Mahamba Sebastian Ihonde

Mahamba Sebastian Ihonde is an accomplished Tanzanian educator whose transformative teaching and leadership have left a significant impact on students, teachers, and communities both locally and internationally. Born and raised in rural Tanzania, where education was a scarce privilege, Mahamba’s early experiences shaped his unwavering commitment to empowering others through teaching. Inspired by his father’s belief in the transformative power of education, Mahamba pursued a teaching career despite family aspirations for him to become a doctor. He earned a diploma, a bachelor’s degree in education, and a master’s degree in linguistics, equipping himself with the knowledge and skills to revolutionize education in underprivileged settings. 

Mahamba’s innovative approaches to teaching have transformed classrooms and communities. His work is rooted in interactive, learner-centred methodologies that connect education to real-world experiences. A strong advocate for project- and challenge-based learning, Mahamba integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) into English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction. One of his most notable achievements is the IQ Interschools Challenge TV Program, which combines live teaching, STEAM projects, and English proficiency development. Broadcast on Star TV, the program has reached students across Tanzania and beyond, enhancing their critical thinking, practical skills, and confidence. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mahamba displayed remarkable adaptability by launching the “Nyumbani Darasa” (Home Class) program on Facebook Live to support students learning from home. Recognizing the digital divide, he extended the initiative to radio and television, ensuring equitable access to education. These efforts earned widespread recognition and cemented his reputation as an innovative education leader. 

As a 2019 Fulbright Teacher Excellence and Achievement Program alumnus, Mahamba gained global exposure at Montana State University, where he honed his leadership and pedagogy skills. On returning, he spearheaded initiatives including professional development workshops for teachers in Tanzania’s Mwanza and Kagera regions. In 2023, he trained 57 teachers from across Africa in Cairo through a TESOL International leadership program. Mahamba’s commitment to lifelong learning extends to his coordination of webinars for the Africa English Language Teachers Association, where he has reached many educators across the continent. 

Mahamba’s work transcends the classroom, tackling social challenges such as gender inequality and climate change. He organizes annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, fostering awareness among students and parents. As a global schools’ advocate, he integrates sustainability into his curriculum, leading projects on environmental conservation, tree planting, and waste management in public schools. 

Despite teaching in under-resourced schools in Mwanza, where many students face socio-economic and cultural barriers, Mahamba’s efforts have yielded remarkable results. His students have achieved a 30% improvement in English proficiency, and his school consistently ranks among the top-performing institutions in the region. He also mentors students for international opportunities, including EducationUSA scholarships, and fosters global citizenship through cross-cultural exchanges and SDG-focused lessons. 

Driven by compassion and innovation, Mahamba Sebastian Ihonde exemplifies the power of education to transform lives. His groundbreaking contributions, such as the IQ Interschools Challenge and his advocacy for equity in education, make him a deserving candidate for the Global Teacher Prize.