IOC President’s speech - Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony
The spirit of the Olympic Games is about so much more than sport. It is about us – and what makes us human.
In Africa, where I’m from, we have a word: ubuntu. It means: I am because we are. That we can only rise by lifting others. That our strength comes from caring for each other.
No matter where you come from, we all know this spirit – it lives and breathes in every community.
I see this spirit most clearly at the Olympic Games. Here, athletes from every corner of our world compete fiercely – but also respect, support and inspire one another. They remind us that we are all connected, that our strength comes from how we treat each other, and that the best of humanity is found in courage, compassion and kindness.
So let these Games be a celebration of what unites us – of everything that makes us human.
This is the magic of the Olympic Games: inspiring us all to be the best that we can be – together.
Grace Viila Breaks Ground for New Ubuntu Cultural Center!
We are happy to share the new building design that is currently being constructed at Grace Villa Kabale, Uganda!
Exciting times for the girls at
Grace Villa Sanctuary as their Dreams become a Reality!
Grace Villa is a multi faceted home and sanctuary for orphaned, abandoned and at-risk girls - in the hills of Kabale, Uganda. Every child deserves to be loved, protected, educated, fed & happy. This is what we do. At Grace Villa our ethos is:
"We Rise By Lifting Others!"
Ruth Ndyabahika CEO
of Grace Villa Kabale Shares Her Story
Grace Villa Girls Take Over Ubuntu Launch
in Kigali, Rwanda
Grace Villa Kabale:
A Sanctuary For
Vunerable Girls
Good News!
Franciose Nwabufo
Founding President of Family Health and Development Foundation (FAHEDEF) partners with the Ubuntu Family Network.
OUR SERVICES
at Family Health and Development Foundation (FAHEDEF)
Healthcare Services
Our healthcare services are designed to provide families with access to quality medical care and health education. We offer regular check-ups, vaccinations, and treatment for common illnesses.
Education Services
We believe that education is a key factor in improving the lives of families. That's why we offer educational programs and resources to help children and adults improve their literacy and numeracy skills.
Community Development
We focus on empowering communities to take charge of their own development. We work with local leaders and organizations to identify community needs and develop sustainable solutions.
Mary's Story:
Strength beyond limitations
In the quiet hills of Mango Village, Central Karachuonyo ward in Homa Bay County, lives Mary, a widow whose courage has become a light of hope for many. Mary was born with a disability that limits her movement — she depends on a wheelchair that must be pushed by someone whenever she needs to move. Life has not been kind to her. She has no children, no steady source of income, and for many years, she has faced rejection and isolation simply because of her condition. But when the Ubuntu Project was introduced in her village, focusing on climate-smart livelihoods and access to clean water, Mary listened quietly to Anne Okelo's words..
Proving that disability is not inability,
Every member was asked to plant 100 Sisal Plants to qualify for support from the water tank project. For Mary, this seemed impossible. Yet, something inside her refused to give up.
Weeks later, when Anne and the team visited her homestead, they were moved to tears. The sight of Mary’s thriving 150 sisal plants stood as a powerful symbol of resilience and faith. She had not only met the project’s expectation — she had gone beyond it.
“I thought the world had forgotten me,” she says with a bright smile, “but Ubuntu reminded me that I still have something to give.” Mary’s story has inspired others in Mango Village — proving that disability is not inability, and that with inclusion, compassion, and opportunity, every life can blossom.
Mary
Exciting Times For
Nyungu Creatives’ Village Initiative
In a recent interview with Tash Ruhangatashobya Founder and CEO of Nyungu Creatives’ Village Initiative he stated, "We are so excited to be working in partnership with our new family at Ubuntu International and we are truly grateful for this opportunity to move into a new home that can accommodate the many young creatives that are now living with us and striving to achieve their goals."
Nyungu Creatives’ Village initiative is pioneer creative hub in Kabale, Uganda. We operate as a space for innovation, arts, culture, and youth empowerment, offering opportunities in painting, film making, music, dance, fashion and other creative forms. Our goal is to empower and equip young people to become responsible adults and job creators rather than just job seekers.
We emphasis on paying it forward. We believe that sustaining this movement, training and sharing skills with those that are passionate but have not been able to get learning opportunities can not only assist them in learning but also give them the opportunity to teach others. Through the activities and events we have held both in the community and at some schools in Kabale, a lot of young talent has been discovered. Through all this we have grown greatly to become a sanctuary that unites all artists together to brainstorm … through craft showcasing. Artists working with Nyungu Creatives' Village initiative are gaining visibility and possibly public exhibition opportunities. Today day we have greatly caused impact in our home town and even beyond. The numbers of beneficiaries is greatly growing and we have now spread wings to also starting up creative clubs in secondary schools and eventually in primary schools.
Shanitah's Success Story
When we first met Shy Shanitah she was 7 years old and had never been to school before because of the poverty her family was facing. Ever since her father passed away from HIV/AIDS, life has been tough for Shanitah struggling to survive with her mom, her sick grandfather, and two other siblings.
