Achter het werk van het Jane Goodall Institute staan iedere dag mensen die zich met kennis, betrokkenheid en toewijding inzetten voor een betere toekomst. In deze serie ontmoeten we de collega’s die Jane Goodalls visie voortzetten in de praktijk: onderzoekers, veldmedewerkers, verzorgers en natuurbeschermers die zich inzetten voor een wereld waarin mens, dier en natuur in harmonie kunnen samenleven.
> Scroll down to read the English version of this inspiring interview with Dismas.
Dit keer spreken we met Dismas Engelbert Mwacha, dierenarts en manager van het laboratorium van het Gombe Stream Research Center in Tanzania. Dit is de plek waar Jane in 1960 haar baanbrekende onderzoek naar chimpansees begon en waar al meer dan zes decennia wordt onderzocht hoe mens, dier en natuur met elkaar verbonden zijn.
Dit keer spreken we met onze collega Kibaliza Kimata Gilagiza (29), laboratorium- en veldassistent bij het Jane Goodall Institute Tanzania. Vanuit het Gombe Stream Research Centre, het onderzoekscentrum dat Jane in 1960 oprichtte, vertelt zij over haar bijzondere jeugd in Gombe, haar inspiratiebron Jane Goodall, haar werk voor chimpansees en de kracht van hoop, doorzettingsvermogen en rolmodellen.
Door Martine Reimerink, Programma Manager van het Jane Goodall Instituut Nederland.
“Quote”
– Dismas Engelbert Mwacha
Titel
Kun je iets over jezelf vertellen?
Dit is inmiddels mijn elfde jaar bij het Jane Goodall Institute in Gombe. Ik werk voornamelijk met de chimpansees en bavianen in het park, maar sinds kort ben ik ook betrokken bij onderzoek naar de relatie tussen mensen, de natuur en onze leefomgeving.
In het veld verzamelen we monsters en houden we de gezondheid van de dieren nauwlettend in de gaten. We doen dat zoveel mogelijk door observatie, omdat we de dieren niet willen verstoren in hun natuurlijke gedrag en dagelijkse routines.
Waarom heb je ervoor gekozen om in natuurbescherming te werken?
Ik ben altijd gefascineerd geweest door dieren. Als kind was ik ontzettend dol op mijn hond. Mijn moeder vertelt nog steeds dat ik weigerde te eten als mijn hond niet ook iets te eten had gekregen.
Toen mijn hond overleed nadat hij een bot in zijn keel had gekregen, was ik daar kapot van. Misschien is daar wel mijn wens ontstaan om dierenarts te worden: iemand die dieren kan helpen en redden.
Later ontmoette ik Jane op de middelbare school en werd ik onderdeel van het Roots & Shoots-programma. Dat ik nu bij het Gombe Stream Research Centre werk, voelt daardoor als een mooie cirkel die rond is.
Titel
Als kind had Kibaliza verschillende toekomstplannen:“Eerst wilde ik advocaat worden. Daarna dacht ik dat ik arts wilde worden.”
Pas op de middelbare school ontdekte ze waar haar echte passie lag: Ik realiseerde me dat ik niet alleen mensen wilde helpen, maar ook wilde begrijpen hoe mensen, dieren en natuur met elkaar verbonden zijn. Daarom besloot ik archeologie en geschiedenis te studeren.”
Die keuze was niet toevallig. Ze wilde meer leren over de relatie tussen mens en dier, en hoe die zich door de tijd heeft ontwikkeld. Na haar studie voelde één volgende stap logisch.
“Natuurlijk wilde ik voor het Jane Goodall Instituut werken. Hoe kon het ook anders? Jane was mijn grote voorbeeld. Ik wist dat ik, net als zij, een positieve bijdrage wilde leveren aan de wereld.”
“Je bent misschien wel een rolmodel zonder dat je het zelf beseft.”
– Kibaliza Kimata Gilagiza
Doe mee en maak het verschil
Het verhaal van Dismas laat zien dat…
Bij het Jane Goodall Instituut geloven we dat iedereen een verschil kan maken. Of het nu gaat om onderzoek in Tanzania, bewustwording creëren in je eigen omgeving of jongeren inspireren hun hart te volgen: elke actie telt. Samen bouwen we aan een wereld waarin mens, dier en natuur in harmonie samenleven. Met jouw steun kunnen wij dat werk elke dag voortzetten.
Lees meer over onze programma’s in Afrika en kijk hoe je in actie kunt komen.
Doe mee en laat je inspireren door de mensen in het veld die elke dag in Jane Goodalls voetsporen treden.
Foto’s: Dismas Engelbert Mwacha en het Gombe Stream Research Center in Tanzania.
Meer ‘Verhalen uit het veld’ lezen?
Het verhaal van Kibaliza, laboratorium- en veldassistent (Gombe, Tanzania)
Het verhaal van Dierenarts Dr Ahmed (Kibale, Oeganda)
Het verhaal van Emily Otali (Kibale Chimpanzee Project, Oeganda)
Below you can read the English version of this interview.
Stories from the Field: Meet Kibaliza Kimata Gilagiza from Gombe, Tanzania
Behind every conservation project are people who dedicate their lives to creating a better future. In this series, we introduce the researchers, field staff, caregivers and conservationists who bring Jane Goodall’s vision to life every day—working towards a world where people, animals and nature thrive together.
This time, we spoke with Kibaliza Kimata Gilagiza (29), a Laboratory and Field Assistant at the Jane Goodall Institute Tanzania. Based at the Gombe Stream Research Centre—the research station Jane founded in 1960—Kibaliza shares her remarkable story of growing up in Gombe, finding inspiration in Jane Goodall, and dedicating her career to chimpanzee conservation. She also reflects on the importance of hope, perseverance and the power of role models.
