2025-The Year Dear Future Grew: Our Biggest School Giveaway Yet!

In 2024, we provided school supplies to 605 students in Uganda. This year, we aimed for something much bigger—delivering 4,002 school packages to schools across Western, Central, and Eastern Uganda! What unfolded was an adventure filled with challenges, learning, and incredible growth.

Arrival in Uganda & First Steps

I left Dallas on January 27th and touched down in Entebbe, Uganda, on January 28th at 3:30 PM. After 25 hours of travel, I met with our local partner, Henry Katinda, to discuss the massive task ahead. Our priority was to inventory the supplies, but Henry, knowing my tendency to crash after long flights, suggested I rest before diving in. I didn't argue!

A Rocky Start: The Reality of 4,002 Packages

The next morning, we planned to kick off at Trey Jr. School after picking up supplies from our storage location. However, the moment we started sorting through the inventory, reality hit us hard. We had underestimated just how heavy and numerous the notebook boxes were.

What we thought would be a quick start turned into a logistical puzzle. The supplies needed to be better organized before deliveries could begin. Henry and I made the tough decision to pause the day’s distribution and dedicate our time to properly sorting and preparing the inventory. Though it felt like a setback, we knew this decision would set us up for smoother and more efficient deliveries in the days to come.

This was just the beginning of an unforgettable journey!

D-1 Wednesday Jan 29 - Inventory Prep!

After realizing the scale of our task, we spent the day meticulously organizing and staging our inventory for the days ahead. With thousands of school supply packages to distribute, we needed to ensure everything was sorted efficiently.

As in previous years, we rented a Land Cruiser—a reliable vehicle that had served us well before. But this time, with the sheer volume of materials, we were about to learn just how inadequate it was for the job!

A Change of Plans at Trey Jr. School

Instead of distributing directly to students at Trey Jr. School, we preemptively packed the Land Cruiser and transported the supplies to the school. Headmaster Mr. Dennis was waiting for us, ready to assist with unloading and storing the materials in the school office.

This strategic move meant that the following day's distribution would run much more efficiently, allowing us to make up for the lost time and move on to our next task.

The scale of this year’s giveaway was already teaching us valuable lessons, and we were just getting started!

D-1 Thursday Jan 30 - Trey Jr Initial and Primary

With our first giveaway day moved one day to the right, we adapted quickly to stay on schedule.

To save time, we spent the evening before:

✅ Packing the Land Cruiser after completing the inventory.

✅ Driving to Trey Jr. School in Wakiso to drop off the supplies.

✅ Coordinating with Headmaster Mr. Denis to store them securely in his office.

✅ Reloading the vehicle with materials for Western Uganda in preparation for the next leg of the journey.

Trey Jr. School Giveaway & A Long Drive West

The giveaway at Trey Jr. was a huge success! By 11 AM, we had finished distributing school materials, and the students even put on a small dance performance for us.

With no time to waste, I immediately hit the road for a 5-6 hour drive west, heading toward our partner, Elly Gard Tumusiime, founder of Locus of Hope. Of course, I managed to get lost once along the way!

Capturing the Journey: Photographer Daphine Giwegi

One key improvement this year was hiring a dedicated photographer for this part of the journey, Daphine Giwegi. She is a part-time teacher at NMF Uganda and a full-time social media & photography specialist. She learned photography on the job, trained by Namugga Mable Kitibwa, and her work speaks for itself. Having her on board meant I could fully focus on distribution and engaging with the children while she captured the special moments.

Dropping Supplies in Western Uganda & A Much-Needed Rest

Upon arriving at Elly’s home, I

dropped off the supplies, leaving the distribution in his capable hands (though I kept open the option of returning if time allowed—ultimately, it didn’t, and Elly completed the distributions).

After the drop-off, I drove another two hours to find a more suitable hotel, ending up in Kibale National Park. With no major scheduled priorities the next day (Friday), I planned to take a break—but I also had one personal mission: to visit an NGO I had been observing on the edges of Wakiso.

The trip was only getting started, and each day was packed with progress, learning, and, of course, unexpected challenges!

D-2 Friday Jan 31 - HILCO Foundation

After an early start, I took advantage of my location in Kibale National Park and purchased a Chimp Trekking Pass—a chance to hike through the forest and observe these incredible animals in their natural habitat. It was an unforgettable experience, and a rare moment of adventure in what had been (and would continue to be) a fast-paced, mission-driven trip.

