THE COVER PHOTO:

In this image, you can see our sponsored children from 22STARS at the Abba School in Jinja.

Hey there, Wonderful Reader!

Get ready to dive into a vibrant journey with our 2026 charity calendar! We are thrilled to share the inspiring work happening in Uganda thanks to our fantastic team and the support of our sponsors and donors. We can’t wait for you to experience it with us. This year, each month features breathtaking analog photographs created by the talented artist Kirsten Dünner, also known as Lily, who joined our Social Impact Trip in 2024.

Her analog lens captures moments in a vivid and timeless way, full of spontaneity, dust, and unforgettable encounters. For Lily, analog photography holds something mystical and enduring. It requires a different way of seeing the world and a more mindful approach that deeply inspires her. Her images feel honest and unposed.

Designed by our founder and program manager Stella Airoldi, this calendar is so much more than a collection of images. Each photograph draws you into a real moment, a piece of life in Uganda filled with emotion, colour, and connection. You can scan the QR code on each page to jump straight to our Linktree, where every month you’ll discover a unique blog post with stories and insights behind the featured image.

Let’s make 2026 a year of hope, impact, and meaningful change together.

With gratitude and big smiles,

The 22STARS Team:
Stella Airoldi, David Wafula,
Aidah Nambozo and Susan Laker

What If Your Child Couldn’t Read or Write?

Can you imagine your child growing up without ever learning how to read or write?

For many families in Uganda, this is not a hypothetical question. It is reality.

At the 22stars Foundation, we work with children whose parents were deeply affected by over 20 years of civil war. During the conflict between the Lord’s Resistance Army and Joseph Kony, thousands of families fled from northern Uganda to Kampala in search of safety.

Many settled in an area now known as Acholi Quarter.

But safety did not mean opportunity.

In Acholi Quarter, families found themselves living around stone quarries, where survival often depends on physically demanding labor. Even children as young as 3 years old are involved in crushing stones to help their families earn enough for food.

Today, Uganda is at peace.

But for many, the fight has simply shifted from war to poverty.

The Reality of Limited Education

The consequences are far-reaching.

Without education:
• Opportunities for stable income are limited
• Health knowledge is reduced
• Vulnerability to exploitation and trafficking increases

For girls, the risks are even greater.

When girls stay in school, rates of child marriage and teenage pregnancy drop significantly. Education becomes not just a right, but protection.

Why Education Changes Everything

Not just to knowledge, but to freedom.

When a child goes to school:
• They no longer need to beg or work in the streets
• They gain the tools to build a stable future
• They can make informed decisions about their health and life

Education breaks the cycle of poverty.

And it doesn’t stop with one child.

An educated child grows into an adult who contributes to their community, supports their family, and helps build a stronger economy. Whether they become a teacher, engineer, doctor, or entrepreneur, they become part of the change their community needs.

Our Holistic Approach

Sending a child to school is only the beginning.

At 22stars Foundation, we take a holistic approach to education. Alongside school sponsorship, we provide programs that support both the children and their families.

Because education does not happen in isolation.

It requires stability, support, nutrition, and opportunity.

Understanding the Education System in Uganda

A child’s educational journey in Uganda typically follows this path:

• Nursery School: 3 years
• Primary School: 7 years
• Secondary School: minimum 4 years
• Advanced Level: 2 years

From there, students may continue to university or pursue vocational training.

For many children in our program, boarding school becomes necessary, especially when home environments are unstable or too far from quality schools.

A Future Worth Fighting For

The children we support today are the leaders of tomorrow.

But without access to education, their potential remains locked.

This is why we do what we do.

Because every child deserves more than survival.

They deserve a future.

And education is where that future begins.

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.