August 2026 Newsletter

WELCOME BACK ERICA!

Erica with girls from the Life Homes in 2022

All of us at Align are THRILLED that Erica Estrella is back as a volunteer helping in Orange County. Welcome back Erica - we've missed you!!

- Millie Akello - 
Align Success Story

For those of you who have been involved with Align for many years or have ever visited Uganda with us, you will most likely remember Millie Akello. Millie was one of the first children in our Life with Hope Sponsorship program. She then was a recipient under Align's Scholarship program, and she obtained her degree in social work. After graduating, Millie returned to the Bombo community where she served as the Client Services Coordinator in the sponsorship program for several years. She effectively and lovingly monitored the care of close to 200 at-risk children and HIV+ widows. 

Millie recently received an opportunity to further her education at the University of Chester. She is making such an impression that her story was featured on their website. Click here to read how she continues to make a greater impact through her advanced degree. KUDOS to Millie - you go Girl!!



Millie Akello at Donela Primary School - Bombo in 2012

Congratulations to our
Seamstress Training Graduates

We are thrilled to report that the Seamstress Training Class of 2025 graduated earlier this month. Due to the efforts of Teacher Joan, 10 students sat for the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) certificate, and all of them passed very well: six passed with a grade of A and four passed with a grade of B+.  
 
Carol Masereka who oversees the program in Uganda reported:  "We were able to also gift sewing machines to two students, Patricia and Sadat, who both passed with a Grade A , and then returned to give back to the Bombo community. For the last several months, each has been working to sew not only uniforms for the Donela Schools but also ushering uniforms for the church."  We love to see how the programs encourage recipients to pay it forward.

 

 

2026 Align Events

CHANGE in DATE!
5th Annual Dinkin' for da Kids
"Oktoberfest in November"
Pickleball Tournament
Sunday November 1, 2026
Palos Verdes Tennis Center

Due to construction that has recently started at the Palos Verdes Tennis Club, we have rescheduled the Align pickleball tournament to Sunday November 1, 2026. Please update your calendar and stay tuned - more details to come!

CHANGE in DATES
Patron Events in the South Bay

Because of the change in date for the pickleball tournament, we have rescheduled the Patron Events to Sunday October 18 and Thursday October 22. Please email Hannah at [email protected] for more information or if you would like to attend. You won't want to miss hearing the latest on how God is moving in Central Uganda!

Please Pray that the U.S.
Allows Ugandans to Visit!

The U.S. Embassy in Uganda has made travel difficult for Ugandan nationals to the United States. "Starting January 21, 2026, nationals of Uganda who are found otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa must post a bond of up to $15,000." Additionally, due to the small Ebola outbreak of 20 people in Uganda, Ugandans are currently not allowed to travel to the U.S. This restriction is set to be renewed or rescinded on August 12. Please pray with us that all obstacles are overcome so that Alex and Millie are able to visit us this fall.

2026 Medical Mission

We ask that you pray for our Ugandan partners and our friends at Peninsula Community Church as they hold their annual medical mission. Many patients come from long distances to receive treatment from the team - see photo below. The clinic is scheduled for August 30 - September 4.



Patients wrapped around the block, waiting to be seen at the Medical Mission

P.S. Progress on Donela High Dormitory

Here is the latest report from Deo Kabugo, Civil Engineer for the Uganda team:  "We are in the final stages. We are left with three main phases, that is painting, electricity and plumbing. This is besides the final finishing works that we planned to complete by the end of this week. Our target is to complete before the start of the third term this year on September 10, 2026."

 

Photos of dormitory construction this week