Nonprofit Program Improving the Lives of Ugandans

• The hospital in-charge nurse reported that over 400 children have been delivered in the maternity facility and is in constant use today. 
• A cinder block-making machine and a paver-making machine were gifted to the apprentices. The blocks and pavers were fabricated by the apprentices for their construction projects as well as to sell in the community.
• A motorized tricycle was gifted to the apprentices to help sustain additional construction work in the community.
• A number of laptops and iPads were sent to Uganda with another missionary group. These were given to the apprentices to share when watching tutorials on construction skills.
• Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status was granted to Teach Men to Fish by the Ugandan government which allows benefits such as tax relief and the possibility of more local financial support.
• Installing a sanitation system (septic tank)
• Building an underground freshwater tank
• Finishing the interior of the facility (i.e., painting, and finishing the kitchen and bathroom) 
• Installing a solar water heater on the roof
• Furnishing the facility with the necessary equipment
• Landscaping 
• The estimated costs for this year were $68,900.
• A celebration of completion was held in February 2022 and a certificate of completion was issued by the local government.
• Financial mentoring is being offered by Mr. Mark Nelson Ssebambulidde who assists apprentices with money management skills.
• In the communities where the apprentices have worked, their dedication, hard work and observed teamwork have demonstrated their competence to community members.
• Two apprentices are completing a two-year business degree at Uganda Christian University.

• Apprentices gave out food and masks
• Apprentices completed another roofing job in the community

• In the third year of training, the apprentices put their skills to work on a new maternity facility in Naama.
• Because the original building was beyond repair, apprentices began clearing land for the new building being designed
• After clearing the land by hand, the site required major preparation 
• A dedication ceremony was held with people from the community as well as visitors from several hours away representing SAMS and Uganda Christian University
• Following days of rainy weather, construction finally began on the foundation of the building 
• Rooms began to take shape (using concrete blocks they made!), and doors were added 
• The outside of the building was plastered 
• The building was nearly done except for the roof 
• Although not completely finished, the new facility was put to use right away 
• Starting this new facility required expenses including construction materials (such as rebar, cement, tarps for rain mitigation, roofing materials, etc.) and shipping. The estimated cost for this year was $56,800.

In the second year of training, the apprentices learned more advanced skills such as:

• Working with concrete and masonry skills
• Reading and creating blueprints
• Laying paving bricks
• Surveying 
• Use of power tools
• Plaster rendering
• Additional field trips to local building sites to see the training put into action

Ten apprentices were offered jobs after this second training session

The estimated cost for equipment, tools, building materials, cement for the concrete blocks and pavers, safety equipment, and shipping was $36,200.

In the first year of training, we began with the review of basic math skills and helped apprentices see the importance of math in the construction industry. 

They also learned:

• How to use a tape measure
• The importance of the hands-on part of training
• The importance of safety practices, including wearing hard hats and safety goggles
• The value of teamwork
• How to use basic tools efficiently and safely
• They took educational field trips to local building sites

Three apprentices were hired by local companies at the end of this training session

The estimated cost of the first year was $25,400 which covered the initial tools for each apprentice, building materials for training, field trips, and shipping costs.