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Saint Ann Foundation

Host and Volunteer, Women’s Economic Empowerment & Skills Development — BuVolunteer project-Social & Community Developmentyiga Island (Uganda)

Message To Saint Ann Foundation

About Us

Saint Ann Foundation was born out of a powerful personal journey and a legacy of compassion. Founded in 2017 by Abel Robert Ssekayombya, the organization grew from his own experience of being raised by his late Auntie Ann after losing his parents at a young age in circumstances of poverty and hardship.....

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Why to Choose Us?

● Volunteers choose Saint Ann Foundation because we offer a truly immersive and impactful experience. Working with us means contributing directly to life-changing initiatives that empower women, girls, and children in a hard-to-reach community on Buyiga Island. You will engage in meaningful activities like skills development workshops, mentorship, community outreach, and livelihood projects, making a tangible difference in people’s lives.

● Our organization has extensive experience hosting international volunteers from around the world—including the USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Austria, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Scotland, Netherlands, Ukraine, Italy, Cyprus, France, and more. We provide careful guidance, safe accommodation, cultural immersion, and on-the-ground support, ensuring your volunteer experience is rewarding, educational, and life-enriching.

● By volunteering with Saint Ann Foundation, you don’t just help others—you gain a unique opportunity to live and work alongside the local community, learn new skills, experience Ugandan culture, and be part of a lasting, sustainable impact. Your contribution supports grassroots development, creates cross-cultural connections, and helps transform the lives of women, children, and entire communities.

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Volunteers engage in women’s skills workshops (business, financial literacy, IT basics), support women’s group sessions, help organize community empowerment events, and assist with outreach planning. Afternoons may include reflection sessions, cultural learning, or community engagement activities.

Volunteer accommodation varies between SAF volunteer housing and community homestays with local families. Basic shared rooms, clean bedding, and safe facilities are provided with culturally respectful living conditions.

Local meals based on Ugandan cuisine (typically breakfast & lunch; option to include dinner based on volunteer arrangement).

€30 Euro Per Day.

● Age 18+,

● Passion for women’s empowerment and community development,

● Good communication skills (English preferred),

● Interest in supporting training, mentoring, fundraising and community engagement.

● Volunteer Processing,
● Transfer from the airport to the first Accommodation,
● Orientation & project training,
● Accommodation (host or volunteer house),
● Local Meals as indicated,
● Support & mentoring by SAF staff.

International airfare, travel & medical insurance, vaccinations, Uganda visa costs, (can be arranged at extra cost), personal spending money.

Volunteers at Saint Ann Foundation enjoy a variety of enriching free-time activities that complement their community work. You can participate in local cultural exchanges, women’s group activities, and community visits, exploring the traditions and daily life of Buyiga Island. We also support volunteers in organizing and taking safaris, excursions, and tours to nearby game parks, nature reserves, and other points of interest, tailored to your personal interests and availability. These experiences allow you to relax, explore Uganda’s natural beauty, and create unforgettable memories while deepening your connection with the community.

More Details...

Message To Saint Ann Foundation
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Chalakudi ramnath India

The founder is very passionate about the foundation. Lot of work is going on at the Island where they have school(work has started on some kind of structure for the classroom cum skill school for girls and women), another one of the schools in Kssangati is having regular school. The school in Busega is getting ready to welcome children in Sep 22 as per the founder. Lot of work planned to take off to make it convenient for teaching volunteers to teach in Busega school. I am sure with all the plans it will be morenconvinient for teaching volunteers . I plan to go again soon to continue some initiatives taken there.

Tara Sadler America

I was connected with Saint Ann Foundation while on a trip through another organization. I was only able to spend 3 hours at the Foundation, however, those were the most life-changing 3 hours I have ever experienced. The founder informed me of how the organization works, and I fell in love with the children there immediately. They provide opportunities for children to gain a quality education, provide a safe place for them to study and life (if necessary), give them nourishing meals, and so much more!

