Pastor Mbonigaba Alexis, an EMIT graduate, has emerged as a driving force for transformation in his border town near Uganda. Equipped with EMIT leadership training, the family turned their farm into a lifeline for the community, growing maize, beans, and soya to feed over 200 vulnerable children every month.

Their commitment to sustainable development led to the launch of the “Give a Cow” initiative. Through this program, they have distributed 50 cows to local families, enabling them to generate income from milk sales. This income helps cover school fees for more than 150 children each year, ensuring that access to education is no longer out of reach for many.

The Naivelas’ efforts go beyond food and income. They are mentoring neighbors, sharing knowledge, and fostering a spirit of self-reliance. Their example demonstrates that when leaders are empowered, they not only lift themselves but bring entire communities with them.

What began as a single family’s journey of growth has become a ripple effect of hope, showing what’s possible when local leadership meets opportunity.

Their story is a powerful reflection of EMIT’s mission: transformed leaders transforming communities.

This story first appeared in the EMIT Newsletter, Second Quarter 2025.