Maria Kamm

Maria Josephine Kamm (born 1937) is a Tanzanian educator, politician and philanthropist. She has been recognized nationally for her impact on women's education in Tanzania.

Background and education Kamm was born in June, 1937 in Iringa, Tanzania.

Career Kamm started teaching in 1965. At this time, theories of education were being widely discussed in Africa, as countries moved away from colonial government and educational systems, and established their own models. In 1967, the government of Tanzania issued a policy urging participatory pedagogy and practical education in schools.

In the early years of her career, Kamm taught at Machame Girls Secondary School and Rugambwa Secondary School. She then became headmistress of Weruweru Secondary School, a public girls' school in the Kilimanjaro region, leading the school from 1970 to 1992.

Kamm did not believe that girls who were pregnant should be expelled, but this was the policy of the government at the time. As a result, she started her own parallel school, the Kilimanjaro Academy, for girls who dropped out of government schools because of pregnancy.

She also briefly entered politics and became a member of Parliament, winning a special seat for Tanzanian Mainland. Her interest in politics was sparked by Julius Nyerere and his philosophies on education and democracy.

In retirement, Kamm has continued to be an advocate for quality education for girls. She is an honorary member and patron for Lyra Africa, a non-profit working on addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including girls education. She also helped found the Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation.

Impact on women's education in Tanzania Affectionately known as "Mama Kamm", she has been recognized nationally for her work, and is considered a role model for women in the country.

In 2014, Kamm was selected as the Tanzanian Woman of the Year, for her work in education. She was also featured in an episode on the Tanzanian television program Malkia wa Nguvu ("Strong Queen"), which features women who have achieved success.

Awards Kamm has received several awards for her work:

2011, The Women of Achievement Award (Life Time Achievement) 2014, Tanzania Woman of the Year, from Global Publishers 2018, Malkia wa Nguvu Prize, Clouds Media