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Our college students recently gathered around a bonfire for a meaningful evening with Director Paul and his wife, Helen. The theme of the night was “The Story of Our Life,” sparking a discussion on legacy and the impact we hope to leave behind for years to come.
We were also privileged to hear from Teacher Charles Kimani, who shared his incredible journey from the streets of Nairobi to Sam’s Place. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to fellowship together and receive sound counsel as they navigate their paths toward independent adulthood.
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Following their graduation from Sam’s Place High School in December 2025, Felister, Beatrice, Silvia, and Jeddy were awarded internships that will run through September 2026, when they head off to university.
Felister and Jeddy are working alongside our teachers, gaining hands-on experience in the classroom and supporting students both during and after school. Meanwhile, Beatrice and Silvia are assisting our nurse, Martha, in the clinic. They are currently learning medical terminology and diagnostic testing while helping manage daily operations.
Beyond their primary roles, all four interns lead afternoon and weekend activities for the children. They were also instrumental in launching a new children’s church, where they plan Sunday lessons and help our younger students deepen their understanding of the Bible throughout the week.
The children truly look forward to spending time with their big sisters. We are incredibly proud of these young women and look forward to seeing them excel as they begin their degrees in Education and Medicine this fall!
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We are thrilled to share that Jack was recently accepted for an attachment as an electrician at Sony Sugar, one of Kenya's leading sugar factories! With extensive experience in various electrical fields, Jack has already made a significant impression on the team. Sony Sugar currently employs three deaf individuals, and Jack is working diligently to become their fourth permanent hire. The management has already expressed great appreciation for his dedication and technical skill.
Additionally, Brian N. has been an invaluable asset to the Sam’s Place maintenance team over the last three months. Under the mentorship of Charles Kimani, Brian has gained hands-on experience in plumbing, carpentry, masonry, and electrical work. His hard work has kept our facilities in top shape, and we are proud to announce that he has also been accepted to Sony Sugar for his final attachment next term!
We are deeply grateful to Sony Sugar for their inclusive hiring practices and for recognizing the immense value our students bring to the workforce. In total, they have accepted five Sam’s Place students for the upcoming term—a testament to the talent and character of our young leaders.
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Beatrice, Felister, Silvia, and Jeddy
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Beatrice and Silvia assisting Nurse Martha in the clinic.
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Brian N learning plumbing from teacher Charles.
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Our Sam’s Place interns implementing an art day for our children.
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Jack with Dawn Deitmen and his supervisor, who is also deaf, at Sony Sugar.
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Our 4th-9th graders had an incredible day exploring the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum. The students explored the mausoleum and museum that houses artifacts related to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and other political figures in Kenya's independence movement. The museum also displays artifacts related to the Luo culture, and many of our students are a part of the Luo tribe. It was such a great learning opportunity, and they rounded out the visit with a lunch of local tilapia from Lake Victoria! What a treat for our students!
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We are incredibly proud of our team of 22 athletes who represented us in Athletics! After a strong showing at the Sub-County level, 15 of our students advanced to the County level, where three students progressed to Regionals.
Season Highlights:
Justus Ondiek: A multi-event champion in Javelin, 100m, and 200 m, and officially the Primary Section's best relay athlete! He helped secure the team first in the final.
Joan Kerubo: Demonstrated amazing versatility as the runner-up in the walking race, 100m, 200m, 800m, and 1500m!
Mercy Amondi: Our golden girl! After a dominant County performance, she has officially qualified for the National Championships. She was first in the 100m, 200m, and 400m.
Our staff’s excellence was also recognized:
Faith Ranyce and Silas Ongiri, who were selected to officiate at both the Regional and National levels, are a testament to their expertise and dedication to the sport.
Thank you for investing in our students and providing the resources that allow them to compete and shine on the national stage!
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Tryvix, Justaus, and Joshua
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Mercy, Teacher Silas, Joan, Justaus, and Teacher Faith
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We are excited to welcome David Obudho to our team as our new Accountant! David joins us with a Diploma in Accountancy and years of valuable experience, bringing a high level of expertise to our financial reporting. Welcome David!
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After more than a decade of serving our first wave of deaf children, it is time for Sam’s Place to grow. To reach more deaf orphans and empower a new generation of leaders, we are launching the Sam’s Place Annex.
Designed for 10–15 acres of new land, the Annex will feature three distinct campuses: Pre-Secondary, Secondary, and Technical College. This expansion will provide essential dormitories, teacher housing, and dedicated space for agricultural projects, ensuring our students have the tools they need to thrive.
To ensure thoughtful growth, the development will be executed in three strategic phases:
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Phase One: Prioritizing the Pre-Secondary campus, providing foundational facilities for Grades 7 through Form 1 (9th Grade).
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Phase Two: Establishing the Secondary campus.
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Phase Three: Focusing on the Technical College and staff housing.
While the Annex will be located on a separate, non-contiguous site from our current campus, it is designed to grow in tandem with our students’ needs. This phased approach allows for a smooth transition as our junior high and high school students prepare for their next steps—whether that is technical training or university.
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Sam's Place Foundation has no paid staff. All officers and staff are volunteers.
Sam's Place Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To contribute to the ongoing work, contributions can be donated on our website or sent to "Sam's Place Foundation" at 1617 Morrow Lane Abilene, TX 79601.
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