By Pamela Nabwire and Alex Mudekereza
Every year, 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation (4040) recruits, trains, mentors, and works with over 50 young people who are passionate about creating change. Our volunteers engage in projects that support their personal development and career growth while directly impacting underserved communities.
This year, over 500 individuals applied to join the 4040 volunteer programme. From this competitive pool, 50 volunteers were selected and placed across different departments, including Fundraising and Partnerships, the Angaza Outreach Program, the Angaza Resource Centre, Finance & Operations, and the Communication and Marketing Department.
On Saturday, 28th March, we held an onboarding session where new volunteers had the opportunity to learn about the organisation’s mission, understand how each department operates, and connect with both their new and continuing volunteers.
Volunteering at 4040 is a two-way exchange. While volunteers make a meaningful difference in children’s lives, they also gain significantly from the experience.
Benefits include peer-to-peer coaching, hands-on experience in their areas of interest, leadership training and active participation in community development. Volunteers also receive recommendations and support to help advance their careers.
Through structured mentorship, practical experience, and leadership exposure, we nurture socially conscious individuals who go on to become changemakers in their communities and beyond.
When you volunteer with 4040, you are not just giving your time, you are building capacity, influencing lives, and shaping your future.
Nandiika Sharifah, a volunteer at the Angaza Resource Centre, was drawn to the role by her passion for working with young people. “I’ve always loved working with children and shaping the future generation,” she said.
With a growing community of volunteers and over a decade of impact, 4040 continues to bridge educational gaps for children and youth in underserved communities, providing access to books, computers, and life skills.
Founded in 2012, 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation (4040) is a volunteer-based nonprofit organisation dedicated to expanding access to literacy and quality education for children in underserved communities.
Through the power of community, social media advocacy, and youth-driven action, we mobilize resources, raise awareness, and create meaningful opportunities that increase school enrolment, improve retention, and inspire brighter futures.