April 2026 Newsletter
Capital Projects
Joe Jackson, Align CFO, shares the latest on capital projects in Uganda.
Life Home Village
A solar power backup lighting system was installed to provide basic lighting when the unreliable power grid goes down. The Life Home children and mothers were thrilled to obtain replacements for many items that have worn out over the years and send their sincere thanks to our Align donors! Replaced items include mattresses and covers, bedsheets and covers, clothing storage suitcases, housecleaning equipment (buckets, brushes, and basins), pressure cookers, kettles, saucepans, serving dishes, irons, common room chairs/couches and dining chairs.
Donela Wobulenzi Primary School
The new eight-classroom block was completed and has been occupied since October 2025. Our nursery school students no longer must bear the miseries of a wood and corrugated iron sheet temporary classroom, and there is classroom space for our increasing enrollment. The block is designed and constructed to allow the addition of an eight-classroom second story when enrollment grows enough to require it. Perimeter fencing was installed to ensure students stay within the compound, unauthorized persons stay out, and to reduce the risk of vandalism. The perimeter fence features an attractive entrance gate with a block wall on either side. A “year-round” water well was drilled and piped to the school water system. It was needed to provide water during the few months each year when the existing well runs dry. This well is shared with Donela High School.
Donela High School
The new Donela High School building’s first two floors were completed this February, in time for the start of school. The building is located on our new, stand-alone High School campus located adjacent to the Donela Wobulenzi Primary & Nursery School campus. Each floor of the high school buildings has six classrooms and student toilets. Using a strategy common with the new Wobulenzi classroom block, the second floor is designed and constructed to allow the addition of a third and final floor when enrollment growth warrants it. A perimeter fence with a sturdy entry gate and masonry wall helps secure the campus. An interim kitchen, storage shed, and year-round water well (shared with the Primary School) round out the high school campus facilities. Donela Bombo Primary and Nursery School also benefits from the new High School campus as the classrooms previously occupied by high school students are now being used by primary school and tailoring training students.
Donela High School Dormitories
The first dormitory is finished and occupied by students. Construction of the second dormitory was held up by a last-minute issue brought up by the Wobulenzi Town Council (sounds like doing construction in the US, doesn’t it?). Fortunately, our team and the Town Council agreed on a path forward and the second dormitory construction is underway. The site was leveled, and foundation layout and trenching has started. The boys' and girls' dormitories are wisely located on opposite ends of the campus. Each dormitory has a capacity of 120 students plus a patron or matron, and is furnished with bunkbed frames, mattresses, shelving for student belongings, a study area, toilets, bathing rooms, and laundry provisions. Each dormitory will be close to half-filled this term, so there is healthy room for a growing enrollment.
I can’t say enough about how awesome it is to see God working through our Align supporters and Ugandan Life With Hope team to accomplish so much toward raising a godly generation!
Update from Brian Meadows in Uganda
Board Directors, Brian and Stacey Meadows, were recently in Uganda with their friend Nancy Reed. Brian reports, "This trip, like all our trips, has been awesome! We have seen friends that we have been doing life with for over 17 years. We spent time with many of the pastors and their wives, and even played a game of Uno where we all were really able to let our hair down. We also experienced two memorable moments in the town of Kakooge. We met Dennis, one child whose life will be forever changed by sponsorship through the Joy Rogers Memorial Fund. We also reconnected with Benita, a young girl we had met on a previous trip. Benita was hit by a boda-boda (motorcycle) and had compound fractures to her leg. Generous Align donors paid for her medical care, and she has now made a full recovery and recently returned to Donela Primary School. Although her grandmother pulled her out because she could not afford her school fees, Pastor Lokol and his wife Jennifer have ensured her fees have been paid this term."
2026 Align Events
Align Connect - Ladera Ranch
Saturday May 9, 2026
Oak Knoll Clubhouse
Join us for an evening of connection and inspiration as we reflect on Align International’s incredible 20-year journey and celebrate the progress made together! Brian and Stacey Meadows will be there to share highlights from their trip to Uganda in April. We will also provide an update on the Ojera family’s upcoming visit and share a look ahead at the vision and impact Align hopes to create over the next five years.
You can RSVP here.
Please reach out to Summer, summer@
SAVE THE DATE
5th Annual Dinkin' for da Kids
Oktoberfest Pickleball Tournament
Sunday September 27, 2026
Palos Verdes Tennis Center
We're mixing things up for this year's 5th annual Dinkin' for da Kids pickleball tournament by incorporating some Oktoberfest fun. Feel free to come dressed in your finest lederhosen or dirndl, and enjoy dinking and smashing at the Palos Verdes Tennis Club. Indulge in some bratwurst, pretzels and other goodies after a fabulous day of pickleball. See the poster below for details or reach out to Barbara at [email protected] or Hannah at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you there!
2026 Medical Mission
JOIN TEAM BOMBO 2026! Our friends at Peninsula Community Church are now accepting applications for this year's medical clinic mission in Uganda. The clinic will be open August 30 - September 4 (not including travel). They are seeking both lay volunteers and medical personnel (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals) to partner with PAG Bombo Church, along with dedicated Ugandan doctors and nurses, in providing essential healthcare to rural communities. This vital annual ministry touches the lives of thousands of people each year. Every patient receives compassionate care, is prayed over, and is given a clear opportunity to hear the good news of Jesus Christ and His saving grace.
If you're feeling called to serve in this life-changing way - whether through your medical expertise or by supporting non-clinical roles - please prayerfully consider applying. Feel free to share this with friends and family who you think might be interested as well. Click HERE to access the team information packet, and click HERE to see their website. Check it out!
Send your Sponsored Child a Note
Did you know your sponsored child loves to hear from you? Please consider writing a quick note to let them know you are thinking of them.
- Log into your account on the Align International website.
- Under the "Actions" drop-down, click "Write a Letter".
- A new page will appear where you can write a letter. You can also upload a photo of yourself and your family which your sponsored child would love to see!
- If you run into problems, just reach out to Summer at [email protected].
Please know it may take up to six weeks to receive a response due to travel time and limited internet access. When your sponsored child has responded, you will receive an automated email notification with a link to log into your account.
May God bless you for loving those in desperate need in Uganda!