The Kearing Foundation Uganda is a community-based organization dedicated to making a profound impact on the lives of vulnerable and underserved individuals, with a focus on orphans or abandoned children.

Introduction

I am honored to introduce you to Ssewannyana Denis, the founder of Kearing Foundation Uganda. In this special interview, we explore the mission, vision, and heartfelt journey of Kearing Foundation Uganda.

Denis’s personal experiences as an orphan and his unwavering commitment to uplifting others in similar circumstances have led to the creation of this extraordinary foundation.

From providing vital support to orphans, HIV/AIDS-positive individuals, and abandoned children to advocating for better healthcare and education in Uganda, Kearing Foundation Uganda is a beacon of hope in the community.

Join us in exploring the inspiring stories, challenges, and future aspirations of Kearing Foundation Uganda as we learn about their tireless efforts to create a brighter future for those they serve.

Can you provide an overview of the mission and objectives of Kearing Foundation Uganda and the specific communities it serves?

Ssewannyana Denis: Kearing Foundation Uganda is a community-based organization in Uganda with a mission to save and change lives, focusing on HIV-positive individuals, orphans, abandoned children, the older people, and disabled individuals. Our organization has successfully transformed the lives of many in Uganda.

What inspired you to establish Kearing Foundation Uganda, and how has it evolved over the years in terms of the services it offers?

Ssewannyana Denis: Growing up as an orphan after losing my parents, I faced numerous challenges. I made a promise to myself that I would be a voice for the voiceless and improve the lives of those in need. I understand the profound pain of living in poverty and need.

Uganda, being a developing country, faces issues like inadequate healthcare, education, and access to basic necessities. I initially began using social media to make a positive impact in the lives of people in need. However, we’re now grown into a fully-fledged organization with both on-ground and remote teams.

You mentioned growing up as an orphan and facing challenges. Could you share more about your personal experiences and how they influenced your decision to help others in similar situations?

Ssewannyana Denis: I encountered numerous challenges, including limited access to education. I only managed to attend primary classes. I even suffered physical and emotional abuse, which forced me to consider life on the streets. All these experiences drove home the realization that many children out there are in the same situation as I was. As a result, this became my driving force to help orphaned children like me.

How does Kearing Foundation Uganda address the various needs of orphaned children, HIV/AIDS-positive individuals, street children, and those who were abandoned?

Ssewannyana Denis: We have a professional team on the ground with diverse skills to address the emotional and physical needs of the individuals we serve. For example, we work on creating a supportive environment for children who are afraid to take HIV/AIDS medication, emphasizing the importance of treatment in saving their lives.

Additionally, we’ve successfully reintegrated many children into schools and back with their families through our dedicated team’s efforts.

The foundation relies on volunteers, both on the ground and remotely. How do these volunteers contribute to the success of Kearing Foundation Uganda, and how can others join in?

Ssewannyana Denis: Our volunteers, whether on the ground or remotely, play a pivotal role in our organization’s success. They take on various roles to ensure the smooth functioning of Kearing Foundation Uganda, and some even provide essential funding.

We encourage anyone interested in joining us to reach out via email at kearingfoundationug@gmail.com. For support or more information, check the links in our social media bios or send us a direct message.

Could you share some stories of individuals or families whose lives have been positively impacted by the support provided by Kearing Foundation Uganda?

Ssewannyana Denis: One touching story involves a child named Muhinda Ethan. Born to a very young mother who had dropped out of school, Ethan was abandoned at the tender age of five. We welcomed Ethan into our care, and he has since progressed to the 3rd grade. However, our support has extended beyond Ethan. We’ve provided care for other five children who have faced similar heartbreaking circumstances.

What are some of the significant challenges you face while running the foundation, and how do you overcome them?

Ssewannyana Denis: Primarily, we are confronted with the challenge of funding, as financial resources are pivotal in charity work. Without adequate funds, it becomes exceedingly difficult to maintain operations. We have reached out to larger charities and government officials seeking support for our cause. While some have responded positively, others have not. Our most significant supporters are on social media. However, due to limited funding, the scope of our services is somewhat restricted.

We also face a shortage of volunteers. Since our operations are charitable and volunteers are not remunerated, attracting sufficient on-ground support becomes a challenge. However, we continuously encourage individuals worldwide to join us on the ground and contribute their time and effort as volunteers.

Additionally, managing a high budget with a limited income is another challenge we grapple with. We are actively working to reduce some expenses to ensure that our funds are utilized more efficiently and sustainably.

Moreover, we encounter issues with the quality and cost of services provided by institutions such as schools and healthcare facilities. But plans are underway to initiate school and healthcare projects. Our initiatives are designed to offer essential services to the community at no cost, with the goal of easing financial burdens and enhancing the overall quality of available services.

But without funds nothing can go on.

You have ambitious future goals, including expanding across Africa and constructing hospitals, schools, and a larger orphanage center. Can you elaborate on these plans and how they align with your mission?

