Our History
Created by Charlotte S. Hunter, Pocketful of Joy is a non-profit organization providing healthcare and educational opportunities to over 1,800 children in northern Tanzania. A life-long traveler, Hunter first visited Tanzania in 2002. During her stay, she visited several government-run primary schools in the area. She was shocked and saddened to witness the adversities confronting these young students. Not only were the children suffering from malnutrition, assorted parasites, and various other afflictions due to poor hygienic conditions and nonexistent dental and eye care, they also had no access to food or clean drinking water throughout the school day.
Hunter returned to the United States six weeks later, with the intention of fundraising to institute a porridge program at the Byeya Primary School, one of 10 in the area. In 2002, the school had a population of 420 students and now, several years after the start of the porridge program, enrollment has increased to nearly 600 students, reaching the school’s maximum capacity. In part as a result of the porridge program, the Byeya Primary School has been ranked number one in the district based on the record test scores achieved by students.
To date, Pocketful of Joy is now providing porridge to over 1,800 children throughout 3 primary schools in the area, Byeya, Ntoma, and Nyakataare. Furthermore, Pocketful of Joy has created additional programs which provide an array of other services to the school communities. These programs include healthcare, work study financial aid, school agriculture projects, a sewing project for school uniforms, and workshops in the visual arts. Future projects are also in the works including further artistic opportunities for the students and carpentry workshops for the community.
Hunter travels to Tanzania for 2 months each year during which time the majority of the administrative decisions are made. Mrs. Temu and Mr. Mwijage, the co-directors in Tanzania, supervise, manage, and facilitate the implementation of our programs throughout the year. All of these programs are funded through private donations and would not be possible without the generosity and support of our donors. To make a donation Click Here or visit our Contribute tab on the home page. To find out more about our programs Click Here or visit the Programs tab on our Home page.
Founder/Director Biography-Charlotte S. Hunter
Originally from Harlem in New York City, Charlotte S. Hunter first visited Tanzania in 2002. A world traveler and small business owner, Charlotte has found a community of friends and family in her home away from home in northern Tanzania. A love of African dance is what first brought Charlotte to Tanzania, but it is the connections she has made that keep bringing her back.
Charlotte has created Pocketful of Joy with a philosophy of unconditional love. Through Pocketful of Joy, Charlotte’s intention is to support and inspire as many children as possible. Her work is to assist them in realizing their full potential as scholars in the pursuit of knowledge and truth, and as compassionate human beings. While doing so, she is committed to dancing and celebrating with all.
Mrs. Temu E. Mwijage- Tanzanian Co-Director
Mrs. Mwijage was born in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania in 1958. After marrying her husband and fellow co-director, Vedasto Mwijage, she relocated to the western coast of Lake Victoria where she became a professional teacher and proud mother of six beautiful children. Mrs. Mwijage has been working with Pocketful of Joy since its inception in 2004 and is instrumental in overseeing its work within her community. In addition to working with Pocketful of Joy, she is also a district school inspector.
Mr.Vedasto Mwijage- Tanzanian Co-Director
Mr. Mwijage was born in 1952 and is originally from the village of Ntoma in northern Tanzania. Mr. Mwijage is an alumnus of the Ntoma Primary School, one of the schools now receiving support from Pocketful of Joy. After receiving a degree in Librarianship and Documentation Studies, he became the head librarian at the nearby public library where he continues to work. He is a proud husband and father of six, three boys and three girls. Mr. Mwijage has been working with Pocketful of Joy since 2004 and, along with his wife, Temu Mwijage, oversees the implementation of Pocketful of Joy projects within his community.