Shanitah with her Mum and siblings.
Thanks to Ubuntu International, Shanitah is now attending school and making new friends. Despite their challenges, the family is grateful for the help with school fees and other support provided to ensure they have their basic needs.
Shanitah studying at school
She enjoys learning at school and playing with all of her friends. The teachers say she is a good learner and very bright!
Shanitah passing her exams
She continues to study hard and dreams of a better future.
WeGrow is on a Healing Mission
This year, WeGrow deepened its herbal mission by turning a humble backyard garden into a living apothecary filled with healing plants like chamomile, lemongrass, peppermint, ginger, tulsi, and lavender.
Agape Hope for Kibera – Bright Future Home
Agape Hope for Kibera Academy, rooted in Kibera for over 10yrs, is breaking ground on its new Junior School building at the Kibera Centre. The project, supported by Pato Banton, friends and volunteers, will add modern classrooms, recreational facility , and improved accessibility—directly fulfilling Kenya’s new 2‑6‑3‑3‑3 curriculum and giving 100+ children a safe, inspiring space to learn and grow.
“From cramped shacks to a sturdy, learner‑centered school ~ our future home is rising, brick by brick.”
“This campus will be a place where children can discover their purpose,” says the project leader, Collins Orido, echoing the community’s hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Mary's House
Mary Bonekosira, 85, lives in Kakindo village and is an HIV patient. In December, a severe storm destroyed her family home, leaving her exposed to harsh weather and unsafe conditions. Despite friends’ efforts to provide temporary shelters, she remained vulnerable, struggling to store her medication and live safely. The experience was frightening and left her feeling the fragility of life.
Thanks to Pato and Ubuntu International, Mary’s house has now been rebuilt, giving her a safe, secure, and weather-resistant home. She can now store her medication properly, rest without fear, and spend her remaining years with dignity and comfort.
Thank You!
Mary is also deeply grateful to Tonny Mushunga & Willbroad Kiiza for the support to make this dream come true as she looks very forward to celebrating her entire life in her new home , filled with hope and joy.
We welcomed community members to learn how these herbs support emotional balance, immunity, digestion, and spiritual wellbeing. Through simple tea rituals, herbal walks, and teachings on natural living, WeGrow helped people reconnect with plant medicine as a gentle, powerful path to healing. Every leaf harvested carried a story of restoration, reminding us that when we nurture herbs, they nurture us in return.
The Amazing Work of Billiah Merada
Billiah Meraba was born in Kisii County, Kenya. She attended school in Nyanza Homabay county and studied at Meru TTC for her Primary Teacher Certificate. She later went on to gain a Diploma in Early Childhood Development & then trained in Syntropic and Permaculture designs. County 4kClub Patron in Kakamega County and featured on local TV, Billiah is dedicated to empowering young farmers and children to embrace organic farming.
Ikomero Primary School
Permaculture with The Children
Our Kick Start Pump
Just a few pictures of Billiah's work
THE REBIRTH OF ANGIRO COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL
by Anne Okelo
Angiro Primary School was a place where education was a battle against the elements. Its dirt floors turned to mud in the rain, gaping holes in the roof let in downpours, and empty window frames welcomed only dust and wind. Children sat on broken benches, squinting in the dim light, many barefoot and hungry. Some scratched at painful jigger parasites burrowing into their feet; others coughed from the damp, moldy air. Learning wasn’t difficult it was a feat of endurance. Attendance dropped, spirits flagged, and potential quietly suffocated in the oppressive space.
For years, Anne Okelo had watched this slow crisis. Her daily act of preparing porridge for the students was a small but vital intervention it gave hungry children the energy to stay. Yet she knew it wasn't enough. The building itself was undermining every lesson taught within it.
Driven by the principle of Ubuntu "I am because we are" Anne reached out to an organization built on that same belief. She didn’t just report a problem; she told a story. She described the leaking roofs, the mud floors, the missing windows, and the children who came to school despite it all. She spoke of teachers struggling to inspire in a place that bred despair. For Ubuntu, this was not a distant charity case; it was a shared responsibility. The suffering of Angiro’s children was a collective wound.
The response was swift and comprehensive. Work began to transform the very structure of neglect. A new, sturdy roof replaced the rusted sheets. Glass windows were installed, keeping out the cold while letting in light. Smooth concrete floors were poured, ending the era of muddy classrooms. Walls were painted in bright, hopeful colors, and proper ventilation was added to ensure fresh air. Every nail hammered, every brushstroke, was an act of recognition: these children matter.
The transformation was immediate and profound. Attendance soared as health improved jigger infections and respiratory illnesses plummeted in the clean, dry environment. Academic performance climbed; concentration was no longer a fight against discomfort. Confidence bloomed. The school began to excel in debates and sports, its students now standing tall.
Anne still prepares her morning porridge, but now she serves it in a place that honors its recipients. Angiro Primary School stands as a testament to Ubuntu in action. It proves that when we act on the belief that our humanity is intertwined, we can build more than structures we can build futures. The children of Angiro no longer just endure school; they thrive in it, learning in an environment that finally matches their worth, reminded every day that they are seen, they are valued, and because we are, they deserve to soar.
