Reflections on the 2024 Gathering of Givers: Honoring the Spirit of Giving for Development
On the 28th of September, 2024, CivSource Africa hosted the 5th annual Gathering of Givers, bringing together philanthropists, community leaders, and young change-makers to celebrate and inspire generosity under the theme, “Our Generous Spirit.” This was organized by CivSource Africa in collaboration with the Uganda National NGO Forum, and organized by Qweshunga.
This year’s edition featured speakers such as Ms. Esther Kalenzi, Founder of 40 Days over 40 Smiles; Mr. Eligu Ronald, Founder of Touch the Slum Foundation; Mr. Jacob Eyeru, Founder of Eyeru Foundation and Chairperson of the National Youth Council; and Ms. Jacqueline Asiimwe, CEO of CivSource Africa. Their inspiring journeys and contributions to the field of philanthropy reinforced the belief that giving, in its many forms, is a pathway to uplifting communities and empowering those in need.
Celebrating Acts of Generosity and Sacrifice
Each speaker shared heartfelt stories of how they embarked on their philanthropic journeys, demonstrating that impactful giving often begins with a single act of kindness. Ms. Esther Kalenzi recounted how a seemingly small gesture—helping a student who couldn’t afford school fees—sparked the creation of 40 Days over 40 Smiles. What began as a personal mission to make 40 children smile during the lent season has since blossomed into an organization that supports numerous girls and teenage mothers across Uganda.
“Giving should not be out of your luxury but out of your sacrifice,” Esther emphasized, urging attendees to find ways to contribute meaningfully, no matter their financial status.
Mr. Eligu Ronald shared his story of resilience and generosity, having grown up in a challenging environment where his mother worked tirelessly to support his education. Today, Touch the Slum Foundation addresses the needs of girls and teenage mothers living in Kampala’s slums. His experiences reflect the perseverance required in philanthropy and the positive impact that giving can have on vulnerable communities.
Mr. Jacob Eyeru also spoke about his personal journey into philanthropy, which began with a letter from a pen pal in the United States. The letter, accompanied by a modest gift, carried a message that has stayed with him ever since: “I didn’t have enough to fill your gift box, so it took me some time.” This act of kindness taught Jacob that giving doesn’t require wealth—it requires a heart willing to give, no matter how small the contribution. Inspired by this experience, Jacob’s first act of generosity was donating a sweater to a homeless classmate, a moment that sparked his commitment to philanthropy. Today, through the Eyeru Foundation, he supports the education of 20 students in Eastern Uganda and provides learning materials to schools across the country.
Honoring Traditional Values of Generosity
In her remarks, Ms. Jacqueline Asiimwe, CEO of CivSource Africa, reflected on how her upbringing in a giving family influenced her desire to bring people together to celebrate philanthropy. “Giving has always been a part of our family values,” Jacqueline noted. Her experiences attending church gatherings as a child shaped her vision for organizing such events, where people could come together to share their stories of generosity and inspire others to do the same.
The Gathering of Givers highlighted that generosity is not limited to financial donations—it can take many forms, including the sharing of time, talent, and knowledge. The event featured cultural exhibitions and performances that celebrated Uganda’s rich heritage of community service and collective support. Through dance, music, storytelling, and art, the gathering emphasized that generosity is woven into the fabric of Ugandan culture and that each of us has a role to play in keeping this spirit alive.
Supporting Philanthropy for Community Development
Uganda National NGO Forum supported this year’s edition of the Gathering of Givers, reaffirming its commitment to promoting a culture of local giving and promoting philanthropy as a tool for development. The event underscored that supporting community-driven initiatives can reduce reliance on international aid and empower local actors to lead the change they wish to see. Ms. Jacqueline Asiimwe highlighted the importance of local ownership in philanthropy, calling for structures that recognize and celebrate the unique contributions of Ugandan givers. “We need to build a community of givers who see themselves as leaders of change in their own right,” she said. This vision was echoed by many participants, who shared a desire to strengthen the local philanthropy ecosystem and create more opportunities for Ugandans to give back.
The Way Forward: Building a Culture of Generosity
The stories shared during the event remind us that generosity is not confined to the wealthy or powerful—it is a quality that resides in all of us. The challenge now is to nurture this spirit of giving and ensure that it translates into meaningful, sustainable change for Uganda’s communities. Uganda National NGO Forum is committed to continuing their efforts to promote philanthropy and build a vibrant community of givers. Through recognizing and celebrating the contributions of individuals and organizations, UNNGOF hopes to inspire a new generation of Ugandan philanthropists who will carry the torch of generosity forward.
In the words of Jacob Eyeru, “Giving should not be out of your luxury but out of your sacrifice.” The 2024 Gathering of Givers was a call to action for all Ugandans to embrace their capacity to give and to make a difference, no matter how small, ensuring that the spirit of generosity continues to thrive for generations to come.
