights defenders.
Mr Juma also expressed gratitude to DefendDefenders Executive Director Hassan Shire for the organisation's continued support to MAIPAC and other civil society organisations, calling for deeper collaboration to address challenges facing human rights defenders.
MAIPAC Administration Manager Andrea Ngobole said the new equipment would improve the management and protection of membership records, making it easier for the organisation to organise regular training programmes for journalists based on their professional needs.
Earlier, DefendDefenders ICT Systems Administrator Hillary Kahoza had advised MAIPAC to upgrade its digital infrastructure following a cybersecurity assessment, highlighting the need for stronger data protection measures against cyber threats.
He commended MAIPAC for its work in promoting digital literacy among journalists and indigenous communities, particularly through awareness campaigns on responsible social media use, online safety and compliance with digital laws.
Over the years, MAIPAC has implemented a wide range of community development projects, including environmental conservation initiatives that integrate indigenous knowledge, anti-female genital mutilation campaigns in Longido District, water source conservation in Selela village in Monduli District, and digital skills training for schoolgirls.
The organisation has also trained journalists in peace journalism, epidemic reporting and environmental journalism.
One of its flagship programmes has equipped 140 journalists across Tanzania with skills in environmental reporting and environmental law, with support from UNESCO.
In addition, MAIPAC became the first organisation in Tanzania to publish a book highlighting the role of indigenous knowledge in environmental conservation, climate change adaptation and water resource management.
The publication has been distributed free of charge to promote the integration of indigenous and modern knowledge into national policy-making and sustainable development.
