Rev. Manaen Ngaji Kawira (1943–2021) was a founding leader and the first Chairman of SHED Foundation.
A lifelong advocate for service, education, health, and community development, he brought decades of leadership experience to SHED and helped shape the organization’s early vision and direction.
Rev. Kawira studied in the United States, earning an Associate degree from Hesston College, a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry from Bluffton College, and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Ball State University. His professional career spanned health care, hospital administration, government service, and international development. He served at Shirati Hospital, held administrative and program positions within the Government of Tanzania, and worked with World Vision International and development programs connected to the Office of the Prime Minister.
Faith, Service and SHED
Faith and community leadership were central to his life. Rev. Kawira was ordained at Shirati Mennonite Church in 1992 and served as its full-time pastor until 2005. In 2006, he helped establish SHED Foundation and became its Chairman, bringing together his experience in public service, development, health, and ministry in support of a shared mission to strengthen communities in Shirati and the wider Rorya region.
His leadership helped lay the foundation for SHED’s long-term work in health, education, and development, and his commitment to service remains an important part of the organization’s legacy.