Sabina: A Labor of Love
The call of the Sabina community was too strong to keep us from Uganda. Our own Ann Marie Davis, Friends of Sabina Co-Director, has been on the ground at Sabina for the past month.
Therefore, we would love to share the impact that our Friends of Sabina (FOS) Community has made so far. We hope you enjoy seeing how your support will impact the next generation of Ugandans.
Infrastructure Updates and New Facilities
The guest house was expanded and updated to accommodate more volunteers for longer periods of time. The residency now has a fully functional kitchen, bathroom, and two bedrooms. The guesthouse was remodeled and furnished through the generous donations of Ann Marie Davis and Family. FUN FACT: This is the first gas or electric stove at Sabina. The Friends of Sabina Instagram account showed part of the kitchen with an impromptu cooking show featuring a few Sabina students and alumnae.
A new bathroom block containing functional toilets, sinks, and showers with separate areas for men and women was built thanks to the generous donation provided by Celso and Maria White and Family. The project was officially completed with the addition of a paved walkway to help keep the facility clean during the rainy season.
We are so close to completing the Kitchen Complex. The floor tiles are starting to arrive and should be installed in one week. Energy-efficient stoves have been identified, however, we underestimated their cost and need to raise an additional $7,000. These stoves will reduce our wood and charcoal consumption by more than 50%. While this is a greater expense now, it will be better for the environment by fighting deforestation and improve staff working conditions.
With the creative thinking of our local Director, Stephen Sango, an old metal container was transformed into a beautiful administrative block thanks to a generous donation from Ann Marie Davis and Family. This redesigned space will accommodate the offices of the Director of Studies, the Deputy Head Master, and a reception area. The office furniture has been selected and is currently being built.
Enhancing The Learning Experience
Our students love the computer lessons taught by our librarian, Richard Tumusime, in the evenings. With the addition of five laptops delivered this May, through the amazing support of TransMontaigne, our school now has ten computers. Donations of laptops are welcomed as the impact they make is huge.
A renovation of the classroom block is underway. With limited funding, one of the directors, Ann Marie Davis, is launching a Go Fund Me effort to raise $5,000 for its completion (donations are also welcomed on our FOS website). Project highlights include: refurbishing existing desks, repairing the roof and gutters, resurfacing the walls and floors, priming and painting, as well as building soft boards, classroom cabinets, and furniture for the new administration block.
Sabina Grounds Beautification
Friends of Sabina is lucky to have the ground's beautification project led by Stephen Sango, our FOS Local Director, and local artist Fred Mayanja. This work would not be possible without their leadership on the ground.
The gazebo was redesigned by Fred Mayanja to embrace a natural African touch. This new space, which was funded by Ann Marie Davis, will be utilized by students and staff for outdoor learning, meetings, and simple relaxation. FUN FACT: Some of the areas that look like wood are actually paint. We are in awe of the talent in the Sabina community.
Fred, our resident artist, has a plan to expand children's imagination by incorporating wildlife animals, which are found in Uganda's National Parks, into our campus environment. His finished sculptures, a zebra and a monkey, have already become a fun photo location for students and staff.
Leading Through Service
The students at Sabina shined as they sang and danced for the recent community schools' children's mass.
