Running to Rebuild

We organized a 5K run as our first large event last year, and there was an awesome turnout! This event raised resources for our community that saved lives. We will be running again this year. But we are running even faster and with more purpose than before.

A few weeks ago, in the Kiteezi community of Uganda, 35 people were killed by a horrific landslide, with countless others left to fend for themselves. This tragedy has forever wounded the Kiteezi community, both physically and emotionally.

This year is different—we are not only running for health or enjoyment; we are running to restore. All funds we raise will support survivors in rebuilding their lives by providing mental health assistance, taking their children back to school, and helping to reconstruct destroyed homes and businesses.

The need is immense. The message of the Kiteezi landslide is one such story- a trail of homes, livelihoods, and hope wiped away. The survivors, who were already struggling to make ends meet and feed themselves, face an even greater task. They require help now—support to start their lives again in every way. This run is not just about raising funds; it’s about sending a message of hope, solidarity, and support to those who need it most.

Let me tell you about one of the many lives that your generosity will touch—Nanteza and her daughter, Michelle. Nanteza was just 10 meters away from where the landslide struck, narrowly escaping with her life. But the impact on her life has been profound. She lost her only means of sustenance and is still grappling with the psychological trauma of that day. Michelle, her young daughter, relies on her mother for survival and the chance to continue her education and build a future.

This run is for Nanteza, Michelle, and the 74 other families who, like them, have been left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. The funds we raise will provide Nanteza with the resources she needs to regain her footing, and it will keep Michelle in school, ensuring that her future is not defined by this tragedy but by the resilience and hope that this run will bring.

We invite you to join us in this vital cause. Participating in the run, donating, or simply spreading the word will contribute to a brighter future for Nanteza, Michelle, and the entire Kiteezi community. This is more than just a run; it’s a step towards rebuilding lives and restoring hope. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Let’s run to rebuild. Let’s run for Uganda.

International Samaritan is a Christ-centered organization built on Catholic Social Teaching. Our mission is to walk hand-in-hand with people who live and work in the garbage dumps of developing nations to help them break out of poverty.

We provide holistic scholarships for students from kindergarten through college, and we’re currently supporting 950 scholars in Central America, the Caribbean, and East Africa.

Would your church or school group like to partner and travel with us? Learn about our Learn, Serve, Grow program.

Empower our scholars to change their lives. Become a monthly supporter.

David Kafambe, Uganda Country Director

David has more than 15 years of leadership experience and a deep knowledge of East Africa. He specializes in managing and developing organizations in development and humanitarian contexts. He has degrees in Community Development, Business Administration, and an M.B.A.

Ready to Race?

We hope you pull out your tennis shoes and run or walk with us in this year’s Samaritan 5K!

October 12 / 10 a.m. / Ann Arbor

Races will be held in Ann Arbor, Detroit, and simultaneously with our Samaritan Scholars in Central America, Jamaica, and East Africa.

This year, you can select a country to run with. You’ll learn more about that community and the funds you donate and raise will go to their specific health and wellness needs. Each country is raising money for a project close to their heart. You can choose to run and support:

Team Ethiopia: Medical Care ($28,000)
Team Guatemala: Gang Violence Prevention Training ($33,000)
Team Honduras: Food Support ($28,000)
Team Jamaica: Food Support/Aquaponics Project ($21,000)
Team Kenya: Mental Health Resources ($20,000)
Team Uganda: Rebuilding after Kiteezi Landslide ($20,000)

Register to run or donate to a team: intsam.org/samaritan5K