Pamoja, the Swahili word for ‘together’, is the name and credo of the Pamoja Basketball Project. This community initiative in Arusha, Tanzania, has clear goals: to empower young people through basketball, to promote gender equality, and to strengthen the community. The athletes receive top-class basketball training, which improves not only their athletic skills, but also their life skills. Some former participants have gone on to play for regional and national teams and receive college scholarships.
Many young players have dreams that can and should be encouraged, regardless of whether those dreams are related to basketball. Adults play an important mentoring role in this process. Pamoja aims to provide a safe environment for young girls and boys after school where they can develop new skills. This includes a barrier-free programme designed to integrate children and young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
The Pamoja project not only teaches young people, but also empowers them to take on teaching and encouraging roles. The aim is to nurture a new generation of confident, enlightened leaders who are committed to developing their peers. It doesn’t matter if someone has played basketball all their life or is trying it for the first time. In line with the motto ‘Skills are there to be shared’, former participants help those who want to learn.
Free, entertaining and rewarding programmes
It is not easy to keep young people away from various problems and negative influences. That is why Pamoja runs a variety of targeted programmes to engage with children and young people from different backgrounds, creating an inclusive, supportive environment in which they can develop personally and sportingly. All programmes are free for players to access.
"Her Time to Shine“ – Basketball programme for girls and young women in Arusha who simply want to play!
The 'Her Time to Shine' programme is aimed at up to 100 girls of school age. It focuses on providing basketball training, mentoring, self-defence training and menstrual health education. The programme creates safe spaces where girls can play, express themselves and build self-confidence. By doing so, the programme challenges deep-rooted gender barriers in Tanzanian society and advocates for more sporting opportunities and support for young women in the community. Pamoja is actively working to increase the number of female participants within the organisation.
"Grow the Game“ – Basketball from the very beginning
The 'Grow the Game' programme delivers weekly training sessions in primary schools to promote basketball. The Pamoja Project provides the necessary equipment, and its coaches lead various training sessions. Depending on their age and ability, interested pupils are invited to weekend training sessions in the community.
„Skills training camps for all ages“ – the biggest event
At this training camp, players and former players of all ages come together for a day of playing and socialising. From exercises and training games to rehearsing chants, every camp is extremely entertaining. It is a great opportunity for volunteers and coaches to pass on their skills and values, as the participation of children and young people is consistently high. Pamoja hopes to build its own stadium one day to provide the community with more space for events and programmes beyond basketball.
„Senior-Team“ and „Scholarship“ programm – the step stone to greater things
The programme supports more experienced players with specialised basketball training, practice games and targeted mentoring. Additionally, young players interested in pursuing a career in college basketball receive support from more advanced players. These programmes provide a springboard to scholarships and help players identify concrete opportunities in college basketball.
