The November Photo:
THE FUTURE BELONGS TO ALL OF US
In this image, you can see the stone quarry in Acholi Quarter, Kampala. Jerry cans are sold for around 0.30 cent and on average the kids working in the stone quarry earn about 1 euro a day. Even children as young as 3 years already sit there with their parents. Many of the sponsored children at 22STARS were working in this stone quarry in Acholi Quarter, Kampala
Life in the Acholi Quarter
The Acholi Quarter is a poverty stricken community in Kampala. Many families living here originally fled from the war affected areas of Northern Uganda during the civil conflict from 1986 until 2006. Over the years, people from different tribes also settled in the community. Today you will find Acholi, Busoga, Baganda, Iteso, Banyankole and Banyarwanda all living side by side.
Stone quarrying is still the most common form of employment. From sunrise until evening, men, women and youth break rocks into small pieces that can be sold for construction. The work is physically demanding, but it is often the only way to earn an income.
A Community Built on Courage
Walking through the Acholi Quarter, you discover more than poverty. You discover resilience, unity and diversity. Even though life is difficult, families continue to stand together. Community members share food, watch each other’s children, and offer emotional support when someone is struggling.
The mix of tribes living together in harmony shows the true beauty of Uganda. People speak different languages and have different customs, yet they have learned to trust each other, celebrate together, and build friendships beyond tribe or origin.
Stone Quarrying as a Symbol of Strength
Throughout the day you hear the constant strike of hammers on stone. It is the soundtrack of survival. Every hit represents effort, responsibility and determination to make ends meet. Many workers earn very little, yet they continue because they have children to feed, elderly parents to look after and rent to pay.
In this simple rhythm, you can feel the powerful spirit of the community. No matter how hard life becomes, no one gives up.
Childhood in the Acholi Quarter
Inside the dusty streets and modest homes, children grow up surrounded by stories of courage. They play football on uneven ground, build toys from recycled materials, and help their parents with chores. Their laughter rises above the noise of quarrying, reminding everyone that even in difficult conditions joy and childhood still exist.
As evening arrives and the warm sunlight touches the rooftops of the makeshift houses, families gather together. You hear stories, songs, and shared meals that keep the community strong and connected.
A few more photographs from that day, shot by Serena Martineau
Culture, Perseverance and Hope
The Acholi Quarter may not have many material resources, but it has something incredibly powerful: a strong cultural identity and an unbreakable commitment to support one another. Parents dream that their children will access education, become leaders and create a better future for the community.
Young people are curious, creative and ambitious. Given the right opportunity, many want to learn music, tailoring, entrepreneurship, carpentry or other skills that can help them earn an income.
Empowerment Beyond Aid
The work in the Acholi Quarter is not simply about giving donations. It is about creating sustainable opportunities. With the right mentoring, training and financial support, youth and parents are able to build small businesses, sell products and increase their income.
When a young person learns a new skill, they gain independence, pride and confidence. When a parent starts a small enterprise, their entire family benefits. This creates a ripple effect that extends across the community: more children stay in school, more families eat regular meals and more people help each other.
The Acholi Quarter continues to grow into a space where resilience, creativity and empowerment shape brighter futures every single day.
"Where hardship exists, unity becomes the strongest currency.
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.