By 12 PM, I was back on the road, beginning the six-hour drive toward HILCO Foundation in Wakiso. My goal was to meet with Mr. Yeredi, the Executive Director, who had been in communication with Dear Future for some time. I had been observing their work from afar, and today was finally the day to see their operation in person.

HILCO Foundation: Building a School, Brick by Brick

I arrived at HILCO around 6 PM, just in time to tour their facility before nightfall. Their story was incredibly inspiring.

• They have been building a primary school for the past few years, literally brick by brick—whenever funds come in, they add a wall, a roof, or another essential piece.

• Two supporters in the U.S. run GoFundMe campaigns, providing a portion of the funds.

• The local community contributes materials, which allows them to maximize every dollar raised.

What struck me the most was the scale of the school—for such a modest budget, they had accomplished so much.

Beyond Education: Teaching Life Skills

One unique aspect of HILCO is their commitment to teaching practical skills to primary school children. Unlike many other schools, they integrate hands-on vocational training from an early age, including:

✅ Carpentry

✅ Electrical work

✅ Animal care (cows, goats, chickens)

✅ Sewing

✅ Agriculture

✅ Debate!

When I asked Mr. Yeredi why he prioritized skills training for such young students, his answer was simple yet profound:

“I don’t see a reason NOT to teach children skills.”

And honestly? He’s right.

Joining the Dear Future Circle

HILCO has no specific request from us at this time, but Mr. Yeredi expressed strong interest in our Postcard Program and hopes to be part of our Dear Future network—which would mean access to:

✅ School materials

✅ Postcards from our supporters

✅ Hygienic pads for girls

I coordinated with Eve Namusisi, Executive Director of NMF Uganda, and she agreed to visit HILCO to teach a class and deliver a batch of AFRIpads to their girls—an important step in forging a new partnership.

A Late-Night Drive Back to Kampala

I left HILCO at 7 PM, and despite my best efforts, found myself driving in the dark—something I usually avoid at all costs in Uganda. Thankfully, I arrived safely in Kampala, where I spent the night at Explorer’s Hub.

Tomorrow, we pack for Mayuge and hit the road as early as possible—hoping to beat the infamous Saturday traffic!

D3 Saturday Feb 1 - Mayuge, Eastern Uganda

A Heavy Load & Unexpected Troubles on the Road to Mayuge

We got moving around 9 AM, heading straight to the storage facility to load up supplies for the next leg of our journey. This time, we filled the entire Land Cruiser to its limit, packing it with big boxes of school notebooks—a critical but incredibly heavy cargo.

I was worried about how much weight we had added. Though the car showed no signs of stress, I grew confident in its power and still concerned about the possibilities; the risk of something going wrong—a blown tire, broken suspension, or mechanical failure—was very real.

The Worst Traffic & A Sudden Breakdown

As soon as we hit the road, we got stuck in terrible traffic. Hours of slow-moving vehicles, unpredictable road conditions, and endless delays turned the drive into an exhausting ordeal.

By the time we approached Jinja at 7 PM, the combination of constant vibration, weight, and rough roads finally took its toll on the vehicle. Suddenly:

🚨 The headlights went out.

🚨 The dashboard lights went dark.

🚨 The power windows stopped working.

🚨 The shifter wouldn’t move from Park to Drive.

We were stuck, in the middle of nowhere, with no mechanic nearby.

Creative Troubleshooting & A Lucky Fix

With few options, we tried to think through what caused the failure. We suspected the vibrations from the road had loosened something.

So we decided to recreate the vibration manually! 

I slammed the driver’s door really hard while simultaneously pushing on the shifter—hoping to shake whatever had come loose back into place.

It worked! 

The shifter moved to Drive, the headlights came back on, but nothing else worked. Still, it was enough to limp our way into Jinja—another 30-minute drive in partial darkness.

At a Total Energies gas station, we found a mechanic, who then called an electrician to diagnose and fix the issue. Total cost? 50,000 UGX (about $13).

Finally, Rest in Mayuge

With the car functional again, we pushed onward to Mayuge, arriving late at night. I checked into Zheu Hotel, left the precious school materials in the car, and collapsed into bed—grateful to have made it through another unpredictable but successful day in Uganda.

Tomorrow, we begin distribution!

D-4 Sunday Feb 2 - Mayuge

Adjusting Plans & Bringing Smiles in Mayuge

Today, we unloaded the Land Cruiser and took inventory again. Despite having packed it to the brim, we knew we hadn’t brought nearly enough supplies for the Mayuge distribution.