Recently, Martine Reimerink, Programme Manager of the Jane Goodall Institute Netherlands, sat down with her for this inspiring conversation.
“You could say I’m a product of Jane Goodall.”
– Kibaliza Kimata Gilagiza
From schoolgirl in Gombe to researcher at the world-famous Gombe Stream Research Centre
When we ask Kibaliza to introduce herself, she immediately smiles:“You could say I’m a product of Jane Goodall.”
Her father worked for many years as a financial advisor for the Jane Goodall Institute, which meant Jane’s work was part of her life from an early age.“As a little girl, I often accompanied my father to work. I grew up surrounded by Jane’s conservation work.”
She also attended the school that Jane helped establish in Gombe. “The school was located right in the middle of the national park. We were constantly surrounded by wildlife and nature. As a child, it felt magical—but sometimes a little frightening too.”
For Kibaliza, nature wasn’t something she only read about in books or saw in documentaries. It was simply part of everyday life.
A little girl with big dreams
Like many children, Kibaliza’s dreams changed over time.“At first I wanted to become a lawyer. Later I thought I would become a doctor.”
It wasn’t until secondary school that she discovered her true passion.“I realised I didn’t just want to help people—I wanted to understand how people, animals and nature are connected. That’s why I decided to study Archaeology and History.”
Her choice wasn’t accidental. She wanted to learn more about the relationship between humans and animals throughout history. After graduating, there was only one place she truly wanted to work.“Of course I wanted to work for the Jane Goodall Institute. How could it be otherwise? Jane was my role model. I knew I wanted to contribute to making the world a better place, just as she has.”
A role model who proved change is possible
To Kibaliza, Jane was much more than a world-renowned scientist.“To me, Jane was one of the bravest women I had ever known.”
Growing up, she rarely saw women openly speaking about their dreams or ambitions.“It isn’t always easy for girls and women to speak confidently about what they want to achieve. Jane did exactly that. She told the world what she believed in, worked tirelessly for it, and proved that real change is possible.”
That left a lasting impression.“She showed me that you can dream, work hard, and turn those dreams into reality. That inspired me enormously.”
A meeting she’ll never forget
For years, Kibaliza admired Jane from afar. Then, a few years ago, something happened she had only dreamed about as a child: she met Jane in person.“I had the opportunity to sit down with her and talk, just the two of us. She gave me advice and genuinely took the time to listen.”
The experience remains unforgettable.“It was an incredibly special and emotional moment—not just because I met her, but because we connected person to person.”
From being inspired to inspiring others
Today, Kibaliza is inspiring a new generation herself. One of the moments she is most proud of was appearing in a documentary where she was able to share her own journey.“I had the opportunity to tell my story to other girls and women. It felt like a tremendous honour.”
She hopes her story encourages others to pursue their own dreams. She says:“Maybe somewhere there’s a young girl watching that documentary, thinking: ‘If she can do it, maybe I can too.’ That would be one of the greatest rewards I could imagine.”
“Don’t only look at yourself”
When asked what advice she would give young women and girls, Kibaliza doesn’t hesitate.“Don’t only focus on what you achieve today.”
She believes people often become discouraged because meaningful change takes time.“Sometimes you grow tired and feel like you’re not making progress. But look around you.There are always people watching you, drawing inspiration from what you do. You may already be someone’s role model without even realising it.”
“You may be someone’s role model without even realising it.”
– Kibaliza Kimata Gilagiza
That thought keeps her motivated.“Don’t only focus on yourself. Also recognise the positive impact you have on others.”
Why giving up is never an option
Working in conservation means facing enormous challenges every day. Deforestation, habitat loss, climate change and disease continue to threaten wildlife across the globe. So how does she stay motivated? Kibaliza finds her answer in nature itself: “Animals and plants never give up.”
She explains how nature constantly reminds her to persevere:“Look at trees. Even after drought or damage, they recover. They keep growing for the next generation.” For her, that carries an important lesson.“How can I give up when they don’t?” She smiles.“Sometimes all I need is to look at a tree or an animal, and I remember exactly why I do this work.”
Research that protects both people and wildlife
As a Laboratory and Field Assistant, Kibaliza plays an important role in the research taking place in Gombe. She collects biological samples in the field and analyses them in the laboratory, helping scientists better understand diseases and identify potential health risks at an early stage.
“We don’t only study diseases affecting chimpanzees—we also investigate the potential transmission of diseases between humans and chimpanzees.”
This work benefits both wildlife and local communities. By improving disease monitoring, researchers help protect wild chimpanzees while also safeguarding the health of the people who live alongside them. It reflects exactly what Jane Goodall has advocated throughout her life: recognising the deep connection between people, animals and nature. Together with her colleagues in Gombe, Kibaliza continues Jane’s legacy every single day.
“Trees never give up. They recover and continue growing for the next generation. So how can I?”
Join us and make a difference
Kibaliza’s story shows how inspiration can span generations. As a young girl, she grew up inspired by Jane Goodall’s vision. Today, she is putting that vision into action herself, and inspiring others to do the same.
At the Jane Goodall Institute, we believe that everyone can make a difference. Whether it’s supporting conservation research in Tanzania, raising awareness in your own community, or encouraging young people to follow their dreams, every action matters. Together, we can build a future where people, animals and nature live in harmony. With your support, we can continue this vital work every day.
Learn more about our conservation programmes in Africa and discover how you can get involved.
Join us and be inspired by the people in the field who continue to walk in Jane Goodall’s footsteps every day.
Photos: Kibaliza Kimata Gilagiza and the Gombe Stream Research Centre, Tanzania.
Kom in actie