The August Photo:
HOPE LIVES IN ACHOLI QUARTER
In this photograph, you see pictures from Acholi Quarter, the main street. This is where our 22stars center is located in Kampala.
The photo was captured by Kirsten Dünner, also known as Lily, an analogue photographer who joined our Social Impact Trip in 2024. Her work reflects a mindful and timeless way of seeing the world, capturing honest, unposed moments from life in Uganda.
Hope Lives in Acholi Quarter
Can hope grow in one of Kampala's most disadvantaged communities?
Every Sunday, we see the answer.
Laughter fills the air.
Children gather to learn, play and share a warm meal.
Parents come together to support one another.
And our community centre becomes a place where hope is transformed into opportunity.
A Community with a Remarkable Story
Our Kampala project is located in Acholi Quarter, an informal settlement on the outskirts of Uganda's capital.
The community was originally established by families from northern Uganda, many of whom fled decades of conflict in search of safety and a fresh start. Although peace has returned, many families have remained, rebuilding their lives while facing the ongoing challenges of poverty, unemployment and limited opportunities.
Today, Acholi Quarter is a close-knit community where resilience, culture and strong family ties remain at the heart of daily life.A Community with a Remarkable Story
Our Kampala project is located in Acholi Quarter, an informal settlement on the outskirts of Uganda's capital.
The community was originally established by families from northern Uganda, many of whom fled decades of conflict in search of safety and a fresh start. Although peace has returned, many families have remained, rebuilding their lives while facing the ongoing challenges of poverty, unemployment and limited opportunities.
Today, Acholi Quarter is a close-knit community where resilience, culture and strong family ties remain at the heart of daily life.
A Place to Learn, Grow and Belong
Since 2019, the 22STARS Community Centre has become a safe space for children and families.
It is far more than a building.
It is where children receive extra educational support after school, learn computer skills, discover music, participate in leadership activities and enjoy weekly nutritious meals.
During school holidays, the centre becomes even busier, offering a place where children can continue learning, make friends and simply enjoy being children.
Supporting the Whole Community
Our work goes beyond supporting individual children.
Through entrepreneurship training, small business loans and savings groups, we help parents build more stable incomes. We organise health initiatives, community clean-ups and educational workshops, always working alongside local leaders to strengthen the entire community.
Because when families become stronger, children have a better chance to succeed.
Local Leadership, Lasting Impact
Our Kampala programmes are led by Susan Laker, who grew up in the community herself.
Together with a dedicated local team, she ensures that every programme is shaped by the needs, ideas and strengths of the people who live in Acholi Quarter.
This local leadership is one of the reasons our programmes continue to create lasting impact.
Looking Ahead
Every child deserves a place where they feel safe.
A place where they are encouraged to dream.
A place where someone believes in them.
For hundreds of children, the 22STARS Community Centre has become exactly that place.
Because hope is not something we bring to Acholi Quarter.
Hope already lives there.
Our role is simply to help it grow.
"When a community believes in its children, hope becomes the foundation for lasting change."
"When a community believes in its children, hope becomes the foundation for lasting change."
Each month, we will publish a blog post exploring the story behind the featured Charity Calendar photograph, offering insightful commentary and additional images. Check here which months we already posted.