About Us

Be the Change You Want to See

WHY WE STARTED

Responding to a Critical Need

40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation (4040) was founded in 2012 with a simple but powerful mission: to bridge educational gaps in underserved communities. What began as a small act of generosity has grown into a movement committed to increasing school enrolment, improving retention, and expanding access to quality learning for vulnerable children.

At its heart, 4040 was created to respond to a clear need — too many children lacked basic literacy resources, school supplies, and supportive learning environments. We believed that with collective action, this could change.

Founder's inspiration

Where Compassion Sparked a Movement

Esther Kalenzi, started 40 days over 40 smiles during Lent, the Christian fasting season. The idea was that most people she knew could afford to spare some money to give a group of underprivileged children a happy Easter. The name therefore symbolises 40 days of ‘fasting’ some of the luxuries of life to make over 40 children smile.
She opened a Facebook page on February 27th, 2012 which gained fast popularity leading up to the Easter weekend. It began as something small with a few friends and family who came together to give back to the community. She was able to raise almost $1,000 in 40 days,
alongside truckloads of toys, clothes, books, beddings and more. This initiative has since grown in leaps and bounds and is now registered as a non-profit, 40 Days over 40 Smiles Foundation (4040).
Esther’s love for children and desire to be part of the solution pushed her to start this work. One of her favourite quotes has always been ‘Be the change you want to see.”

By starting 4040, it meant she would no longer sit in silence when she could do something about the situation.
She was privileged to find people who believed in the dream, and to date, over 500 volunteers have been part of the team. The team has been responsible for various successful campaigns and events like #BuyABrick, #Hoops4Grace, #CroakAndRhyme, #5AsideUG and #4040Night. The funds have impacted the lives of over 3,000, in and out of school children in underserved communities in Kampala, Wakiso and Luwero.

The Problem We Address

Access to quality education remains a challenge for many children in underserved communities. Limited learning materials, financial hardship, and lack of support systems often lead to low enrolment and high dropout rates.

Through social media advocacy, community partnerships, and creative fundraising campaigns such as #BuyABrick, #Hoops4Grace, and #4040Night, we raise awareness and mobilize resources to support children both in and out of school.

We believe meaningful change happens when we unite

By combining youth-driven action, social engagement, and community collaboration, we continue to empower the next generation to lead social-economic change within their communities.

Our Values

Community

We believe lasting impact is built together. From beneficiaries to partners and volunteers.

Compassion

We serve with empathy, recognizing the unique realities of every child and community we support.

Dreamers

We think big and act boldly, constantly pursuing innovative ways to create change.

Transparency

We remain open, honest, and responsible in our actions, and communication.

Our Vision

To be the epicentre of youth mobilisation for
community service towards holistic education of
children in underserved communities.

Our Mission

Inspiring Ugandans to engage in inclusive, philanthropic
activities towards improving quality of learning for
underprivileged children and communities.

Our Annual Reports

2024

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2023

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