Pamoja Nursing Program
A program that supports success and belonging for Black students in ANY Nursing Program in Nova Scotia.
The Pamoja Nursing Program is an evidence-informed initiative designed to:
-
enhance the recruitment,
-
increase the retention, and
-
support the academic and professional success
of Black nursing students in Nova Scotia.
Pamoja Means "Together" in Swahili.
Pamoja was created by Dr. Jefferies through a combination of qualitative research, experience as a peer-mentor, and inspiration from well-established and successful programs such as the Transition Year Program (TYP), the former School of Nursing Etowa program, the Indigenous Black and Mi’kmaq Initiative (IB&M), and Promoting Leadership in Health for African Nova Scotians (PLANS). Pamoja Nursing Program fosters a cohort of incoming Black students across nursing programs and institutions.
Pamoja Activities
Nursing School Primer
An annual three-day orientation event that introduces nursing education and the profession of nursing. The Pamoja Nursing Student Primer is designed to facilitate the transition into nursing for Black nursing students, regardless of their current study year.
What Past Students Enjoyed About The Primer
Everything today was packed with information from interdisciplinary health, the writing centre and opportunities for student support from the library. Loved the clinical lab simulation introduction.
Meeting new people and learning more about the profession that I'm going to take. Learning more about the resources that are available to us as African students is also something I found very useful.
Seeing the simulation labs was very cool and l enjoyed learning about how resourceful the writing centre and library are.
Nursing School Primer 2025
Join us for a dynamic 3-day experience filled with:
-
Guided tours of labs and clinical spaces
-
Inspiring guest speakers
-
Opportunity to network with faculty, staff, and students
-
Exploring personal wellbeing
-
Conversations about academics and the nursing profession
It’s an incredible opportunity to connect with fellow Black nursing students from across the province.
OPEN to any Black nursing student in Nova Scotia
August 18 - 20, 2025
8:30 AM - 3:00 PM Daily
Dalhousie University
Registration deadline - Friday August 15, 2025
Social Events
Through the year, Pamoja hosts social events to help build our community and strengthen the connection between students, faculty and staff.
Social events can include presentations, dinners, guest speakers and holiday parties.
Enrichment Activities
Pamoja offers academic tutoring sessions for select nursing courses throughout the year in collaboration with course instructors and tutors.
Join Pamoja
