What makes you feel optimistic? I know that can be a hard question.

Here's one answer: 11-year-olds stepping up to help other kids across the world.

 I want to give a huge thank you to the 5th-grade students and teachers at Hinesburg Community School in Vermont. For the third year in a row, they hosted a Penny War, and this time, they raised $1,400 for our students in Uganda.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all you have done! Thank you!!!

 Throughout 2025, your generosity made it possible to continue lifting children and families out of extreme poverty.  Because of your support, children had access to education, women started businesses, and girls received skills training.  You helped create real stability and long-term change for hundreds of children!

Your commitment did not just meet needs in the moment. It helped build pathways forward.

 We saw that commitment again in the final weeks of the year through our Her Future Starts Now campaign. Thanks to you, the campaign officially closed on December 31, 2025, with full funding to send 30 girls to our Vocational Center in 2026.   

This week, exam results came in from Kamuli, and every single student passed. That's huge! These are children who walk miles to school, many living with grandparents who can barely afford food, and yet, they showed up, studied hard, and succeeded. 

 You made that happen!

 Because of your generosity, every child had school supplies, uniforms, shoes, and fees covered. You made school possible in a year when so many couldn't go.