A world of thanks for your donations to our Graduation Party Campaign this summer.

We surpassed our $2,500 goal to finish at $7,675!

Our first party, in Kampala, was made up of the largest group of graduates and soon-to-be graduates. While they've been part of our program for years, they went to school in different areas and having them meet and start to network with one another filled our hearts. They've established a robust WhatsApp group that provides support, humor and check-ins.

The second party in Mityana, smaller town a few hours north of Kampala, was smaller but just as rewarding. Several graduates brought their mothers, and we were able to bring a few of our boarding school students out to enjoy a delicious dinner and party games.

The final party, in Lwamata, was after a day of playing and reading with students at Saint Venansio School (where we have several scholars).  Besides our graduates, some of whom traveled over an hour by bodaboda bike, we were joined by several proud parents, younger siblings and the priests who help with our program and the school.

The funds you've provided have not only covered our celebration expenses; they've given us a buffer to provide the tools and cover fees for our graduates to grow in their work. From licenses to sewing machines, laptops to graduate school materials, your help has made a difference. We are grateful for your support and trust -- thank you, thank you, thank you.

Warmly,

Mary Patronik

Development Chair

You can view stories on our website at the following links:

Jane's restaurant

Jimmy's One Heart Uganda Blessed Best Welding Shop

Catherine & Mauricia's Fashion Beginnings

Arnold's Proud Grad Moments

Sparking Success -- Nicholas' Mechanic Shop Update

Laptops Launched Thanks to You

Grad Party Group Photos

Please go to our website for the latest stories and photos:

https://oneheartuganda.org/2025/07/stronger-together/

https://oneheartuganda.org/2025/07/launching-with-laptops/

Our hearts are bursting!

Thank you for so generously supporting this fundraiser. 

Apologies for not getting any updates to you since we returned. To say there’s a lot to process is an understatement!

From the dinners with the graduates and some of their parents to checking in with younger scholarship students and visiting classrooms, Kim’s thoughtful itinerary hardly left a second to spare. 

We’re prioritizing what the additional funds will provide to the students and graduates, and thanks to you, we’re able to do more than we imagined or hoped. Many, many thanks. 

Big hugs,

Mary

Our first dinner, with around 30 graduates and soon/to-be grads in Kampala was a roaring success! Thank you for making this happen!

(photos to come soon)

Wow! Thank you to everyone who has donated & pledged to make these celebrations memorable! 

I'm pretty sure we'll have more than 100 attendees once things get rolling, so your support is meaningful & we are truly grateful. 

~Mary

One week until we start seeing our students!