The giveaway was scheduled to start the very next day, and we were still missing a significant portion of materials. The weight of the logistics was taking its toll, where we needed to think on the go and find solutions fast.

A Last-Minute Supply Run

Faziri, Henry’s driver, volunteered to drive another car full of materials from Kampala to Mayuge that afternoon. He confidently assured me that everything would fit—which, frankly, I found hard to believe.

🚗 Faziri left late in the afternoon and later reported back:

📦 16 boxes of notebooks had to be left behind.

📦 He brought everything else he could.

At this point, I had to take a deep breath and rethink the plan. The new plan?

✅ Henry would bring the remaining materials the following week to finish distributing to the last school.

✅ I would focus on distributing 2,000 sets of school supplies on Monday.

✅ With Tuesday now freed up, I could attempt an early return to Kampala Monday evening—potentially giving me enough time to head back to Western Uganda to distribute more materials.

A Heartwarming Evening at Empathy Children Initiative Orphanage

With the rest of the day open, I turned my focus to a different kind of giving—one that didn’t involve school supplies, but instead pure joy.

I visited Empathy Children Initiative Orphanage, where I had brought clothing donations—specifically, soccer uniforms from my son’s team back home. Seeing the kids' excitement as they received matching jerseys and shorts was incredibly rewarding.

To complete the experience, I bought a soccer ball on the way there, and we spent the evening playing soccer together. The field was full of laughter, energy, and competition—a reminder that sometimes, the simplest moments are the most impactful.

Tomorrow, the real challenge begins—2,000 school sets to distribute in a single day. 

But for tonight, I rest, knowing we made a difference in these children's lives.

D-5 Monday Feb 3 Part 1 - Luwerere Primary

First School Served: Luwerere – A Step Toward Combatting Absenteeism

Our first stop on the journey was Luwerere, where we had the privilege of meeting approximately 200 children eager for their school supplies. This was an especially important visit, as it highlighted a key issue we're working to address: absenteeism, especially in the early weeks of the school year.

Absenteeism: A Cultural and Economic Barrier

In many rural areas, the first few weeks of school represent an economic burden for families. This is a time when families are adjusting to the financial stress of sending children to school. School fees, uniforms, and other supplies take a toll on already-struggling households. As a result, it’s common for students to not show up to school until week 3 or even week 4.

This situation directly impacts the ability of schools to offer consistent education in the first few weeks of the year. To help combat this, Dear Future has implemented a school material distribution program. We provide Headmasters (school principals) with enough school materials to supply each student who registers. This set of supplies is equivalent to about half a year’s worth of work, and it’s offered free of cost to any student who shows up in those critical first weeks.

The Role of Our Partner NGO

Our local partner NGO plays an essential role in this process. They follow up with the Headmasters in the months that follow, ensuring that materials are distributed fairly, and taking a headcount of students who receive the supplies.

While the number of students attending school remains low in those early weeks, by the end of the first term, the attendance numbers are nearly the same as the final count for the year. This is a critical success indicator, and it shows that our efforts are having an impact on getting kids to school early and encouraging them to stay engaged throughout the year.

Luwerere: Year Two of Impact

This was our second year working with Luwerere, and the signs of success are clear. Student attendance continues to rise year over year, which suggests that the program is working. While it's difficult to pinpoint the specific reason for the increase in attendance, we do believe that providing school materials free of cost plays a role in addressing the immediate barriers families face at the start of the school year.

One particularly encouraging trend we've noticed is the increase in female enrollment at Luwerere. Girls are enrolling in much larger numbers than boys, which is a fantastic outcome for us. This shift could be attributed to our distribution of reusable hygienic pads, which has been an incredibly positive factor in ensuring girls stay in school throughout the year.

The Bigger Picture

While we may not have all the answers yet, these small steps are making a big difference. Seeing an increase in both girl and boy enrollment, alongside improved attendance and distribution of school materials, signals that we are moving in the right direction. Dear Future will continue to monitor these trends closely, as we strive to support more schools and children each year.

In Luwerere, it’s clear that we’re not just providing school supplies—we’re helping kids get an education, staying engaged, and most importantly, building a future for themselves.

