In 2012, when 4040’s Team Lead Esther Kalenzi first called for support to celebrate Easter with children in vulnerable communities, Violet Kawuma was among the first to show up. That initial campaign took them to two homes , one of them in Kyebando  long before 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation became a registered organisation.

That day marked the beginning of Violet’s journey with 4040, a journey she describes as worth every moment. “It all began during the very first campaign,” she recalls. “Esther called for support to celebrate Easter with children in vulnerable communities. There were two homes visited during that campaign, and I joined the team that went to Kyebando. We weren’t registered yet , that was in 2012.” What started as a simple act of kindness grew into something bigger than any of them could have imagined. For Violet, the experience became more than volunteer work; it became a journey of purpose and growth.  “The work we do and the impact we’ve had in communities have kept me going,” she says. “Over the years, I’ve seen the transformation in the people we serve and the volunteers themselves. It’s priceless.

Personally, I’ve also grown  both career-wise and individually.” She fondly remembers one of her most significant moments with 4040 , the first meeting after the 2012 Easter celebrations. “We met at Garden City, just a small group of young people who wanted to make real change,” she says. “The ideas shared that day birthed the organisation.” That meeting was the spark that set everything in motion. Through the years, Violet has come to appreciate the essence of teamwork and shared purpose. “We each have our strengths, and when we bring them together, we can go far,” she says. “In our own small ways, we can create real change in our communities. 4040’s story is literally that.” Looking back, Violet is amazed at how far the foundation has come. “From having breakfast with children and simply sharing smiles to driving real community transformation through education , that’s quite the leap,” she reflects. “We are now a fully fledged organisation recognised around the world.

It’s a dream come true for the vision bearer and for all of us who believed in her dream from the start.” To those just joining the 4040, Violet offers heartfelt advice: “Enjoy the process , it’s worth it. You’ll witness real community impact, grow as a person, and create some of the truest friendships along the way.”

Her story is a reminder of how small acts, when done with love and unity can be life-changing .Violet’s journey mirrors 4040’s own  humble beginnings, steady growth, and a lasting impact that continues to inspire.