Timothy Shindika '67
Retired educator/public servant, Tanzania
Major: biology, minor in economics
Strict upbringing. Timothy grew up in a large family in Masemele, Tanzania, near one of the main harbors on Lake Victoria. His father was a pastor for the African Inland Church of Tanzania. They lived in an extended family home with five other families. “Because there were so many children, our parents were harsh (in discipline) in order to form us into agreeable company,” says Timothy. “Any misbehavior or truancy was dealt with accordingly.”
First impressions. After attending teacher training at Minaki St. Andrews College and teaching in Tanzania for five years, Timothy was encouraged to continue his education in the U.S. Through a connection with the Mennonite Church, he was awarded a scholarship to attend Bluffton University. When he first entered a Bluffton classroom, he was amazed that students were allowed to freely express opinions and question authority. “Bluffton taught me to be tolerant and respectful of different points of view,” he says. “I learned to be more open with others.” After Bluffton, Timothy attended Kent State University for his master’s degree in education.
Truth makes free. His Bluffton experience, Timothy says, taught him to seek the truth in all situations. “I have always cherished Bluffton’s motto. I want to know the truth in every situation … through my coursework at Bluffton I learned to question my assumptions and to not jump to conclusions.”
Education reform. Shortly after he returned to Tanzania, Timothy was appointed to several positions of leadership in the education field—including headmaster of the Musoma Alliance Secondary School and then regional education officer in the Dodoma region. He led an effort to expose the failing standards in the schools due to rapid expansion and lack of resources. “After my inspection report, the Education Ministry agreed that our primary education standards were falling and something had to be done in time or we as a nation were in trouble,” he said.
Public servant. For 27 years, 1975-2002, Timothy was involved in politics in his country. “My positions were in two categories—those I received through appointments, and those I won through an election process,” he said. “My biggest rewards were when I could speak my mind and see changes effected in my constituency and the nation as a whole.”
Kigoma champion. While governor of the region of Kigoma, Timothy implemented sweeping reforms that put the backward region on the map. He mobilized Kigoma residents to raise their overall standards of living through decent housing, education and new business opportunities such as commercial cotton farming. Whenever he had the opportunity to speak publicly, he would tell citizens, “Please let us build schools, plant trees to improve the environment, allow your boys and girls to get an education, as far as they can.” He was publicly patted on the back by the former President of Tanzania for his work in Kigoma.
Advocate for elderly. Timothy is also recognized in his country for speaking out against widespread abuse of elderly women in the Sukuma land area. They were often murdered because of long-held beliefs of witchcraft. “I spoke out on this issue to sensitize the public,” he said. By publicly pointing out the wrongness of this practice, Timothy helped in the formation of a formal society for the prevention of killing of elders.
Family and hobbies. Timothy and his wife, Esther, have nine children (three are deceased), 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild. In retirement, Timothy and his wife live on a farm near Lake Victoria in Tanzania. He enjoys animal husbandry, gardening, and staying active in church affairs. “I have a herd of cattle, which I herd as a hobby, and also a garden of plantain around my home,” he said.
- Laurie Wurth Pressel
