Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
KAMPALA
Ndere Centre hosted a gathering of philanthropists and community leaders, sharing experiences to inspire others to embrace giving on 28th September, 2024.
The event under the theme “Giving for Development” organized by Civ source together with Uganda National NGO forum featured esteemed speakers Esther Kalenzi of 40 Days over 40 Smiles, Eligu Ronald of Touch the Slum Foundation, Jacob Eyeru of Eyeru Foundation and Uganda Youth Council Chairman, and Jackie Asiimwe Civ Source among others.
Renowned philanthropist Esther Kalenzi shared her story, beginning with helping a student unable to afford school fees. This sparked 40 Days over 40 Smiles, launched in 2012 during the lent period. Kalenzi revealed that she fasted for 40 days to make 40 children smile and today, her organization supports numerous girls and teenage mothers.
Eligu Ronald, founder of Touch the Slum Foundation, recounted his humble beginnings where his mother cooked at school to raise fees for him and his other siblings until a good Samaritan sponsored his sisters’ education.
Eligu noted that as givers they face some challenges and at times they feel pulling out because of criticism but God keeps them moving.
Despite facing criticism, Ronald persevered, and his organization now helps many girls and teenage mothers living in Kampala slums.
Jacob Eyeru, founder of Eyeru Foundation and Uganda Youth Council Chairman, attributed his success to a good Samaritan. Eyeru told the gathering that he was inspired by a young child he didn’t even know when he wrote a letter to a penipal in the US who later sent him a gift with a letter that read “I didn’t have enough to fill your gift box, so it took me some time”. A penpal’s heartfelt letter taught Eyeru that giving doesn’t require wealth.
His first act of giving was donating a sweater to a homeless classmate and leading his classmates to help their classmate and from then he was inspired to start his own foundation where they pay school fees for twenty students in Eastern Uganda and buying textbooks for secondary schools and mathematical sets for primary schools across the country.
“Giving should not be out of your luxury but out of your sacrifice” Eyeru concluded.
Jackie Asiimwe, founder of Civ Source, a philanthropy firm envisioned gathering young givers after attending church gatherings during her childhood age. She thanked her parents for instilling a giving heart.She narrated that it is from that background she thought of or organizing such gatherings of givers.
This marked the 5th annual gathering of givers, with Asiimwe urging young givers to always attend and make a significant impact in their communities.
The event emphasized that giving is not limited to the wealthy. Every individual can make a difference, regardless of financial situation.
