JB
Junior Baka Wa Bana Sumaili
Co-founder & Executive Director
Education is not a privilege. It is the lever that lifts a generation.
About
About Umoja
An education-focused nonprofit, founded in June 2021 by two friends with no resources of their own, only a shared belief that education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty.
Our story
Born in the heart of Congo
Umoja was born from the founders' firsthand experiences with the transformative power of education. During a volunteer mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Junior Baka Wa Bana Sumaili saw how access to education could uplift those in refugee camps and break the cycle of poverty.
Having herself been a beneficiary of educational grants that broadened her horizons, Umutoni Tessy Mercy carried a strong desire to give back and continue the legacy of supporting others. Together, with their modest savings, a shared vision, and an unyielding commitment, they founded Umoja in June 2021.
Today, Umoja proudly supports five students fully, thanks to the outpouring of support from volunteers and donors all over the world.
Scholar 01
In its very first year, Umoja supported a 10-year-old girl whose parents were struggling to afford her school fees. The support went beyond tuition: books, clothing, pocket money, and a dedicated mentor who checked in every term.
That holistic package is the same one every Umoja scholar receives today. One student at a time, one scholarship at a time.
What we stand for
Vision & mission
Vision
Empowering Africa through Education.
Mission
To champion educational equity by supporting underprivileged African youth, ensuring that every student can pursue their academic goals and reach their full potential.
Core values
How we work
Eight commitments that are the foundation of our mission to transform lives through education. They guide our efforts, decisions, and interactions, ensuring we remain a beacon of hope for underprivileged youth.
Community Service
We are deeply rooted in the communities we serve, committed to giving back and fostering a sense of responsibility and service in our beneficiaries.
Excellence
We inspire hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of greatness, encouraging our beneficiaries to seize every opportunity for growth and achievement.
Integrity
We uphold honesty, fairness, and transparency in all our actions, ensuring an ethical and just approach to student selection and program implementation.
Empowerment
Through education and mentorship, we empower young people to realize their potential and become leaders who drive positive change in their communities.
Sustainability
Our focus is on creating lasting impact, fostering resilience, and equipping communities with the tools to achieve long-term development.
Collaboration
Partnerships with donors, educators, and volunteers amplify our reach and strengthen our ability to transform lives together.
Inclusivity
We embrace diversity and ensure equal opportunities for all, breaking barriers and providing access to education for underserved students.
Compassion
Our work is driven by empathy and a genuine desire to uplift lives, ensuring that every action reflects our commitment to making a meaningful difference.
Our Team
The founders
Umoja was founded, and is still led day-to-day, by the two friends who started it in June 2021. Click Quick look on any card to read the full story.
UT
Umutoni Tessy Mercy
Co-founder & Programme Director
Someone reached out a hand to me. This is how I reach mine out.
Join us in this work
Whether you give or get involved, your support compounds. Start where it fits.