Helping Celeste Kamuntu Come to America & Chase Her Dream of Earning a US Education

The Kamuntu family of South Africa has become so much more than friends to the Pawuls, they have become family. What began as a chance meeting in 2013 between Tim + Erika Pawul and Bertin Kamuntu has since blossomed into a powerful lifelong bond.

In 2020, that bond became a bridge. Bertin’s son, Hope-Joy (Joe) Kamuntu, arrived in the U.S. to pursue his dream of higher education at Texas A&M University–San Antonio. Against all odds and with the help of over 200 generous and kind-hearted donors, $140,000+ was raised to help fund the balance of Hope-Joy's tuition. Fast forward to the Spring of 2024, Hope-Joy not only earned a degree, he graduated Cum Laude, gave the commencement speech, served as Mr. Texas A&M San Antonio, and led the university’s D3 Soccer Team as Co-Captain.

Hope-Joy’s story is a powerful testament to what love, belief, and community can achieve. It’s proof that when strangers come together for a cause rooted in heart, lives CHANGE. The investment made in him was not wasted, it was multiplied. Now, it’s time to help his sister, Celeste Kamuntu, so that she can take her first steps toward that same journey.

Celeste has just been accepted to St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and is scheduled to begin in January 2026. She has earned an $18,000/year scholarship and her father, Bertin, has committed to a $10,000/year loan. But despite her Family's efforts, ~$25,000/year still remains (a total of $100,000 across four years) for the balance of her tuition.

This is where you come in.

Celeste is not just any student, she has already built a legacy of excellence in her young life. Just look at what she’s achieved:

• At just 14, she joined the JG Meiring Majorettes and was later named Majorette of the Year in 2022, helping her team become Provincial, National, and World Champions.

• She has earned her National Western Province Colours as a Senior Majorette Athlete — a remarkable national honor.

• She’s a gifted vocalist, where she was selected to join the South African National Youth Choir, where she is one of only 50 members chosen nationwide.

• She captained her high school netball team from 2022 to 2024, earning the title of Sportswoman of the Year in 2022 and First Team selection in 2023 & 2024.

• A natural leader, Celeste was elected Mrs. JG Meiring, Head Leader, and Class Chairperson from 2022 to 2024, where she delivered the graduation commencement speech for her class of 2025.

Celeste has an incredibly bright future ahead of her. Earning a College degree in the US is the next chapter in her journey but she cannot do it alone. Please open your heart and join us in rallying behind Celeste the same way we did for her brother Hope-Joy. Whether it’s $20 or $2,000, every gift matters. Every act of generosity is a vote of confidence in this young woman who has already proven herself as a leader, athlete, artist, and role model.

Let’s come together, once again, to write a story built around hope, love, and human connection.

With Deep Gratitude,

The Kamuntu & Pawul Families