Mariam Albhai Surve

The MAISHA project As a youth researcher, I am currently working on the Maisha Project, which focuses on enhancing mental health among young people in Tanzania and Kenya. The project combines evidence-based research with youth-led engagement to better understand challenges, promote awareness, and develop practical solutions that support the well-being and resilience of adolescents and young adults. China–Harvard–Africa Network (CHAN) - Through Their Eyes A qualitative research initiative that uses the photovoice approach to explore adolescent mental health in Tanzania from adolescents’ own perspectives. By engaging secondary school students to document and discuss their lived experiences through photography and guided discussions, the project captures key stressors, protective factors, coping strategies, and levels of mental health literacy within school settings. The initiative aims to generate context-specific, youth-driven evidence to inform school-based interventions, strengthen mental health support systems, and contribute to policy and program design that better responds to adolescents’ real needs.

At Ubongo Kids, I develop engaging and educational content designed to entertain and empower children. My role involves researching age-appropriate topics, crafting fun yet informative stories, and ensuring that content was aligns with the educational goals of the organization. I worked closely with a creative team to design animations, scripts, and interactive elements that promoted learning in an enjoyable and accessible way. I focus on delivering content that addresses key life skills, including problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and social awareness, while ensuring it is relatable to children from diverse backgrounds. Through a combination of storytelling, music, and visual design, I play an integral role in enhancing the learning experience for children, both locally and internationally. My efforts contributed to the mission of Ubongo Kids to make learning fun and accessible to children across Africa.

As a Radio Host at Crown Media, I create engaging content for Mtoto Imara, focusing on children’s mental health, education, and well-being. I host live programs, conduct interviews, and drive listener interaction. Collaborating with the production team, I ensure smooth broadcasts, contribute to content strategies, and represent Crown Media at public events, mentoring junior members.

At African Reflections Foundation (ARF), I led impactful community projects, including water initiatives that benefited school children in Mkuranga. I conducted capacity-building programs to empower rural women and promoted climate change adaptation through sustainable agriculture, enhancing local development.

At WGNRR, I championed sexual and reproductive rights, conducting in-depth analyses and advocating for policy improvements focused on abortion, youth, and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). I engaged with local communities, impacting young girls, and worked with regional partners to promote gender equality and access to sexual health services.