Ssewannyana Denis: We aim to partner with larger organizations and companies to expand our impact across Africa. With sponsors, we can extend our services and create a more significant impact.

Our future plans include building hospitals, schools, and a larger orphanage center to offer free services to the community. All our projects align with our mission to improve healthcare and education standards.

How can people from around the world support the work of Kearing Foundation Uganda, whether through donations, volunteering, or other means?

Ssewannyana Denis: Supporters can contribute to our cause by making donations through our social media platforms. They can choose a specific project to back among our numerous ongoing campaigns. Additionally, we also offer merchandise with our logos for purchase. Anyone can choose to support us by purchasing these products. However, we welcome various kinds of support as well, including clothing and food. One can send these items to our postal address: PO BOX 75, Mityana, Uganda.

Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives by Kearing Foundation Uganda that you would like to highlight?

Ssewannyana Denis: Our upcoming project involves constructing a larger orphanage home to accommodate the growing number of children in need. We will be organizing campaigns, such as marathons and dinners, to fund this project, and we call on everyone to contribute in any way they can.

What message would you like to convey to individuals who may not be fully aware of the issues faced by vulnerable communities in Uganda and similar developing countries?

Ssewannyana Denis: For those unaware of the challenges faced by vulnerable communities in developing countries, we urge you to consider the immense need for support, both financial and physical.

While many people around the world may not consider $1 to be significant, in developing countries, it can provide enough to feed a person for an entire day. Even a small contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of those struggling in these regions. 

Can you tell us about the partnerships or collaborations that Kearing Foundation Uganda has established to enhance its impact?

Ssewannyana Denis: We have collaborated with PEPPER Magazine for publishing and have received support from individuals, both globally and locally, for funding and volunteer work.

What are some of the most significant achievements or milestones that Kearing Foundation Uganda has accomplished in its journey to improve the lives of those in need?

Ssewannyana Denis: One of our significant achievements is the establishment of a small orphanage home. The orphanage currently accommodates 25 children with disabilities and those who were abandoned. We are actively caring for more than fifty additional children outside our home. Our goal is to provide sufficient accommodation and land to help even more children in need.

If you could offer one piece of advice to young individuals who aspire to make a positive impact in their communities, what would it be?

Ssewannyana Denis: Believe in your worth and capabilities in your community, and strive to make people value your contributions. Be persistent and dedicated, as positive change often takes time.

How do you balance your responsibilities between leading both Kearing Foundation Uganda and Jungwe Animal Shelter?

Ssewannyana Denis: I serve as the director and work alongside members dedicated to our shelter and organization. Jungwe Animal Shelter’s accounts are managed by Sabrina Sukhram from the USA, while I and other volunteers oversee Kearing Foundation Uganda’s operations. It’s challenging, but it’s worth it.

What lessons have you learned along the way that have been instrumental in the success of Kearing Foundation Uganda and Jungwe Animal Shelter?

Ssewannyana Denis: Trustworthiness, courage, and persistence have been crucial to our success. I’ve also learned that good things take time and require unwavering dedication.

Could you share any memorable moments or stories from your experiences with Kearing Foundation Uganda that have left a lasting impression on you?

Ssewannyana Denis: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we faced tough times in Uganda, with many people starving due to a total lockdown. We used our social media platform to raise funds and we provided food to over 300 people in our community, as the government did not provide assistance. This experience left a lasting impression on me.

What keeps you motivated to continue your mission to help the vulnerable and underserved in Uganda and beyond?

Ssewannyana Denis: My love for helping those in need and the passion to make a difference continually motivate me. The success we’ve achieved so far serves as a constant reminder of the impact we can make.

What do you envision for the future of Kearing Foundation Uganda, and how do you see it evolving to make an even greater impact on the lives of those you serve?

Ssewannyana Denis: In the future, we aim to be recognized globally as the Kearing Foundation and focus on educating the young generation. We ultimately wish to eradicate poverty and ignorance in the communities we serve.

We also plan to improve healthcare and education standards by building free schools and hospitals in Uganda.

Lastly, is there any other message you would like to share with the world?

Ssewannyana Denis: I encourage everyone to volunteer, support, and join organizations like Kearing Foundation Uganda. Together, we can change lives and uplift the standards of those in need. Remember to give, share, and love (Proverbs 19:17). With love from Uganda, Ssewannyana Denis, Founder of Kearing Foundation Uganda and Jungwe Animal Shelter.

Your Support Matters

I invite you to connect with Kearing Foundation Uganda and support their noble cause. To learn more about their impactful work and find ways to get involved, please visit their Instagram account and Facebook page.

Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable communities in Uganda and beyond. Together, let’s give, share, and love, just as Ssewannyana Denis and his team do every day.

For donations: PayPal (rakdeesincere@gmail.com) and GoFundMe.

I also invite you to visite 4TinyHands’ Facebook page and Instagram account to discover other inspiring true stories.