Mengisen Terevael Massawe (Menny Terry) is the Founder and Director of Kushamiri Africa Foundation, advancing adolescent girls’ education, agency, leadership, menstrual health, and positive social norms.
He holds a Master of Divinity in Organizational Leadership (Magna Cum Laude) from the United States and a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy, with strong professional experience in the financial sector, leadership, and organizational development.
Through Kushamiri, he is developing the Kushamiri Agency Champions model, equipping adolescent girls with knowledge, confidence, decision-making skills, and peer networks to stay in school, reduce early and unintended pregnancy risk, and thrive.
Kushamiri is a Swahili word meaning “to thrive.” Kushamiri Africa Foundation was founded on the belief that adolescent girls and young people deserve the knowledge, confidence, and opportunities to shape their futures.
We address interconnected barriers that affect girls’ education and agency—including menstrual health, school absenteeism, early pregnancy, child marriage, and limited access to mentorship and life skills.
Our approach combines menstrual health education, peer-led mentorship, safe spaces, agency-building, and practical life skills to help adolescent girls stay in school, make informed decisions, and pursue their aspirations.
Our Vision:
A future where adolescent girls can stay in school, make informed choices, and thrive with dignity, confidence, and opportunity.
To empower girls and young people through education, menstrual health, leadership, and economic opportunities, enabling them to thrive and transform their communities.
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Working with Kushamiri Africa Foundation has transformed our school. Their support keeps girls in class who would otherwise be forced into early marriages. They’re not just changing lives—they’re changing communities.
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"Before Kushamiri, I was too shy to ask questions about my period. Now I understand my body, feel confident, and never miss school because of fear." — Student
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"Being a Peer Educator with Kushamiri has shown me that changing a girl's life takes more than giving her a menstrual kit. Through education, mentorship, and safe conversations, I've seen girls become more confident and believe in themselves." — Peer Educator
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"Kushamiri gave me the opportunity to mentor girls in my community. Seeing them gain knowledge, confidence, and hope has been the most rewarding experience." — Peer Educator