The Ubuntu Block Building
Today, as we stand before the completed Ubuntu Block, gratitude fills every corner of this story. We are especially grateful to Ubuntu International, whose friendship and belief in us have carried more
weight than they will ever know. Your support has been a reminder that Ubuntu stretches across oceans—that people who have never met can still choose to lift each other.
Success Stories from Ubuntu Village! Zimbabwe
Over the past month, Chipochashe has celebrated a series of meaningful milestones that reflect how far our school has come and what is possible when a community moves with shared purpose. Our graduation ceremony was especially significant as it marked our 5 year anniversary, a moment to reflect on our journey from a small dining room in a two bedroomed house to a school with 510 learners across two campuses in Zhanje Village and Ditima Village in the rural areas of Zimbabwe’s Mashonaland East Province. Today we have 52 children on full scholarship and 2 university students on scholarship, including our first ever international student now studying at Ashesi University in Accra, Ghana.
This year also marked the start of our Ubuntu Circles program as part of our social and emotional learning efforts, which has already strengthened self-confidence and self-knowledge among our learners. Beyond academics, our holistic approach now provides clean and safe drinking water to more than 200 households, impacting nearly 1,300 villagers, along with food support for our infant learners to help mitigate stunting. We are also supporting a women’s agro-ecology project that has equipped 75 women and youth with practical farming and entrepreneurship skills. During this month’s celebrations, 26 learners completed their Primary ECD program, we recognised 44 learners for outstanding performance, awarded three 50 percent scholarships to our top achievers, and celebrated the completion of the new Ubuntu Block which will house 320 Secondary School learners.
Over the past month, Chipochashe has celebrated a series of meaningful milestones that reflect how far our school has come and what is possible when a community moves with shared purpose. Our graduation ceremony was especially significant as it marked our 5 year anniversary, a moment to reflect on our journey from a small dining room in a two bedroomed house to a school with 510 learners across two campuses in Zhanje Village and Ditima Village in the rural areas of Zimbabwe’s Mashonaland East Province. Today we have 52 children on full scholarship and 2 university students on scholarship, including our first ever international student now studying at Ashesi University in Accra, Ghana.
This year also marked the start of our Ubuntu Circles program as part of our social and emotional learning efforts, which has already strengthened self-confidence and self-knowledge among our learners. Beyond academics, our holistic approach now provides clean and safe drinking water to more than 200 households, impacting nearly 1,300 villagers, along with food support for our infant learners to help mitigate stunting. We are also supporting a women’s agro-ecology project that has equipped 75 women and youth with practical farming and entrepreneurship skills. During this month’s celebrations, 26 learners completed their Primary ECD program, we recognised 44 learners for outstanding performance, awarded three 50 percent scholarships to our top achievers, and celebrated the completion of the new Ubuntu Block which will house 320 Secondary School learners.
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Tariro at Ashesi University
Chipochashe is a Shona word that means 'Gift From God'. Based on the Ubuntu Philosophy of "I am because we are," our project is creating a model for transforming rural communities in Zimbabwe through education.
The release of the 2025 ZIMSEC results added to the achievements with an impressive 84.6 percent Grade 7 pass rate, made possible by dedicated learners, committed teachers, supportive parents, and a community that values education as a catalyst for change. These milestones have deepened our gratitude to the partners who continue to stand with us. Ubuntu International has strengthened our work with unwavering belief in our mission, and Compassionate Las Vegas has provided consistent support that is shaping the future of many learners.
To our sponsors, donors, and supporters, your investment is visible in every achievement we have celebrated this month and throughout our five-year journey. As we look ahead, we do so with renewed energy and a clear understanding of what guides our work, because as we often remind ourselves, “Hope and compassion are the most practical values for creating a better community.” The progress we are witnessing is not an endpoint but a foundation, a reminder that when we live the spirit of Ubuntu, I am because we are, we are because I am, we create opportunities that move entire communities forward. The work continues, and with your partnership, so does the progress.
KT Press Report
Pato Banton Launches Spirit Of Ubuntu in Rwanda
International reggae artist Pato Banton and the Ubuntu crew including his wife, Antoinette “Rootsdawtah” Hall have launched a new documentary film “The Spirit of Ubuntu” that documents bonds and acts of humanity in 10 African countries including Rwanda.
The over one-hour Ubuntu (humanity) documentary was unveiled at the Century Cinema Kigali, this April 2, 2024 with performances from Uganda’s international film award winning group of vulnerable children from Ruth Bahika Grace Villa in Kabale, in Uganda – who featured in the documentary shooting.
Award Winning Documentary
The film, which has received 26 international awards, highlights leadership across 10 African nations and showcases acts of love, service and collective care.
It highlights how individual wellbeing is closely tied to the wellbeing of others. Festival organizers said the main goal of the event is “to inspire attendees to live with intention, recognizing that it is through our relationships and connections with each other that we discover happiness, strength and our greatest wellbeing.”