SMILE MISSION ENGLISH LITERACY INITIATIVE: UGANDA 🇺🇬 x MOZAMBIQUE 🇲🇿 One mission. Different languages. One shared future - READ. RISE. THRIVE.

What happens when a child is eager to learn but cannot yet speak the language of the book in front of them?

We bridge the gap through EDUCATION.

The Linda Dominguez Foundation (LDFCARES) is advancing its SMILE Mission English Literacy Initiative, bringing free online English lessons to children in Uganda and Portuguese-speaking children in Mozambique.

Every Wednesday, children connect with TEFL-certified teachers through Google Meet to learn English in a supportive, structured environment, with local interpreters helping them understand and participate.

This is more than language instruction. It is an investment in literacy, confidence, educational access, and future opportunities.

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🇺🇬 UGANDA: SMILE MISSION EXPANDS TO KAYUNGA!

On Wednesday, October 7, our Vice Country Director for Uganda, Sunshine Akoth Agrance, representing Buganda North, Kayunga District, visited Alpha Cheder Elementary School.

She was warmly welcomed by the school directors and excited children. After introducing the Linda Dominguez Foundation SMILE Mission, the children's enthusiasm spoke volumes. They were ready to learn!

Sunshine will continue visiting the school every Wednesday to support the children as they participate in their online English lessons.

Uganda Class Schedule

- Class: Primary Four
- Day: Every Wednesday
- Time: 10:30 AM East Africa Time
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Platform: Google Meet
- First lesson: Greetings and Introductions
- Lead interpreter: Sunshine Akoth Agrance

We begin with the basics: saying hello, introducing ourselves, and learning to communicate confidently in English.

🇲🇿 MOZAMBIQUE: EVERY CHILD DESERVES A VOICE

Imagine being a child who wants to read an English book but cannot yet say, “Hello.”

Now imagine that child's excitement when those words finally come naturally.

“Hello! My name is…”

That first sentence may seem small, but it represents a significant step towards confidence and communication.

Through the SMILE Mission, Portuguese-speaking children in Mozambique are learning English with the guidance of TEFL-certified teachers, supported by Inoque Sebastiao Passal, our lead interpreter.

Mozambique Class Schedule

- Day: Every Wednesday
- Time: 2:00 PM Mozambique Time
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Platform: Google Meet
- First lesson: Greetings and Introductions
- Lead interpreter: Inoque Sebastiao Passal

The lessons are free. The learning is structured. The environment encourages children to practise without fear of making mistakes.

We want every child to develop the ability to introduce themselves, ask questions, express ideas, and gradually become more confident in using English.

WHY ENGLISH LITERACY MATTERS

At the Linda Dominguez Foundation, we believe that education should create possibilities, not reinforce barriers.

A child's first language is part of their identity. Learning English does not diminish that identity; it adds another tool for communication, learning, and engagement with the wider world.

Our programme is designed to build foundational skills progressively, beginning with greetings and introductions and advancing towards more confident spoken English and literacy.

The lessons are delivered by TEFL-certified teachers, including Linda Dominguez, Founder and Creative Lead of the Linda Dominguez Foundation.

With structured teaching and support from local interpreters, we are creating learning opportunities that meet children where they are and help them move forward at their own pace.

And our vision extends beyond one classroom or one country. We are working towards expanding this learning model to additional communities, including Togo and Ethiopia.

FROM ONE WEDNESDAY TO A LIFETIME OF POSSIBILITIES

A child who learns to introduce themselves today may one day confidently participate in an international classroom, pursue further education, or communicate across borders.

We cannot predict every outcome, but we can help build the foundation.

That is what the SMILE Mission represents: making education accessible, nurturing confidence, and giving children the tools to keep learning.

Please join us in celebrating Sunshine Akoth Agrance, our Uganda team, Inoque Sebastiao Passal, our Mozambique team, our TEFL-certified educators, and the school communities making these lessons possible.

Because every child deserves the opportunity to learn new words, discover new possibilities, and find the confidence to say:

“I am here. I can learn. My future matters.”

#SMILEMission #EnglishLiteracy #LDFCARES #EducationForAll #ReadRiseThrive #learnenglish #learnenglishinmozambique 

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