November 2025 Update
November 2025 Field Update: Hope Taking Root in Kyajja
Our recent visit to Lasting Smiles Uganda brought together board members, donors, and staff to witness the incredible progress unfolding in Kyajja. The campus has grown into an oasis of hope—where education, faith, and community come together to transform futures.
We’re seeing stronger staff morale, a deepening culture of excellence, and children learning and thriving in ways once unimaginable. Sustaining this momentum will require strong leadership, financial stability, and collective commitment.
Staffing
Our team of 23 dedicated staff members continues to serve with unity and remarkable spirit. We are planning to hire—or internally develop—a new Head Teacher by January 2026.
A strengthened administrative team is now in place:
- William – Facilities
- Arthur – Accounting
- Rachael – Admin Support
Facilities
We’re celebrating the completion of 11 new teacher housing units, bringing much-needed comfort and stability for our growing staff.
The original 2022 units require $13,000 in repairs, and additional classroom maintenance and exterior finishing ($12,000) are planned for the year-end break.
Learning Quality
We are exploring a partnership with Building Tomorrow’s Roots to Rise program to strengthen student assessment across literacy, numeracy, and class size effectiveness. A pilot is planned for mid-2026.
Chess Academy
With support from an $8,000 annual grant, the Robert Katende Chess Program has become a vibrant part of campus life. More than 30 students will represent Lasting Smiles at the Kampala National Chess Tournament this December.
Financial Sustainability
Operating shortfalls of $10,000–$15,000 per month remain our most urgent challenge.
Expanding our base of recurring monthly donors is essential. We are also evaluating a small number of tuition-paying students once dormitory construction is complete in 2027.
Certification
Our final national school certification from Uganda’s Ministry of Education is underway and expected soon—an important milestone for long-term growth.
Community Impact
Transformation is reaching far beyond the school campus. We are pursuing partnerships in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and family development.
The Home for Hope Dormitory Initiative continues to advance, aiming to provide safety and stability for vulnerable students.
Top Priorities for Early 2026
Head Teacher Hire or Internal Development
Strengthen leadership — January 2026
Fund Housing & Classroom Repairs
$25,000 total needed — January 2026
Literacy & Numeracy Assessment
Potential “Roots to Rise” pilot — Mid-2026
Expand Monthly Donor Base
+50 new recurring donors — June 2026
Homes for Hope Dormitory Campaign
Raise 80% of $275K (current: $50K committed) — End of 2026
Closing Thought
Amid the dust and laughter of Kyajja, transformation is unfolding—touching children, families, and entire futures. Every brick, every donor, and every prayer moves this mission forward.
Together, we are building something that lasts.
With gratitude and purpose,
Jeff Steiner
President & Board Chair
Lasting Smiles Uganda
Happy Thanksgiving from Lasting Smiles Uganda
Home for Hope Campaign
Lasting Smiles General Fund
