Pocketful of Joy

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.