The July Photo:
LIFE FLOWS FROM LAKE VICTORIA
In this photograph, you see pictures from Lake Victoria shot at Gabba Beach in Kampala, Uganda.
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.
Water connects people, communities and generations.
At the heart of East Africa lies Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. Shared by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, it has sustained millions of people for centuries through fishing, transport, agriculture and trade.
Both communities where the 22STARS Foundation works are located close to its shores.
Our community in Danida, Jinja, is just a short distance from Lake Victoria and from the place where the River Nile begins its remarkable journey north through eleven countries before reaching the Mediterranean Sea.
Our second community, Acholi Quarter in Kampala, is also situated relatively close to Lake Victoria. Uganda's capital was built on the northern shores of the lake, making water an important part of daily life for many of its residents.
Uganda: The Pearl of Africa
Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa, bordered by Kenya, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Tanzania. Despite having no coastline, the country is rich in lakes and rivers, with Lake Victoria playing a central role in its geography, economy and culture.
Its fertile soils and tropical climate make much of the country ideal for agriculture, while its diverse landscapes range from mountains and forests to savannahs and wetlands.
Two Communities, Two Different Histories
Although our projects are only about 80 kilometres apart, the communities have very different stories.
Acholi Quarter was established by families who fled northern Uganda during years of conflict, particularly the civil war involving the Lord's Resistance Army. Many Acholi families sought safety in Kampala, gradually building a new community despite losing their homes and livelihoods.
Today, Acholi Quarter remains a vibrant neighbourhood where many families continue to face significant economic challenges, but also demonstrate remarkable resilience and community spirit.
Danida, in Jinja, has a different history. Rather than being home to one particular ethnic group, it is a diverse community where people from many regions of Uganda have settled in search of work and better opportunities. Families from different cultural backgrounds now live side by side, creating a rich and welcoming community.
One Shared Future
While their histories differ, both communities share many of the same challenges: poverty, limited educational opportunities and food insecurity.
They also share something else.
Hope.
Every day, children walk to school, families work hard to build better futures, and communities come together to support one another.
Just as the waters of Lake Victoria eventually become the River Nile, small acts of kindness can grow into something far greater.
Education.
Nutrition.
Opportunity.
A brighter future for the next generation.
"Just as Lake Victoria gives life to the Nile, opportunity gives hope to future generations."
"Just as Lake Victoria gives life to the Nile, opportunity gives hope to future generations."
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.