Behind the scenes: a journey of love and donation in remote Uganda
Every trip brings new experiences, influences and images that turn into priceless memories. Each journey has its own purpose: some are for leisure, others for business, and some have a more special character and purpose.
The recent mission of XM, an international group in the investment services industry, to Uganda, falls into the latter category. This was not the first, but the third time members of XM‘s corporate social responsibility team visited the East African country, as the company has developed strong ties with the local community over the past seven years.
XM’s third mission to Uganda took place over 18-25 July, 2024. We caught a glimpse of what occurred there, through XM‘s social media and the posts of Marios Priamos Ioannidis who participated in this exceptional trip as a member of the mission.
The mission’s first stop was the Young Comrades school in Wakiso district, XM’s most ambitious project in Uganda to date: the construction of a three-storey wing, which began in 2020, to house classrooms and dormitories. The wing was completed in 2024, providing more than 500 local children with access to quality education in a pleasant environment, while also creating new jobs for Ugandan teachers.
At Young Comrades school, the XM mission held the official opening of the new wing, distributed new laptops to the school’s teachers as well as food, clothing and other essential items to the children. The company also arranged a rich meal for all the students and teachers and spent a joyful day playing and dancing with the children.
The second stop of the expedition was Monte village. During their stay, the members of the mission had the incredible opportunity to meet the future students who received the new scholarships from XM to continue their education in university institutions and make their dreams come true. The doctors who accompanied XM on the journey, Pediatrician Dr Argyris Argyriou and Orthopedic Dr Solon Cleanthous, examined the children of the area and administered vaccines to those in need. The rest of the day was filled with dancing, songs, educational games and football with the children.
On their third stop, the mission visited Agios Dimitrios school, where doctors Dr Argyriou and Dr Cleanthous performed vaccinations and hygiene education lessons, while examining ill children and administering appropriate medications. The XM mission also provided food to the attendees, prepared in the kitchen donated by XM in 2019. After the meal, the children of the school enjoyed various activities which brought smiles to their faces.
At each stop of this trip, what truly captured the hearts of the mission members was their contact with the children of Uganda, who generously shared their smiles, energy, love for play, and hopes for the future. This is the greatest reward and memory that one can get from such a trip, which not only transformed the lives of Ugandan children and families, but also changed the lives of those who participated in it through the power of love, unity and selfless giving.
XM‘s third mission in Uganda may therefore have come to an end, but the company’s philanthropic work in the country continues. Needs are already being assessed for future initiatives, with a focus on children’s education and well-being, as well as creating equal opportunities for everyone.
As a reminder, XM began its charity work for the children of Uganda in 2017, after an initial meeting with Father Antonios Mutyaba, a priest from Wakiso district. Since then, XM has conducted two missions to the country – the first in 2017 and the second in 2019. During this period, important projects were carried out with XM’s support, including the construction of a school hall at the Young Comrades school, and the construction of a kitchen and dining room at Agios Antonios school (one of the largest schools in the country). In collaboration with Agapis Heria, XM also facilitated the construction and supply of 310 beds for the institution’s dormitories and provided educational scholarships for community students.
To learn more about XM’s CSR initiatives, follow their social media pages (Facebook: XM Culture, Instagram: @xmculture).