Pamoja programme
Download the 2010/2011 Pamoja Educational Resources here.
Pamoja Kwa Haki means ‘Together for Rights’ in Swahili, and is the term used by Trócaire to describe its human rights programme for secondary schools.
Pamoja provides a model for teachers and students to promote human rights and development education within their school. The teachers and students taking part carry out awareness-raising activities based around Trócaire’s Lenten theme. Past themes have focused on Climate Change in Kenya, Gender Inequality in Malawi and Hunger in Rwanda. Each theme is deeply rooted in global inequality and human rights.
The Pamoja project can be undertaken as part of a Development Education module, as a Transition Unit or within a subject class or Peace and Justice Group.
Year-long
The project is constructed around the three academic terms in the school year to assist in the planning, in the organising of activities and the evaluating of the project.
Term One focuses on Analysis; helping teachers to start the project, to explore development issues and to research the Lent theme and country of focus.
Term Two focuses on Action; helping teachers to decide and plan their actions in order to support and promote Trócaire’s Lent campaign.
Term Three focuses on Reflection; helping teachers to evaluate and reflect on the project.
Student-centred
While Trócaire provides a school with support and assistance, activities are all student-led and student-centred. It is the students themselves who decide on what initiatives they would like to undertake in order to promote Trócaire’s work. Because the programme is student-led and student-motivated, participants gain a real understanding of the issues.
The objective of the Pamoja programme is to mobilise young people to become global citizens and human rights activists.
Support to Pamoja schools
In order to support schools undertaking a Pamoja project Trócaire provides a Trócaire contact person who is available by way of visits and phone calls during the year. Trócaire also provides education resources, information on the Lent theme, activity days and certification on completion of the project.
A Trócaire visitor from the Lenten focus country visits schools during Lent to support schools’ individual campaigns and to give a special and personal insight into their life, work and country.
Keep in touch
Current Pamoja teachers and students can log onto the Pamoja website for up-to-date information at www.pamojakwahaki.ning.com. View the most recent photos or videos and share your stories on your Pamoja experience. Contact Aoife Rush for more information: arush@trocaire.ie. This website is for members only.