Anna Carnessale Italy

From my first day in Uganda, I had a wonderful time at the Saint Ann Foundation. They hosted me in the best possible way. Abel Robert, the foundation's head, explained everything to me, and we toured the facilities that house orphaned children, helping them grow healthy and providing them with an education.It was an extraordinary and intense experience, and then the Ugandans are a wonderful and kind people.

Alessandro Garzonio Italy

I spent some extraordinary days with all the children at the Saint Anna Foundation. I was welcomed very warmly. We visited the facility that helps children in need. They care for them and introduce them to school to give them a better future. I also support a child from a distance who is now grown up and strong. The Foundation is very transparent, and I have a lot of faith in them.

Grace Thornbrough Australia

Spending time with the children at the St Ann foundation's school was amazing and a very memorable part of my Uganda experience. To be able to play with the kids, teach them and learn from them was an incredible experience and everyone who worked there was welcoming and kind.

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Name

● Our History

Saint Ann Foundation was born out of a powerful personal journey and a legacy of compassion. Founded in 2017 by Abel Robert Ssekayombya, the organization grew from his own experience of being raised by his late Auntie Ann after losing his parents at a young age in circumstances of poverty and hardship. In gratitude for her care and driven by a deep desire to support others facing similar challenges, Abel established Saint Ann Foundation to carry forward her legacy of uplifting the underprivileged—especially children, girls, and women. Today, the Foundation is legally registered in Uganda as a Company Limited by Guarantee and an NGO under the NGO Act 2016, and as a 501(c)(3) public charity in the United States (EIN: 83-0652651), working across peri-urban and hard-to-reach rural communities to create opportunities for those most in need.

● Our Mission

Saint Ann Foundation envisions a world where every child, girl, and woman is nurtured, empowered, and equipped to reach their full potential. Guided by the motto “Empowered Children, girls and women, transformed communities,” we exist to coordinate and optimize resources that enhance the welfare of the underprivileged. Through a collaborative and grassroots approach, we implement education, skills development, health, and livelihood programs that build resilience and enable individuals and communities to thrive sustainably.

● What Volunteers Should Expect

Volunteers joining Saint Ann Foundation become part of a caring and purpose-driven community that values meaningful engagement and mutual learning. You will work alongside local women, youth, and community leaders, supporting empowerment initiatives such as vocational skills training, enterprise development, mentorship workshops, and community outreach activities. Life here is authentic, immersive, and rich with cultural exchange—offering you not just the chance to serve, but to grow personally and professionally while contributing to sustainable, grassroots change. Many volunteers leave with long-lasting relationships, deep insight into community-led development, and the satisfaction of having made a palpable impact.

Volunteers engage in women’s skills workshops (business, financial literacy, IT basics), support women’s group sessions, help organize community empowerment events, and assist with outreach planning. Afternoons may include reflection sessions, cultural learning, or community engagement activities.

Volunteer accommodation varies between SAF volunteer housing and community homestays with local families. Basic shared rooms, clean bedding, and safe facilities are provided with culturally respectful living conditions.

Local meals based on Ugandan cuisine (typically breakfast & lunch; option to include dinner based on volunteer arrangement).

€30 Euro Per Day.

● Age 18+,

● Passion for women’s empowerment and community development,

● Good communication skills (English preferred),

● Interest in supporting training, mentoring, fundraising and community engagement.

● Volunteer Processing,
● Transfer from the airport to the first Accommodation,
● Orientation & project training,
● Accommodation (host or volunteer house),
● Local Meals as indicated,
● Support & mentoring by SAF staff.

International airfare, travel & medical insurance, vaccinations, Uganda visa costs, (can be arranged at extra cost), personal spending money.

Volunteers at Saint Ann Foundation enjoy a variety of enriching free-time activities that complement their community work. You can participate in local cultural exchanges, women’s group activities, and community visits, exploring the traditions and daily life of Buyiga Island. We also support volunteers in organizing and taking safaris, excursions, and tours to nearby game parks, nature reserves, and other points of interest, tailored to your personal interests and availability. These experiences allow you to relax, explore Uganda’s natural beauty, and create unforgettable memories while deepening your connection with the community.