Neema Mjengwa - Chairperson, Board of Directors
Neema graduated from the Bagamoyo Sculpture School in 2003 after 3 years of training. After graduating, she opened her own art studio and shop (Sanaa Sana) in Bagamoyo. Neema came back to the Sculpture School as Secretary of the Board, later becoming the Chairperson of the Board of Directors. She specializes in clay sculpting and wood carving and her artwork has been displayed in exhibitions held in Tanzania (Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar), Germany, Finland, Sweden, and the United States. Neema is a member of the local chapter of the Bagamoyo Women Artist Network (BWAN). As well, she is a founding member and treasurer of the Bagamoyo Women Organization Development Network (BAWODENE).
Stumai Hamisi “Okoyashi”- Head Teacher
Born in Bagamoyo of the Zaramo tribe, Okoyashi graduated from Bagamoyo Sculpture School in 1997 as part of the first graduating class. In 2005, he joined the faculty of of the school and is currently the head teacher. He specializes in drawing and wood carving and his artwork has been displayed in exhibitions held in Tanzania (Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar), Germany, and Switzerland. Stumai's artwork focuses on two main themes: taking care of our environment and living in unity and solidarity.
Brighton K. Maganga - Part-Time Teacher
Born Sikonge District, in the Tabora region, he attended Mtwara Teacher’s College from 1979-1981. Following this, he served Oljon National Service for one year. He began teaching in 1982 as a primary school teacher and was headmaster from 1984-1990. He joined Butimba Teacher’s College for a two-year diploma in teaching visual arts. He received his BA Degree in 1999 and a postgraduate diploma in scientific computing from the University of Dar es Salaam in 2007. He then served as a tutor at Mpuguso Teacher’s College until 2010. During this time, he also worked as a part-time teacher for the Bagamoyo Sculpture School and specialized in teaching drawing skills. He is currently teaching at TaSUBa, the Bagamoyo Institute of Art and Culture. He is married with five children and two grandsons.
Haidari Y. Kirumbi - Part-Time Teacher
Born in Dar es Salaam, he joined the College of Art where he studied theatre arts, English, and Kiswahili languages. He joined the University of Dar es Salaam and graduated with a BA in theatre arts and literature (drama) in 1995. He is currently teaching at the College of Arts in Bagamoyo (TaSUBa) and has been acting, writing, and directing plays. He also has been teaching Kiswahili to foreigners and is also active in conducting various art workshops and campaigning for social development issues. He began teaching at the Bagamoyo Sculpture School in 2005 and continues to be involved in the school.
