“Umoja ni nguvu, utengano ni udhaifu”Unity is strength, division is weakness
The meaning of Pamoja
Pamoja means “together”.
Pamoja Afrika is not a place people come to give help and leave. It is a place where people meet, learn from each other, work side by side and become part of a long journey.
We are a local Tanzanian organization and a neutral one — not based on any religion or politics.
How it all began
From the Ugweno mountains.
Pamoja Afrika was founded in 2010 to create social and economic opportunities for local people, and to let local and international youth exchange experiences and build profitable, climate-friendly projects together.
Our first work grew in Ugweno, in the North Pare mountains of the Kilimanjaro Region — home of the Shana, the clan of blacksmiths. Clean water came to Sungo village in 2016, beekeeping with the women of Sungo in 2018, and in 2021 Hillock School opened in Kisiwani.
Why education comes first
Learning that builds independence.
Practical learning, critical thinking and self-reliance are the foundation of everything else. A young person who can think, create and solve real problems can build a future — and help build a community.
That is why we see Pamoja Afrika as a movement for economic freedom for young Tanzanians, grounded in good, relevant education.
Hillock, our living foundation
Where the philosophy is lived every day.
Hillock English Medium School is where these ideas become daily life: 155 students and 15 teachers, nursery to Grade 7, English from an early age and creativity beside the curriculum. In 2026 the school celebrated its first Standard 7 graduation.
Hillock is the beginning — but Pamoja Afrika does not end at the school gate.
We are building towards a larger environment for education, creativity and opportunity: secondary and high school at Hillock, a meeting place where young people with ideas find each other, and projects that turn skills into livelihoods.
What we do today is real. What we build towards is bigger.
The people behind Pamoja
A Tanzanian team, rooted in community.
Teachers, leaders, families and partners — building Hillock and our projects together.
EMFounder
Emmanuel (Emason) Mshana
The founder of Pamoja Afrika and the mind behind its philosophy: work together for a brighter future.
SGCo-founder · Planning & operations
Samson Godson
Co-founder who oversees our plans and the day-to-day work that turns them into reality.
OPExecutive Director · Hillock School
Obby Panga
Leads Hillock School and plans and oversees all buildings, construction and design.
BMHead of Education
Bright Mshana
Leads education across Pamoja Afrika — what and how our children learn.
AMChildren’s welfare
Angel Mshana
Heads our children’s unit and makes sure every service for the children is delivered.
DGProjects & finance
Dorah G. Mshana
Coordinates project plans and the financial management of all Pamoja projects.
Our values
What we stand for.
01
Dignity
Every person is met with respect.
02
Participation
People shape the work that shapes their lives.
03
Curiosity
We learn from each other, always.
04
Equality & responsibility
Shared rights, shared duties — and sustainability in everything we build.
