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FAQ's

GENERAL

Q: Are donations tax deductible?

A: Yes. Kabale School Fund is non-profit organization founded in California, U.S.A. in 2024. Hence, all donations to KSF is tax deductible.

Q: What does Kabale School Fund offer to its benefactors as a token of gratitude?

A: A coalition of more than 150 priests from Uganda, from the U.S. and from around the world offer Masses every single day to pray for all  benefactors and their families.

Q: How can I get in touch with the Bishop and priests in Kabale, Uganda?

A: Via Zoom, messaging system such as Whatsap, or phone. Besides, the Bishop of Kabale Diocese is very holy and personable. He gave us the blessing for this project and has been praying for us.

Q: Besides monetary donations, what else can I do to get involved in this mission?

A: There are many other ways to partake in this KSF mission. Below is a list of suggestions:

  1. Sponsor a child or children
  2. ⁠Adopt the construction of a classroom
  3. Give food for children
  4. ⁠Provide sports equipment
  5. Donate computers or stationery
  6. Provide training to the Kabale teachers and catechists
  7. Volunteer to go to Kabale to work as a missionary/volunteer.
  8. Pray for the success of the mission,
  9. Help spread awareness of the project, 
  10. Introduce potential donors, 
  11. And follow KSF updates through our website kabaleschoolfund.org and social media channels – Facebook, Instagram, and X.

HISTORY, ACTS, and VISION 

Q: How did KSF come into existence?

  1. The Kabale School Fund (KSF) began through what I believe was a providential encounter between Fr. Christmas and me.
  2. While attending noon Mass at Holy Family Parish, I met Fr. Christmas, who was serving while Father Sy was away on retreat. After Mass, we spoke about life in Uganda, the faith of the local people, and the educational challenges facing families in the Diocese of Kabale.
  3. Later, when Fr. Christmas visited my home for a house blessing, I learned more about the Diocese’s vision of providing quality Catholic education for children in Kabale. I was deeply moved by the needs of the students and the lack of educational opportunities available to many families.
  4. Initially, my family made a contribution to help purchase land for the future school. As we learned more about the project, we realized that a formal nonprofit organization would allow us to invite others to participate in this mission. That realization led to the creation of the Kabale School Fund.

Q: How did you know there was a need for a school in Kabale?

  1. The need became clear through conversations with Fr. Christmas, Bishop Callist, and local families in Kabale.
  2. Many children must travel long distances to attend school, and some have limited access to quality educational opportunities. This challenge affects girls in particular, as transportation can be difficult and safety concerns may discourage regular attendance.
  3. The Diocese of Kabale identified education as one of its highest priorities and developed a plan to establish St. Mary’s School to serve students and families throughout the region.

Q: Why does it have to be a Catholic school?

  1. In Uganda, there are not enough public schools. Hence, that’s why many schools are private and faith-based, with higher reputation.
  2. All parents dream of sending their children to private schools such as St Mary’s.
  3.  St. Mary’s will be a Catholic school under the Kabale Diocese, but it will be open to children of all faiths.

Q: What does it mean to be a Model School?

A Model School, in short, serves as a model for other schools in Uganda. It meets high national and international standards. It helps build the school’s reputation, which attracts more enrollments. It provides:

    1. High-quality teaching and learning.
    2. Safe, modern, and child-friendly facilities.
    3. Qualified teachers and good governance.
    4. Strong child protection and accountability.
    5. ICT (integration and continuous improvement).

Q: Who oversees the St. Mary’s School project?

  1. The project is a partnership between the Kabale School Fund in the United States and the Diocese of Kabale in Uganda.
  2. The KSF Board includes Father Sy, Father Christmas, Thierry Nguyen, Helen Ninh, and Thoa Pham. We are also supported by dedicated volunteers who assist with fundraising, communications, social media, and donor outreach.
  3. In Uganda, Bishop Callist oversees the project and has delegated day-to-day responsibilities to Father Christmas and Father Martin Nkiirunziza. The Diocese manages local construction activities and coordinates preparations for future school operations.

Q: How are the plans and construction costs being managed?

  1. The Diocese works closely with local engineers, architects, contractors, and cost estimators.
  2. Many professionals involved in the project have generously provided discounted services or flexible payment arrangements to help move the project forward.
  3. KSF and the Diocese regularly review priorities to ensure that donated funds are used efficiently and that construction progresses in phases that match available resources.

Q: What has been done in this project so far?

  1. Thanks to the generosity of our early benefactors, Phase 1 successfully accomplished the following:
    1. Purchase of 18.8 acres of land.
    2. Site clearing and grading.
    3. Initial architectural planning and design.
    4. Preparation for government approvals and construction permits.
  2. Completing these foundational steps allows future construction phases to proceed more efficiently.

Q: How long is St Mary’s school projected to be complete?

  1. By Nov 2030.
  2. It will be divided into 4 more phases: 2A, 2B, 3 and 4 so that we will have enough time to raise funds. And the school can operate right after phase 2A while other phases are being built.

Q: What will be completed in Phase 2?

  1. Upon completion of Phases 2A and 2B, St. Mary’s School will include:
    1. Ten classrooms.
    2. One dormitory for boys and another for girls.
    3. Administrative offices.
    4. Restroom facilities.
    5. Kitchen and dining facilities.
    6. Water and sanitation infrastructure.
  2. At that point, the school will be able to begin serving students and generating operational income through tuition and boarding services.

Q: What is planned for Phase 3?

  1. Phase 3 focuses on expanding capacity and supporting long-term growth.
  2. This phase includes additional classrooms, dormitories, site improvements, retaining walls, safety features, staff housing, and facilities that will support the school’s goal of becoming a recognized model institution in the region.

Q: What is included in Phase 4?

  1. Phase 4 consists primarily of the Main Building, which will serve as a central hub for school activities and administration.
  2. This building is envisioned as a landmark for the campus and a symbol of the partnership between the Diocese of Kabale and the many generous supporters who helped make the school possible.

Q: How will the school sustain itself after construction?

  1. The long-term goal is for St. Mary’s School to become financially sustainable through tuition, boarding fees, and ongoing support from the Diocese and benefactors.
  2. As enrollment grows, the school will gradually become less dependent on outside funding for day-to-day operations.

Q: What is remaining cost for the project to complete? 1.5M

  1. Phase 2A: $231K
  2. Phase 2B: $342K. Totally, $572K for both phases 2A+2B.
  3. Phase 3: $704K
  4. Phase 4: $220K

Q: How can donors be confident their contributions are being used responsibly?

  1. KSF works closely with the Diocese of Kabale and receives regular project updates, photographs, construction reports, and financial documentation.
  2. Our commitment is to maintain transparency and ensure that donations are directed toward the development of St. Mary’s School and its mission of educating future generations.

Thank you for your support and for helping bring educational opportunities to the children of Kabale, one child at a time.