Most loving, kind, caring, guiding, humorous, cheerful, religious,.......the list goes on when you think of Mama Namkunda Nampombe Kashimbiri! When you talked to her, you realise that whatever she told you came from her kind loving heart. I was honoured to have such memorable moments with her and I thank God for that. The least we can do now is to cling to the values that she cherished including family unity. She is now resting till that beautiful morning where there will be no more sorrow nor losing loved ones! Let us all look forward to that!

My Aunt was behind my success. She inspired me in many ways. She urged me to work hard in college. Each time I met her, she checked my progress by asking "Unafaulu? ulikuwa wa ngapi? " I prayed so hard that she lives to attend my MPH Graduation and God gave her many more years and she attended my DrPH. I can not express how I miss her. She was my aunt, my father and  my teacher. To the last day that connection was there. I was happy that the last time I met her she comfirmed that the connection was still there. I miss her so much!! ...But I believe she is resting in peace.

Contributions to the Community

The life of NamkundaNampombeKashimbiri is a credit to women, not only in Tanzania, but to the entire cosmos. Shehas been a person of strong character and integrity who stood for her convictions. She stood by her husband to the point of losing a job temporarily. She advocated and advanced the education for girls and women. Her area of expertise included, hygiene, home economics, child care, character building and general academic knowledge in the classroom setting. She was very involved in church affairs and held positions such deaconess, children and adult Sabbath school superintendent and church outreach community services. She was not only a good cook, but very generous to all people from both the church and the government. She was in charge of entertainments for both church and political leaders which included cabinet ministers who visited the community where she worked. Her home was like a hostel for all church and family visitors. She has always been cheerful and sharp witted to this day. The family have the pleasure and honour of calling her queen mother.

Further still, the courage and stamina this lady portrayedin her life will ever stand as a pillar. After she separated from her husband, she struggled to instruct, counsel and grow up her eight children almost single-handed. Her wisdom, charisma and determination far exceeded that of many men and women. As a result, three of her children became very successful teachers; one became a Director of Fiscal Services in United States of America, being in charge of accounting, payroll and budgeting services; one an engineer; one a nurse, one an agricultural professional and the other an entrepreneur. She also instructed women in home economics and social welfare, giving valuable seminars to the community wherever she lived. This was especially so in the Mara, Mbeya and in Kilimanjaro Regions. At her 98 years of age, she is still sound and providing profitable discussions and counsels to those who happen to visit her. She deserves to be considered asindeed today’s Solomon.