Special Advisor – Awarding Policy and Education Programs
Arise and Shine International Ministries (ASIM)
Principal Instructor Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST), Tanzania
STEM Educator, Gender Advocate , Curriculum Specialist, Faith-Based Transformation Leader
With a heart devoted to equity, education, and spiritual transformation, Dr. Leoncia H. Kibani stands as a champion of inclusive education, ethical excellence, and God-centered learning in Africa. A seasoned academic and visionary mentor, Dr. Kibani now serves as Special Advisor on Awarding Policy and Education Programs at Arise and Shine International Ministries (ASIM) where her deep expertise bridges the gap between academic integrity and transformative social impact.
A Trailblazer in Educational Excellence and Gender Equity
Dr. Kibani holds a PhD in Education Science from the University of Dar es Salaam and brings over 20 years of experience in STEM education, curriculum design, teacher development, and gender-responsive pedagogy. She is currently a Principal Instructor I at Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST), where she also serves as the Coordinator for Gender Issues and Peer Educators.
Her career has been defined by her tireless efforts to empower underrepresented learners, especially women and youth, through science education, competency-based instruction, practical skill-building, and policy reform. She has guided teachers, advised schools, and designed national education interventions both in Tanzania and across Africa.
At the Heart of ASIM’s Vision for Justice and Educational Reform
In her leadership role at ASIM, Dr. Kibani advises on:
- Awarding frameworks that uphold both academic excellence and moral character,
- Competency-based curriculum reform tailored to community needs and spiritual values,
- Gender equity in teaching and learning systems,
- Faith-integrated education models that inspire transformation beyond the classroom.
Her voice is pivotal in strengthening ASIM’s mission of holistic development—spiritually, intellectually, and socially through equitable and excellence-driven educational structures.
An International Thought Leader and Researcher
Dr. Kibani has contributed to numerous international conferences and published more than ten scholarly works focusing on:
- The implementation of competence-based curricula,
- Educational technology for early learners,
- Assessment practices in science education,
- Gender and health awareness among youth, and
- Teacher training innovations.
She is currently leading a UNICEF-supported study on out-of-school adolescents in Tanzania and has represented her country in influential education and policy forums across Africa, including Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Malawi.
Rooted in Faith, Committed to Justice
A faithful Christian, mother, mentor, and servant-leader, Dr. Kibani believes that “education must not only inform but transform.” Her work is guided by the conviction that awarding systems should honor more than grades, they must celebrate dignity, purpose, resilience, and service to God and community.
Her appointment at ASIM reflects her unwavering dedication to building educational systems that uplift the soul, sharpen the mind, and prepare leaders for eternity. She joins other ASIM leaders in building a visionary Africa, where integrity, innovation, and inclusiveness define the future of education.
“We are not just educating students,we are raising stewards of God’s purpose. Our systems must recognize and reward not just performance, but faith, courage, and the spirit of service.”
Dr. Leoncia H. Kibani, PhD