 D-5 Monday Feb 3 Pt 2 - Lukungu Primary

Lukungu Primary – A Larger Scale and a Growing Impact

Our second stop in Mayuge was at Lukungu Primary School, and this time, the numbers were significantly larger than what we saw at Luwerere. We were greeted by approximately 400 students, with another 100+ students showing up as the process continued. This was a clear sign that our program was reaching a much broader audience—and the excitement was palpable.

Ensuring Materials Go to the Right Hands

At Lukungu, the Headmaster and teachers adopted a slightly different approach to ensure the materials reached those who truly needed them. The teachers were involved in the process of checking enrollment, verifying that only registered students received the materials. This additional step allowed us to ensure that our supplies were distributed correctly, and we observed how the teachers effectively used this opportunity to encourage families to send their children to school.

Interestingly, other children—who had never been enrolled in school before—were also invited to join the distribution. While this wasn’t initially planned, it showed the community’s willingness to be engaged and the importance of education in the area. For us, it didn’t matter if the supplies went to students from other schools. Our mission is clear: get as many students as possible the materials they need to attend school and succeed.

Year Over Year Trends: A Recovery for Girls Enrollment

We took the opportunity to review enrollment trends at Lukungu. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find the specific 2022 numbers, but we did have access to 2019 data, which revealed a concerning dip in girls’ enrollment. This dip appeared to be recovering, and the numbers were showing improvement in the current year.

The increase in female enrollment is something we are especially proud of, and we believe our efforts to provide reusable hygienic pads have played a key role in this recovery. Access to reusable pads ensures that girls can attend school consistently, without the worries and challenges that come with menstruation. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that empowers girls and gives them the chance to stay in school.

Lukungu: A Model for Community Engagement

The role of Headmaster at Lukungu Primary has proven crucial in getting the community involved. By using the distribution event as a community message, the Headmaster was able to encourage families to send their children to school, ensuring that education was seen as a priority. Their approach to using our materials as a way to motivate families to enroll their children has been impactful, and it’s a model we hope to see replicated in other schools we work with.

A Bright Future Ahead

Lukungu Primary is showing us that, even in the face of challenges, education and community engagement can lead to positive change. We are optimistic that the trend of increasing enrollment and the recovery in girls’ attendance will continue, and we are proud to have played a role in helping the students here access the tools they need to succeed.

For Dear Future, the impact we’ve had at Lukungu is a powerful reminder of why we do this work: to support children, families, and communities in their efforts to make children's education a priority. The road ahead may be long, but with each student we reach, we are one step closer to achieving a future of opportunity for all.

After a successful day in Mayuge, and facing the fact that we were not going to address a third school on Tuesday; I decided to check out of the hotel and return to Kampala to save a day in the plan. We left around 5 PM, knowing that we would be driving at night, a fear I had now overcome due to necessity, but still is a difficult thing to do.

D-6 Tuesday Feb 4 - Shalom Primary

Shalom Primary School – A Special Delivery and a Continued Partnership

After arriving in Kampala around 9 PM the night before, we immediately headed to the storage facility to load up the vehicle with materials for the next stop: Shalom Primary School in Luwero, a historic district about two hours away from Kampala.

The drive was smooth, but the visit itself carried a special significance. Shalom Primary School is one of the original two schools we supported back in 2023 when we first started our mission in Uganda. This marked our year-over-year relationship with Shalom, and it’s always a privilege to return to a school that has been such an integral part of our journey.

Adjusting to Shalom’s New Start Date

Our visit to Shalom was slightly affected by an unexpected change in the school’s schedule. Originally, Shalom had planned to start their school year earlier, but due to unforeseen circumstances, they had moved their start date to February 3rd. This change disrupted our original timeline, but we adapted, knowing that flexibility is key in this kind of work.

A New Approach with Daphine Giwegi

This time, I was joined by Daphine Giwegi again, our photographer for the day. Daphine’s role was instrumental in capturing the moments that matter, from the postcard exchanges to the netball games with the children. Moving forward, we hope to hire Daphine for the entire distribution process, as her talent is invaluable to the team. If resources allow, we will work on providing her with adequate compensation for her services, including accommodation and food, in addition to the necessary logistics.

The Distribution Process

At Shalom, the operation went wonderfully, as it often does at schools where we’ve built a strong rapport over time. The students were thrilled to receive the materials, and as has become tradition, we also took the opportunity to write postcards back to our Texas children and engage with the students in various activities. One of the highlights was playing a game of netball with the children, further cementing the bond between us and the school community.

