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:
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enhance the recruitment,
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increase the retention, and
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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
Hosted annually during the third week of August, this three-day orientation event 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, and includes:
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guided tours of labs and in-patient units,
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presentations from nurse leaders,
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panel discussions, and
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opportunities to connect and network at social events.
Past Pamoja Nursing School Primers
2024 Pamoja Nursing School Primer
Highlights:
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13 Students from Dalhousie University & Nova Scotia Community College
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Tours of Dalhousie nursing simulation labs
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Panel discussions
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Guest speakers
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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 2026
Join us for a dynamic 3-day experience filled with:
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An inspiring keynote and guest speakers
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A guided tour of the Dalhousie Nursing Skills Lab and clinical units at IWK Health
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A session celebrating Black nurse trailblazers and the significant contributions of Black nurses to the profession
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A student panel discussion
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Opportunities to connect with local community organizations
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 17 - 19, 2025
8:30 AM - 3:00 PM Daily
Dalhousie University
Enrichment Activities
Launched in May 2025, the first offering for Pamoja Academic Enrichment Activities included a peer-learning (tutoring) program designed to:
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support academic success,
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reduce isolation, and
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foster a sense of belonging for Black nursing students at Dalhousie.
Tutoring is delivered through small-group, in-person sessions, with optional virtual drop-ins.
100%
of students achieved their stated goals
100%
of students reported reduced stress
Feedback from Students About The Enrichment Activities
This tutoring initiative was very helpful to me as someone who avoided asking questions in class, as I was able to ask all my questions with this smaller group, and I look forward to having this resource in the rest of my nursing semesters. I am grateful.
After going back to the sessions for the final I was able to get an A on that exam ending the course with and A overall. I’m really grateful and I believe that everyone would benefit from this resource.
This is some of the best tutoring I have ever received and I owe a lot to not only Nadine for the way the class is taught but also to [tutor] for the way she constructed our learning
2026 Enrichment Activities
Our peer-learning program is underway again during the 2026 Summer Term with Black nursing students receiving assistance in the following courses at Dalhousie:
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NURS 3710 - Nursing and Episodic Illness
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NURS 2720 - Pathophysiology and Therapeutics I
A wonderful opportunity for students to learn from a student that previously completed the course with success and has been recommended by the course professor.
Dalhousie University
Social Events
Social connection is vital for fostering a sense of belonging and is a key part of the Pamoja Nursing Program.
Our social events, including our annual Holiday Social in December, provide opportunities for students to connect, network, and learn from nurses, faculty, and each other.
These gatherings also allow us to reflect on shared experiences, helping us to identify areas for future growth.
Past Pamoja Social Events
2024 Holiday Social
2025 Holiday Social
Join Pamoja
