The June Photo:
WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN
In this photograph, you see Stella Airoldi, Founder and Executive Director of the 22STARS Foundation, together with Susan Laker, Project Leader in Kampala, Aidah Nambozo, Project Leader in Jinja, and Stefanie Oeffner, one of our Foundation Ambassadors. Together, they are united by one mission: creating opportunities for children and empowering communities in 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.
What happens when women from different countries, cultures and backgrounds come together with one shared purpose?
Sometimes, they change hundreds of lives.
The story of the 22STARS Foundation has always been about people. And at the heart of that story are women who believe in lifting each other up, creating opportunities, and building stronger communities together.
Where It All Began
The journey started long before the foundation officially existed.
In 2012, Stella Airoldi founded 22STARS Jewellery, a Dutch social enterprise that partnered with talented artisans in Uganda. What began as a jewellery business with a social mission soon grew into something much bigger.
As relationships with local communities deepened, it became clear that sustainable change required more than employment alone. Education, nutrition and community development would become the next chapter.
In 2017, the 22STARS Foundation was officially established in the Netherlands to expand that impact.
Today, Stella serves as the Foundation's Founder and Executive Director, coordinating fundraising, partnerships and programme development together with an incredible local team in Uganda.
A Partnership Built on Trust
One of the most important chapters in our story began in 2009.
That was the year Stella met Susan Laker, who today leads our programmes in Kampala.
During those first conversations, Aidah Nambozo, our Project Leader in Jinja, often helped translate between Stella and Susan, bridging not only language but also culture and understanding.
What started as a meeting soon grew into a close partnership built on trust, respect and a shared vision.
Today, Susan leads our work in Kampala, while Aida coordinates our programmes in Jinja. Together with Stella and the wider team, they oversee projects that support hundreds of children and their families every single year.
Although they each have different roles, they share one common goal:
Creating opportunities for the next generation.
Stronger Together
The strength of the 22STARS Foundation has never been about one person.
It has always been about collaboration.
Women supporting women.
Local leaders working alongside international partners.
Listening to one another.
Learning from one another.
Growing together.
This partnership has allowed us to build programmes that are rooted in local leadership while being supported by a global community of donors, volunteers and friends.
Friends Who Become Family
Over the years, many supporters have become much more than visitors.
One of them is Stefanie "Steffi" Oeffner, who first joined one of Stella's Social Impact Workations in Uganda in 2018.
The experience left such a lasting impression that Steffi later returned as a co-host of the social impact trips, helping guide new travellers through Uganda while introducing them to the work of the foundation.
Today, she proudly serves as one of our Foundation Ambassadors, sharing our story and inspiring others to get involved.
This October and November, Steffi will return once again—this time together with her boyfriend, Nick Martin. During their visit to Uganda, they will organise an Adventure Camp, combining travel, personal growth and meaningful experiences.
As part of the programme, participants will also spend a day visiting the 22STARS Foundation, meeting our children, local team and community projects, and experiencing first-hand the impact that collective action can create.
Looking Ahead
Real change does not happen overnight.
It grows through relationships.
Through trust.
Through countless conversations.
And through people who choose to believe in one another.
The women in this photograph represent exactly that.
Different backgrounds.
Different stories.
One shared mission.
Because when women support women, entire communities can thrive.
"Empowered women empower communities."
"Empowered women empower communities."
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.