The 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation (4040) is bringing back its iconic event, #4040Night, after postponing it in July. The highly anticipated event is set to take place on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Tales Lounge in Bukoto.
The Foundation has lined up a series of fun-filled activities, including a quiz under the theme “Unbreakable Spirit. Unstoppable Game,” karaoke, board games, and more. Teams can register to participate in the quiz, with a minimum of five and a maximum of 15 players, for Shs300,000. Individuals can also join the event for Shs20,000.
#4040Night offers an exciting opportunity for companies to engage in team-building activities or for friends and families to enjoy a memorable Friday night while supporting a good cause.
“I expect a well-organized event with a variety of fun activities, like interactive card games that encourage people to connect,” said Isaac Munanira, a previous #4040Night attendee.
The winning quiz team will take home a grand prize of Shs1,000,000, with the first and second runners-up receiving Shs700,000 and Shs400,000, respectively. However, only teams registered before the event will be eligible for these prizes. The registration deadline is September 30, 2024. To register your team, call or WhatsApp 0776 840407 or 0757 140407.
The event is part of the Foundation’s fundraising efforts, with proceeds from this edition dedicated to purchasing chairs for the Angaza Resource Centre (ARC). For those unable to attend, donations in cash or kind (such as books, computers, or games) are welcome, and organizations can also partner with 4040 to provide support.
Over the years, the success of #4040Night has been driven by collaborations. Agandy Studios, one of the event’s key partners, shared their enthusiasm for the upcoming event.
“The event is important to the community because it sows the seeds of philanthropy and encourages nation-building. We are proud to support 4040’s initiative to bring holistic education to underserved communities,” said Ninno Amanyire of Agandy Studios. “We hope to capture the experiences of people having fun while giving back to underprivileged children.”
The Importance of the Angaza Resource Centre (ARC)
The Angaza Resource Centre, established by 4040, serves children from underserved schools in Kibuli and surrounding communities, providing access to learning aids such as books, computers, and games. It offers a safe space for children to study and interact with their peers.
Since its inception, the ARC has been instrumental in bridging educational gaps for children who face significant barriers. More than 200 children benefit weekly from the library and computer lab, which have improved their computer skills, reading, comprehension, and spelling abilities.
“My favorite activity at the ARC is computer lessons. I know how to type in Microsoft Word and switch on a computer. By the time I’m in P.7, I will be a pro,” said Alex Okello (not his real name), a P.5 pupil from Valerian Primary School.
The Centre’s impact also extends to teachers, providing training on learner-centered education methods. These include phonics, Early Grade Reading Assessment, and ICT, which have significantly enhanced the quality of lessons delivered to the children.
“The Centre is a blessing to both teachers and students. They teach us as well as the children, and the lessons are incredibly helpful in class,” said Ms. Athieno Francis, a teacher at Quentin Junior School.
4040 has also developed programs for teenagers, both in and out of school, that focus on critical skills like teamwork, resourcefulness, critical thinking, essay writing, and ICT. The program provides a safe space for about 50 young people to network, learn, and interact with peers.
Founded in 2012, the 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation is committed to enhancing literacy and learning opportunities for vulnerable children. Through initiatives like the ARC, the Foundation has made significant strides in increasing school enrollment, retention, and access to quality education in underserved communities.
