Sister Afra Mgwama, O.S.B., has dedicated her life to expanding educational opportunities for children in Tanzania and was honored with Benedictine University’s 2020 Visionary Award in recognition of her remarkable achievements and service.
A member of the African Benedictine Sisters of Saint Gertrude in Imiliwaha, Tanzania, Sister Afra has led the development of a thriving Catholic elementary school in the city of Sumbawanga since 2013.
Born into a family of eight children in a remote Tanzanian village, Sister Afra’s educational journey began against significant odds. At a time when many village girls did not attend school, she persuaded her father to allow her to pursue an education. Her academic success led her to enter the convent in Imiliwaha at age sixteen, where she completed her secondary education.
In 2003, the Benedictine Sisters selected her to pursue advanced studies in the United States so she could better serve orphaned and vulnerable children in Tanzania. Through the generosity of the Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery and Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois, Sister Afra embarked on a life-changing educational journey.
Arriving in the United States introduced her to experiences far removed from her rural upbringing. Traveling internationally for the first time, she encountered escalators, elevators, hotels, and large airports—experiences that reflected just how dramatically her world was expanding.
Beyond learning English, Sister Afra adapted to a new culture while pursuing her studies at Benedictine University. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts in Elementary Education in 2009, followed by a Master of Education in Leadership and Administration in 2011. That same year, she also completed a Master of Science degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
Throughout her time at Benedictine, she developed lasting relationships through student teaching, parish involvement, and connections with classmates and faculty.
After returning to Tanzania in 2012, Sister Afra was given an ambitious assignment: establish a new school in Sumbawanga, a growing city in western Tanzania near Lake Tanganyika.
With support from Friends of Imiliwaha and other donors, she transformed that vision into reality.
What began as a daunting challenge has become a thriving educational campus serving more than 300 students from preschool through seventh grade. The school is consistently ranked among the top schools in the region and provides educational opportunities to many children who otherwise would not have access to quality schooling.
Built “brick by brick,” a phrase that has become Sister Afra’s personal motto, the campus now includes a modern computer laboratory and serves dozens of orphaned children who live in housing connected to the convent.
Sister Afra continues to expand the school’s mission, particularly focusing on educational opportunities for girls. Drawing on her own experience overcoming barriers to education, she works tirelessly to ensure young women have the tools and opportunities they need to build successful and productive lives.
Her vision for the future includes expanding facilities for orphaned and boarding students and constructing a larger convent to support the growing ministry.
Reflecting on her journey, Sister Afra expressed gratitude to the Benedictine Sisters, Benedictine University, Friends of Imiliwaha, and the many supporters who helped make her work possible.
“I appreciate and cannot thank Friends of Imiliwaha and all who have supported me enough. I do carry a light with me wherever I go. It was given to me the first day I was welcomed to Benedictine University.”
The 2020 Visionary Award recognizes leaders whose dedication, innovation, and commitment to service have made a lasting impact on their communities. Sister Afra’s work in Sumbawanga stands as a powerful example of how education can transform lives and create opportunities for future generations.