In 2003 HakiElimu received several thousand letters from throughout Tanzania. They were written by people of all kinds – old grandmothers and young pupils, parents and teachers, Government Ministers and ward councillors, Friends of Education and influential policymakers. The vast majority were written by ordinary citizens, often by hand on scraps of paper taken from yellowing exercise books. Hundreds others responded to public competitions and public forums. Tens of thousands viewed and debated HakiElimu publications and media programs. Throughout 2003, people spoke up! The letters and other responses were full of ideas and concerns, problems and suggestions. They exhibited a keen understanding of education and governance issues on the „ground‟, and an analysis of the situation. Many had creative suggestions about what should be done. Many letters provided an account of how people across the country are taking action to improve education and governance, and making a difference, despite challenges. HakiElimu responded to most letters, offering information and suggestions of how people could take their ideas forward. Selected letters were also forwarded to relevant Government leaders, other NGOs and the media for broader attention. Letters were used in HakiElimu publications and programs, and served as valuable feedback to our work and about what people care about. These letters – while only one aspect of HakiElimu‟s work – capture the essence of the organization‟s approach. They demonstrate that ordinary people across the country care deeply about education and quality and accountability. That they are willing to do something concrete to make things better. And that they have knowledge and ideas that can serve as vital resources for driving development in Tanzania. HakiElimu‟s mission is to enable ordinary women, men and young people across the country – without discrimination – to play an active part in making education and development work for them and their communities. It is about enabling people to be aware and informed, to be critical and creative citizens, to engage in thoughtful public debate and analysis, to hold leaders accountable, and to take concrete steps to improve quality of life and realization of human rights. The letters demonstrate that people are doing just that, and that HakiElimu is contributing to the process. This is cause for optimism – because in the final analysis sustainable and progressive change comes not from projects and programs, but from informed people who have the confidence to act in committed, thoughtful, respectful and imaginative ways. This report provides an account of the achievements, challenges and lessons learned in the course of implementing HakiElimu‟s work in 2003. The first three sections describe progress in relation to HakiElimu‟s three programs. The fourth section outlines progress in relation to organizational issues including staffing, governance structure, administration policies and financial accountability. The final section is the conclusion which highlights the overall achievements and challenges for the coming years. This report is accompanied by a financial report for 2003, which has been certified as true and fair by the independent audit firm of KPMG.