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Saint Ann Foundation

Host and Volunteer, Outreach program,Social & Community Development

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. 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.....

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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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● A typical day for volunteers at Saint Ann Foundation centers on community outreach activities across Buyiga Island. Mornings often begin with planning and briefing sessions, followed by outreach visits to households, women’s groups, and community spaces. Volunteers assist with community mobilization, awareness sessions, mentoring, and skills-sharing activities related to women’s empowerment, livelihoods, financial literacy, and social wellbeing.

● Afternoons are usually dedicated to follow-up outreach activities, documentation, reflection meetings with the local team, and cultural exchange with community members. Depending on the schedule, volunteers may participate in community dialogues, group discussions, or local learning activities that deepen understanding of island life and grassroots development. Each day combines purposeful service with meaningful interaction, ensuring volunteers remain actively engaged and connected to the community they serve.

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.

Yes we do provide 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, and community engagement

● Orientation & project training
● Accommodation (host or volunteer house)
● Processing fees
● Meals as indicated
● Transport transfer
● Support & mentoring by SAF staff

International airfare, travel & medical insurance, vaccinations, Uganda visa costs, and 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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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.

● 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 – Buyiga Island Outreach Program

● Volunteers joining Saint Ann Foundation will actively participate in community outreach programs on Buyiga Island, working directly with women, children, and families in a hard-to-reach island setting. Volunteers support grassroots activities such as household visits, women’s group mobilization, skills-sharing sessions, awareness campaigns, mentorship, and community trainings focused on empowerment, livelihoods, and wellbeing. This outreach-based approach allows volunteers to engage closely with the community, understand local challenges firsthand, and contribute practical support where it is most needed.

● Life on Buyiga Island is simple, authentic, and deeply rewarding. Volunteers should expect a hands-on, culturally immersive experience, guided by local staff and community leaders. Beyond daily outreach work, volunteers build meaningful relationships, gain insight into community-led development, and experience the powerful impact of collective action. Many leave with lasting connections, a renewed sense of purpose, and the knowledge that their time and skills have contributed to sustainable change at the grassroots level.

● A typical day for volunteers at Saint Ann Foundation centers on community outreach activities across Buyiga Island. Mornings often begin with planning and briefing sessions, followed by outreach visits to households, women’s groups, and community spaces. Volunteers assist with community mobilization, awareness sessions, mentoring, and skills-sharing activities related to women’s empowerment, livelihoods, financial literacy, and social wellbeing.

● Afternoons are usually dedicated to follow-up outreach activities, documentation, reflection meetings with the local team, and cultural exchange with community members. Depending on the schedule, volunteers may participate in community dialogues, group discussions, or local learning activities that deepen understanding of island life and grassroots development. Each day combines purposeful service with meaningful interaction, ensuring volunteers remain actively engaged and connected to the community they serve.

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.

Yes we do provide 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, and community engagement

● Orientation & project training
● Accommodation (host or volunteer house)
● Processing fees
● Meals as indicated
● Transport transfer
● Support & mentoring by SAF staff

International airfare, travel & medical insurance, vaccinations, Uganda visa costs, and 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.