June - July 2026
Dear Friends,
As I reflect on the past few months, I am reminded how easy it is for us to take things for granted. Most of us wake up each morning with reliable electricity, clean water, a safe place to sleep, and confidence that our children will have access to an education.
For the children of Kyajja Village, those things are not always guaranteed.
Yet because of your generosity, 556 primary students and 79 secondary students at Lasting Smiles Uganda are receiving a Christ-centered education, daily meals, loving encouragement, and the opportunity to dream about a brighter future. Every classroom lesson, every meal served, every Bible lesson taught, and every child whose life is being transformed is a direct result of faithful supporters like you.
This spring, Pastor Semei had the opportunity to visit churches and donors throughout the United States. Everywhere he went, he shared stories of God's faithfulness and the remarkable impact that your support continues to have on the lives of children and families in Uganda.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we are not simply building classrooms and dormitories. We are raising up future teachers, pastors, business leaders, parents, and disciples of Christ who will one day impact Uganda for generations to come.
With gratitude,
Jeff
I encourage you to check out Pastor Semei's sermon at Alive Family Church in Brighton, Michigan. Alive Family Church Sermon
Campus Update — Life on Campus Is Thriving
As Term Two is underway, our classrooms are filled with eager students, dedicated teachers, and daily opportunities for discipleship and growth. Thanks to your generosity, several critical maintenance projects have been completed, allowing our staff to focus on what matters most - educating and nurturing the children God has entrusted to us.
Every morning, hundreds of students gather for prayer before beginning their studies. Throughout the day they are learning mathematics, science, reading, writing, and biblical principles that will help shape their future. While many challenges remain in rural Uganda, the Lasting Smiles campus continues to be a place of hope, stability, and opportunity.
Thank you for making this possible.
Building for the Future
As our student population continues to grow, we are focusing on two projects that will have a lasting impact on the safety, health, and educational experience of our children.
Student Dormitories (Homes for Hope)
Many of our students travel long distances to attend school, often walking several miles each day. New dormitories will provide a safe and secure environment for up to 200 students, allowing them greater access to education, discipleship, and academic support.
Thanks to generous donors, we have already raised $90,000 toward our $275,000 goal.
For more information: HOMES FOR HOPE
Kitchen & Dining Facility
For more than a decade, meals have been prepared and served from temporary structures that have been damaged by severe weather on multiple occasions. A permanent kitchen and dining facility will provide a safe place to prepare meals, serve students, and create additional space for studying and community gatherings. Our goal is to raise $100,000 for this important project.
For more information: KITCHEN
These projects are not simply buildings—they are investments in the lives and futures of hundreds of children.
Ongoing Operational Needs
While capital projects help us prepare for the future, our greatest ongoing need is providing daily meals for the children entrusted to our care. For many students, the meals they receive at Lasting Smiles are the only meals they will eat all day.
Your support of our feeding program helps ensure that more than 560 students can focus on learning, growing in their faith, and pursuing the opportunities that education provides.
Feed the Campus — "No Child Can Learn on an Empty Stomach"
Click below to learn how you can help provide meals and hope to the children of Kyajja Village.
By the numbers:
556 students enrolled
22 teachers
79 students receiving secondary school support
Thousands of meals served each month
Christ-centered education every day
Charity Navigator: Four-Star rating, 2026
Click Here to view a copy of our 2025 Annual Report
A Story of Hope and Healing
Priscilla, an eight-year-old student at Lasting Smiles Primary School, has been part of our school family since she was four years old. Bright, cheerful, and full of energy, she is loved by her teachers and classmates.
Last month, Priscilla suffered a serious eye injury while playing at home with her siblings. Because her family could not afford medical treatment, they initially turned to traditional remedies, which unfortunately made the injury worse.
After several weeks away from school, Priscilla returned to class. Her teachers immediately noticed something was wrong and referred her to the school nurse. Recognizing the seriousness of the injury, our team helped arrange specialized medical care at a hospital in Kampala and covered the costs necessary for her treatment.
Today, Priscilla is receiving the care she needs and is on the road to recovery. While her healing journey continues, there is renewed hope for her future.
Stories like Priscilla's remind us that Lasting Smiles Uganda is about more than education. We are committed to caring for the whole child—academically, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Because of your generosity, children like Priscilla receive help when unexpected challenges arise and families have nowhere else to turn.
Please keep Priscilla in your prayers as she continues to heal. Thank you for helping bring hope, healing, and opportunity to the children of Uganda.
Contact Info:
Lasting Smiles Uganda, 220 N. Main Street, Mooresville, NC 28115
Federal EIN: 84-1966244
www.lastingsmilesuganda.org
aaron@lastingsmilesuganda.org
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Donations can be made by check to the address above or by credit card by clicking HERE.
