2025 Summer
Highlights from our 2025 Festival
Jack
This summer marked my second year helping lead the Pamoja Art Festival, and the experience felt both familiar and new in the best ways. Returning with a bit more experience, I wanted to build on what we created last year—this time through music and a simple, cheerful Chinese song.
The students connected with it right away. Watching them tap out rhythms, try instruments for the first time, and sing confidently in a new language was genuinely uplifting. Many of them had never played music before, yet they jumped in with curiosity and so much joy. Their voices, their laughter, and their determination created an energy that I’ll never forget.
Through this process, I was reminded of something I deeply believe:
Under art, all souls stand equal.
Music didn’t need translation. It didn’t need background or experience. It simply brought us together—allowing every child to express themselves, discover something new, and feel proud of what they created.
Looking back, I’m really satisfied with how this year turned out. The progress I saw, the confidence the students gained, and the moments we shared gave me a lot of hope. It made me excited for the future of the Pamoja Art Festival—what it can grow into, who it can reach, and how many more young lives can be touched through creativity and connection.
Rich
This was my second year joining the Pamoja Art Festival, and this time I found myself seeing things from a deeper perspective. Last summer, everything felt new and exciting, but I don’t think I fully understood how much art could mean to the children. Coming back again gave me a chance to look beyond the experience itself and really notice the changes happening in them.
I taught simple rhythms and helped with the Chinese song, hoping the kids would enjoy trying something new. What surprised me was how quickly they connected with the music and how confidently they sang together. Watching their reactions made me realize that even small things we teach can create moments of joy and confidence for them.
There were times when I looked around the room and felt genuinely moved by how music brought everyone together. I don’t think I recognized that feeling the same way the first time. Being here again helped me understand what Pamoja is about—not only teaching, but learning from the kids and sharing something meaningful with them.
I’m really thankful I came back this year, and I hope to return again with even more to share and even more to learn.
Throughout the 2025 Pamoja Art Festival, music and learning filled each day. Jack and Rich taught simple rhythms and a Chinese song, but they soon found themselves learning from the students as well.
Through playing, singing, and spending time together, new friendships formed naturally. Even though everyone came from different places, they were able to connect through small moments and shared experiences.
Jack and Rich hoped to help in meaningful ways, yet the students also offered new perspectives and a different way of looking at the world.
This summer reminded everyone involved that under art, all souls stand equal. As the festival came to an end, there was a quiet feeling of appreciation—for the progress made, and for the memories that will continue to shape future summers with Pamoja.