Exploring a New Idea: The Sewing Machines Initiative

While at Shalom, we discussed the possibility of supporting the school with sewing machines to implement a skill shop for students. This idea was first heard at our visit to HILCO Foundation, where skill shops such as carpentry, electricity, and sewing were successfully introduced. We believe that teaching children a skill alongside their regular education will give them a huge advantage and provide valuable opportunities in their future.

The idea was presented by the school’s leadership, and we agreed to explore its feasibility in the future.

A Bright Future for Shalom

As this might be our final delivery, it marks the end of one chapter of our mission in Uganda, but it also marks the beginning of another. The seeds we’ve planted at Shalom over the past year are starting to grow, and it’s exciting to think about how this school will continue to thrive and expand in the future.

Our ongoing relationship with Shalom Primary School serves as a reminder of the lasting impact our work can have. Whether it’s through providing essential school materials, engaging in fun activities with the children, or discussing ways to empower students through skills training, we are proud to contribute to their journey.

The road ahead is filled with even more opportunities to support schools like Shalom, and we can’t wait to see how this partnership evolves.

D-7 Wednesday Feb 5 - Rest

A Day in Kampala – Reflecting and Organizing

Originally, I had planned to head back to West Uganda and assist Elly Guard Tumusiime from Locus of Hope with distributing materials in his region. However, I hit a wall when it came to committing to such a long drive. I knew I had already made sure the materials were delivered the week before, anticipating that I might not be able to return. Given the distance, the time constraints, and the risk of being exhausted from the trip, I made the decision to stay in Kampala to rest.

Staying in Kampala: Meetings and Preparation

Despite this shift in plans, I knew that there was still important work to do in Kampala. So I used the day to organize and prepare for a couple of meetings that needed to happen the following day. Staying in the city allowed me to focus on the organizational side of things and ensure that the next phase of our work would continue smoothly.

A Surprising Message of Gratitude

One notable event that day was receiving a thank-you note from the Deputy Speaker of Parliament in Uganda. This message came after he had made a connection request, and his message was both surprising and heartwarming. It was a reminder of the positive impact we are making in the country and how our mission is being recognized at the highest levels.

A Day of Reflection

While it wasn’t the day I had originally planned, it turned out to be one that offered space for reflection and important organizational progress. The unexpected moments, like the thank-you message, were reminders of the support and appreciation we have in Uganda.

D-8 Thursday Feb 6 - Networking Meetings

A Day of Networking and Connection

Today, I focused on two important meetings that strengthened our partnerships and opened doors for potential future collaborations.

Meeting with Eve Namusisi from NMF Uganda

First, I had the chance to catch up with Eve Namusisi, the Executive Director of NMF Uganda. It had been a while since we last connected, and as partners of Dear Future, it’s always valuable to stay aligned and aware of each other’s activities. Our conversation was insightful, as we exchanged updates on ongoing initiatives and discussed how we can continue to support one another’s missions. The relationship with NMF Uganda is a vital part of our work, and it’s always reassuring to know we’re on the same page.

Meeting with an industry leader - Uganda

Next, I had the opportunity to meet with the CEO of a large tax payer in Uganda. Our meeting was more about getting to know each other and exploring potential opportunities for future collaborations. We didn’t dive into specifics today, but it was an important first step in understanding each other’s work and leaving the door open for potential future partnerships.

The meeting was productive, and I left with a sense of mutual respect and opportunity. This company's influence in Uganda is significant, and I’m hopeful that this connection will lead to fruitful collaborations down the line.

Reflecting on a Day of Progress

While today’s meetings were more about laying the groundwork for future work, it was a day full of networking and relationship-building. It’s always encouraging to connect with such influential partners and organizations, and I’m excited to see where these relationships take us.

I left Uganda on Friday the 7th and embarked on a 33 hour journey back to the United States, knowing that all the sacrifice was worth these children's futures.

We owe a special thank you to every person who supported our journey in accomplishing this incredible feat. To our donors—your belief in our mission and understanding that global education is a fundamental pillar of our world’s future make this work possible. To our partner NGOs in Uganda—your dedication and collaboration at every step are the backbone of our success. And to my family—thank you for your unwavering support, which enables me to carry out this work that I am so passionate about.

This journey is far from over. There are still thousands of children in need of school materials, education support, and opportunities for a brighter future. If you believe in the power of education and want to make a lasting impact, join us. Donate, share our mission, or get involved in any way you can.

Together, we are shaping the future—one student at a time.

Learn more and donate here: www.dear-future.org