November 2025 Growing Learning Becoming The Journey Continues
Guiding the Vision: Message from…
Sunrise Centre Canada
~ Founder & Chair Nicole Van Seters
It’s hard to believe another year is already coming to a close—and what a year it has been. We began in an incredibly challenging place, facing an illegal claim on the school property and intimidation tactics that shook the CBO during the first half of the year. Yet through persistence, courage, and the unwavering support of many helping hands, we successfully registered the school back with its original founder and protected the mission at the heart of our work.
Our new partnership with Diaspora Guardian has brought fresh strength and stability. Together we have demonstrated responsible financial stewardship, effectively addressed legal challenges, improved accountability, strengthened reporting lines, and clarified organizational roles.
While this year tested us in many ways, the resilience shown by our team and supporters has been truly inspiring. Through every challenge, hope has continued to shine—brighter than ever.
Buiga Sunrise CBO Uganda
~ Managing Director Claire Naggayi
This year has been one of rebuilding, strengthening, and moving forward with purpose. When Diaspora Guardian was brought in to manage the CBO, we stepped into a challenging moment but also one filled with potential.
Together with the team, we focused on restoring stability, improving accountability, and reinforcing the systems that support our mission. Clearer reporting lines, stronger financial management, and better organizational structures have helped us regain confidence and momentum.
What has inspired me most is the dedication of everyone involved. Despite the obstacles faced earlier in the year, our shared commitment has allowed the organization to emerge more united and resilient.
As we close the year, I am proud of the progress we’ve made and grateful for the trust placed in us. With continued collaboration and determination, I am confident we are heading into the new year stronger than ever.
Stronger Together: New Partnerships Emerging
Expanding Our Reach Through Collaboration
Sunrise is a collaborative, mission-driven, and results-oriented organization committed to advancing community empowerment through improved access to affordable health care and quality education. We work in close partnership with local, national, and international stakeholders, recognizing that sustainable and meaningful change is best achieved through cooperation, shared expertise, and long-term commitment.
Central to our approach is the development of strong, values-aligned partnerships that support both immediate needs and long-term sustainability. As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen organizational resilience and financial independence, Sunrise is actively pursuing new strategic partnerships aimed at achieving our sustainability objective of fully utilizing and supporting our boarding section.
While we are not yet in a position to publicly announce these emerging partnerships, significant progress is being made behind the scenes. Our team is working diligently to ensure that any collaboration is thoughtfully structured, aligned with our mission, and designed to create lasting positive impact for the students and communities we serve. We look forward to sharing further details once these partnerships are finalized and are confident they will play an important role in advancing Sunrise’s long-term vision and sustainability goals.
Because of You: Dormitory Goal Achieved!
A Sustainable Future Is Taking Shape
We extend our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to Sophia and Doug Hurst for their extraordinary generosity. Their timely and meaningful contribution carried us across the finish line and enabled us to officially reach our fundraising goal. Because of their kindness and belief in our mission, we are entering the new year with renewed confidence, a clearly defined vision for sustainability, and a path forward that is both hopeful and achievable.
While the exact construction start date is still being finalized, we are taking deliberate and thoughtful steps to ensure long-term success. We are currently in the process of identifying a reliable contractor and carefully aligning our construction plans with the funding available, so that every dollar is used responsibly and effectively.
At this stage, we anticipate laying the foundation in December, with further construction paused until the first school term begins in February. This approach will allow our upper primary students to take part in building the dormitory from the ground up in a safe, age-appropriate way. By involving our students in this hands-on process, we will not only construct a building, but also nurture valuable life lessons— cultivating pride, ownership, teamwork, and a deeper connection to their school and community.
Our Little Stars Shine
Kindergarten Graduation Day
A strong foundation is essential to the success of any meaningful endeavor, and Sunrise has played a vital role in providing that foundation by extending access to affordable, quality education to vulnerable and underserved communities. Through its commitment to inclusion and opportunity, Sunrise is helping to create pathways for children who might otherwise be left behind, giving them the tools they need to grow, learn, and thrive.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff whose patience, and hard work make this mission possible each day. Your unwavering commitment has nurtured, guided, and inspired our youngest learners as they complete their kindergarten journey. As these children celebrate this important milestone, they are not only marking the end of one chapter but also beginning a lifelong adventure in education—one filled with curiosity, discovery, and endless potential.
Recognizing Those Who Inspire Us
Student & Staff of the Month
“Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped.”
These words reflect the character of Namuli Linda, a bright and hard-working 12-year-old pupil in Grade Six at Sunrise School. Linda carries a clear dream for her future: she hopes to become an agriculturist, using her knowledge and skills to support her community and contribute to food security and sustainable livelihoods.
Pictured here in her demonstration garden at Sunrise School, Linda is already taking meaningful steps toward that dream. Through hands-on learning and practical experience, she is discovering the value of hard work, patience, and nurturing growth—both in the soil and within herself. The garden represents more than crops; it is a place where confidence is growing and possibility is taking root.
Linda expresses her heartfelt gratitude to Sunrise for the guidance and encouragement she has found there. With the support of her teachers and school community, she is learning not to dwell on setbacks, but to understand them, grow from them, and move forward with purpose toward a future she believes in.
“A secure school environment nurtures academic excellence.”
Meet Onyango Walter, the Head of Security at Sunrise School—a quiet yet steadfast presence where safety meets unwavering commitment. Onyango plays an important role in creating an environment where learning can flourish, ensuring that pupils feel protected, supported, and free to focus on their education.
Despite the many challenges that come with his role, Onyango continues to give his very best each day. His vigilance, integrity, and dedication help safeguard not only the school grounds, but also the sense of stability that every child deserves. Through his efforts, Sunrise pupils are able to learn, grow, and dream within a secure environment built on trust and care.
Onyango’s work is a reminder that behind every thriving classroom is a foundation of safety—made possible by individuals whose commitment often goes unseen, yet makes all the difference.
Knowledge in Action
Access Knowledge Africa Update
Meet Nankya Noeline, an enthusiastic 12-year-old pupil in Primary Four, and Champion Kato Jeremiah, a dedicated 13-year-old in Primary Six at Buiga Sunrise School. During their school holidays, when many children are resting or playing, Noeline and Jeremiah choose to spend their time nurturing a love of learning.
They regularly visit the Access Knowledge Africa Community Library, where they enjoy reading a variety of books and sharing stories with younger children. Reading to the little ones is more than just an activity for them—it is an opportunity for growth. Through these moments, they are building confidence, leadership, and a spirit of service, while inspiring younger learners to discover the joy of books.
In the photo, they are reading Jomo’s Twin and Jomo’s Car, books generously donated by Amber Advocates. These stories not only spark imagination but also strengthen the culture of reading within the community. Noeline and Jeremiah’s dedication is a beautiful example of how young learners can lead by example, fostering a lifelong love of knowledge and community connection.
