PHILANTHROPY WEEK 2025: A MOVEMENT OF GENEROSITY THAT INSPIRES.

Philanthropy Week 2025 was a series of activities. It was a living testament to the power of generosity, community and shared humanity. From 4th to 9th August, we walked together with our partners, CivSource Africa, CivLegacy Foundation and the NGO Forum to highlight what it means to give and to build a society rooted in compassion and dignity.

The week opened with a powerful media breakfast on 4th August, where our team leader set the tone for the days ahead. With passion and clarity, she delivered a compelling call to action centered on menstrual health, dignity and community led change. Her words reminded everyone in the room that true philanthropy starts with recognizing and responding to the everyday struggles that rob people especially girls and women of dignity. It was a change to move beyond conversations into action.

The streets then came alive with action. Volunteers poured into neighborhoods for the street

activation, rolling up their sleeves to clean and restore spaces that serve us all. This was a

bold declaration that communities grow when we take responsibility for the spaces we share.

As brooms swept and litter was cleared, hearts were also swept clean of indifference, leaving

behind a renewed sense of pride and togetherness.

The movement of generosity spread throughout the week, encouraging people to give in

small and meaningful ways. It was a reminder that philanthropy belongs to everyone. Every

gesture from sharing a meal to paying attention to a neighbor in need, carried ripples of

impact. Generosity became a language spoken across genders and background.

We also held our hikers’ reflection on this year’s #Hike4GirlsUg in Tororo. Their stories

reminded us that the hike went beyond climbing a rock, standing in solidarity with girls who

face stigma and hardship because they cannot afford menstrual products. It was a walk for

dignity and change. Every hiker who showed up made a bold statement that girls matter,

proving that philanthropy is not only about wealth but about heart and through their courage,

they inspired and transformed lives. 

The week also highlighted the power of local giving.

Communities were challenged to look within themselves and recognize the wealth that

already exists, the skills, the time, the wisdom and the human connection. Local giving

underscored that sustainable change comes when communities empower themselves to give

and support one another.

Philanthropy Week ended with a very amazing activity. The Gathering of Givers. This was

the heartbeat of the entire week. Giving as we were reminded is not always about money, it

goes far beyond financial transactions. It is about compassion and the courage to see

humanity in others. The gathering was a celebration of truth, a place where people shared

stories, hugs, played games, words of encouragement and a sense of belonging.

Each one of us was called to recognize that we all have something valuable to give. Time to

sit with someone who feels alone, a listening ear to someone struggling silently, a warm hug

that says “you are not forgotten” and a kind word that heals unseen wounds.

These simple acts of giving built a community stronger than money alone can create, leaving

a lasting impact and showing that we are at our best when we choose generosity. Philanthropy

Week 2025 was a celebration and a reminder that giving is deeply human. It taught us that when we share our time and compassion, we create change that can last for generations.

Compiled By Dorah Kamwine