vision for the future
People Behind the Steering Wheel
Below is a brief overview of the current trustees and office bearers of the African Child Welfare Foundation (ACWF).
- Eng. Bernard Kavishe (49)—President & Founder Trustee
Eng. Kavishe, a Registered Professional Civil Engineer, graduated from the University of Dar es Salaam in 1996. Based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, he has extensive experience in construction and construction management and co-owns a construction company registered with Tanzania’s Constructors Registration Board (CRB). An active member of the civil engineering community, Eng. Kavishe has long been committed to addressing broader community needs. ACWF formalizes these efforts by expanding and organizing social initiatives alongside his professional pursuits. Since 2012, he has transitioned to the aviation and academic sectors and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation at the Open University of Tanzania, focusing on public project cycle management.
- Adelfina Pantaleo Kimario (43) — CEO & Founder Trustee
Based in Dar es Salaam, Sr. Adelfina is a dedicated secondary school teacher specializing in Chemistry and Biology in the public sector. Formerly a nun in Christian congregations, she brings a deep understanding of community vulnerabilities from her extensive work in Africa, including two years in DR-Congo and Rwanda, where she gained fluency in French. She holds a Bachelor of Education in Science (2015) and is passionate about empowering youth and nurturing their potential.
- Stella S. Emmillian (55) — Ordinary Trustee
Stella is a law graduate from the University of Dar es Salaam and a practicing advocate. She manages Sakina Secondary School in Arusha, Tanzania. After a brief government tenure, she dedicated five years to voluntary work with NGOs supporting vulnerable women and children, offering free legal aid and counseling in areas such as matrimonial and land disputes, probate, and social welfare. Stella continues to contribute her expertise to community service initiatives.
- Fanny Nicolaisen — Ordinary Trustee
Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Political Science at the University of Washington, Seattle, USA, Fanny is based in Oslo, Norway. An ex-volunteer recognized for her dedication to ACWF’s mission, she brings youthful energy and a global perspective across three continents. Fanny serves as our vital link to Northern partners and the future of the organization.
- Mr. Rusk Kishimba (71) — Associate Trustee
A retired teacher based in Moshi, Tanzania, Mr. Kishimba has extensive experience traveling and working across Tanzania, East Africa, and globally. He once served as a personal aide to the renowned Chief Marealle, contributing valuable knowledge and historical perspective to ACWF.
- Dr. John Lyimo (74) — Associate Trustee
Dr. Lyimo is a retired orthopedic surgeon based in Moshi, Tanzania, with a distinguished career in public health. He is currently an associate professor at a medical university and provides contract medical services at Machame Hospital. His vast experience guides ACWF’s health-related initiatives.
- Gabriella Andersson — Associate Trustee
A teacher at Katedralskolan Gymnasium in Skara, Sweden, Gabriella has a strong affinity for Tanzania, fostered through multiple visits. She has facilitated educational exchanges between Tanzania and Sweden, playing a key role in supporting Mairiva (now Sakina) Secondary School and Kwangao Primary School. Gabriella’s efforts were instrumental in ACWF’s formal establishment. She serves as our primary contact in Sweden.
- Jakob Fihn — Ordinary Trustee
Based in Gothenburg, Sweden, Jakob is a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies from the University of Gothenburg. He has developed a thorough understanding of globalization’s political, economic, and social dimensions, especially regarding development and sustainability. A former volunteer with ACWF, Jakob has returned to Tanzania multiple times, including a recent six-month assignment at the Embassy of Sweden in Dar es Salaam in the Political Affairs and Trade Promotion section.