The first time a child discovers the joy of reading often begins with something simple; a book placed in their hands at just the right moment.
For many children, that moment happens in a school library or at home before bedtime. But for thousands of children growing up in underserved communities and Uganda at large, that moment never arrives! not because they do not want to read, but because the books simply are not there.
For more than a decade, the 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation (4040) has been working quietly to change that story.
Founded in 2012, the volunteer-led organisation mobilises communities, local partners, and individual supporters to improve access to learning opportunities for children. Through reading initiatives, school partnerships, and community programs, the foundation has supported thousands of learners while encouraging a culture of giving where even the smallest contribution can create meaningful change.
In 2023, that belief became visible in a powerful way with the opening of the Angaza Resource Centre in Kibuli, built through the collective effort of volunteers, partners, and donations from individuals who believed in the idea. The centre provides children with free access to books, computers, and a child friendly safe space where learning can flourish.
For many children who visit the centre, it is the first time they encounter shelves filled with books they are free to explore.
Teachers have since observed changes that go beyond academics. Children read more confidently, participate more in class discussions, and begin to imagine possibilities beyond their immediate surroundings.
Yet one challenge remains…
Many children who could benefit from the centre live too far away to reach it.
That realization inspired the Foundation’s next step. A mobile library that can take books directly to the children who need them most.
Instead of waiting for children to find libraries, the idea is simple; bring the library to them.
To help turn this vision into reality, the foundation will participate in the Little by Little campaign, a four-day global crowdfunding initiative organised by GlobalGiving from March 16th to March 20th.
The campaign encourages communities around the world to support grassroots organisations through small donations. During the campaign period, all eligible donations of up to $50 per donor will be matched at 50 percent.
For 4040, the campaign reflects a philosophy that has guided the organisation since its beginning: lasting change often begins with small acts of generosity.
“A lot of the work we have done has been possible because ordinary people chose to give what they could,” says Esther Kalenzi, Team Lead of 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation. “Little by little, those small contributions have allowed us to create spaces where children can read, learn, and feel supported. The mobile library is simply the next step in bringing those opportunities closer to even more children.”
The Foundation hopes that through the Little by Little campaign, supporters both in Uganda and around the world will help turn this next chapter into reality. If successful, the mobile library will travel to 20 more schools and communities with limited learning resources, providing children with access to books and reading opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach. This will scale 4040’s reach to more schools than the 4 that the Angaza Resource Centre currently serves.
For the children who will encounter those books, the impact may seem simple at first, a new story, a quiet place to read, a moment of curiosity sparked by a page.
But those moments often grow into something larger.
Confidence, Imagination, A belief that learning belongs to them too.
And like everything that has brought 4040 this far, it will begin in the same way.
Little by little.
4040 welcomes you to donate any amount to the campaign.
You can any amount via Mobile Money on 0776840407/0757140407, all under the name Forty Days Over Forty Smiles Foundation or online via GlobalGivving at bit.ly/Donate4040
For more information or to support the Little by Little campaign:
Website: www.40daysover40smiles.org
Email: info@40daysover40smiles.org Phone: +256 776 840407