Jackie Kalungi rang in the New Year doing what her and her husband do best – giving back to those in need.
The former Winthrop volleyball player spent part of December and January in Uganda improving the condition of the existing volleyball court at Kibuli Secondary School, where Henry Kalungi, former Winthrop soccer star, went to school.
The Henry Kalungi Foundation later partnered with the Uganda Volleyball Federation to host a camp for coaches and players in the area.
Kalungi played four years of collegiate volleyball, three at Azusa Pacific, one as an Eagle, and wanted to share her expertise and talents with those who lacked volleyball resources.
"The way culture is in Uganda is very different and it was good for me to learn a different way to coach based on the players that I had," Kalungi said. "I have coached a little here in the states, but I found it personally so much more gratifying to coach players that don't have anything and want to learn everything. It really is special."
The Henry Kalungi Foundation received donations of coaching material from USA Volleyball and bags and gear from Winthrop head coach
Chuck Rey.
"What are leftovers or used equipment and gear to volleyball programs in the USA is coveted in Uganda," Kalungi said.
The Henry Kalungi Foundation was founded in 2015 with a mission to change the lives of children and women in Uganda. While they have provided many opportunity for the communities there through athletics, for this family, their mission is bigger than any game or sport.
"We have led projects to provide basic needs to families and children in the street and slums in urban Kampala, but also in rural areas outside of the city," Kalungi said.
The Kalungi's host an annual Christmas party in the Katanga slums that provides children with a meal and gifts of clothing and supplies that have been donated. The foundation recently purchased 14 acres of land where they will build a school, hospital and sports facilities.
"It is exciting to see the possibilities of future in Uganda, the sky is the limit there."
For more information and ways to help, visit
https://www.henrykalungifoundation.org.
