Our goal is $500,000 which will fund the new Sam's Place Annex

As of April 15, 2026, we have raised $233,799. 25.

We ARE ALMOST HALFWAY THERE!   ~~   DONATE TODAY!

The Problem

     There are 19 million children in Kenya and most of them live in poverty and squalor in the slums and rural villages where life is a constant battle against the elements and food is hard to come by.  The AIDS virus and extreme poverty has made over 3.6 million of these children orphans—orphans who have no parents, no home, no nurturing place in which to grow and develop.   Many orphans are deaf, and in Kenya, deaf orphans face a dismal future. Many extended families accept orphans from other family members who have died, but refuse to take in the deaf orphan. In Kenya, deafness is considered a sign that the child has demons and is a threat to everyone in the village.  Superstition and fear make it nearly impossible for deaf children to survive.   Some are led into the jungle where they are tied to a tree and left for the wild animals. Many are just abandoned to face the future on their own.   The lucky ones are hidden away and used as slaves and kept behind closed doors.  As desperate as the future is for all Kenyan orphans, the deaf orphan, left behind by the Aids virus and deafness, will have no future.

 One social worker asked the question “How do you save these millions of children littering the landscape in Kenya? “  She answered her own question---- “You can’t save the millions—you have to begin with one, then two and do what you can.”  For the Sam’s Place Foundation, over a decade and a half has passed since we embarked on our mission to save deaf orphans in Kenya, “first with one, then two, and do what we can.”   From the beginning we understood that we could not save the millions, but if we could save a core group of young deaf orphans, give them a world class education, and a healthy life growing up—then they could take their place as deaf leaders throughout East Africa.  Our mission has been to send out wave after wave of these new deaf leaders, and they will make a difference for deaf people in Kenya and throughout East Africa.

The plan is working.  Our first wave of graduates are beginning to take their place on the red soil of Kenya.  Three of our children have finished at Sam’s Place, graduated from St. Joseph Vocational School, and earned their certificates, Elphas and Dickson in carpentry and Irene in tailoring.  These three are moving into communities, beginning to work in their chosen craft, and will soon become a part of the Kenya society and begin to make a difference in their world.  The future is bright for them and for those whom they will touch along the way.  Over a decade ago, they came to Sam’s Place, desperate, hungry, and scared of the unknown, but today they are confident young adults, equipped with valuable skills for work, Kenyan sign language, and computer and keyboard knowledge.  Their futures are filled with promise. 

Watch this short 3-minute video to see why we need partners to help create a new Africa for Deaf Orphans.  

The New Sam's Place Annex

After over ten years with our first wave of deaf children, we need to grow Sam's Place.  In order to save additional deaf orphans and grow the numbers of future leaders from Sam’s Place, we must build more dorm rooms, build teacher housing, and have space for agricultural projects.  The Sam’s Place Annex is designed to be built on 10–15 acres, focusing on three distinct campuses: pre-secondary, secondary, and a technical college. The development will be executed in three phases, each dedicated to constructing and equipping one of the educational divisions. Phase one will prioritize the pre-secondary campus, providing foundational facilities for Grades 7 through Form 1 (9), while phase two will establish the secondary campus, and phase three will focus on the technical college and teacher housing. This phased approach allows for thoughtful planning, resource allocation, and a smooth transition for students advancing through each educational stage, ensuring the Annex grows in tandem with the needs of its expanding student body. The new acreage and buildings at Sam's place will not be contiguous to our current  campus, tour plan for a viable annex meets all our needs for expansion and gives our junior high and high school students opportunities for growth and preparation for their next educational steps--technical school or college. 

Phase One

Phase One will consist of buying the land, drilling the well, building the dining hall/multi-purpose room, administration/clinic building, pre-secondary campus and allocating land for the soccer field, which is a requirement for a high school. We will also allocate the agriculture area initially to plant an orchard and begin raising vegetables and some animals
for consumption by the students at both campuses. By incorporating these essential facilities and agricultural initiatives from the outset, Phase One ensures that students have access not only to quality education and health services but also to nutritious food and opportunities for experiential learning in agriculture and sustainability. This foundational phase will set the stage for a vibrant, self-sustaining community that supports both academic and personal growth.
Initial inquiries into land costs in Kenya have been higher than expected. In Rongo, the land behind Sam’s Place was for sale at $49K/acre. Quick inquiries of land in Maai Mahiu are around $14K/acre without the assistance of brokers. Estimate of land cost is $10K – $14K/acre up to 15 acres. The goal is one piece of land which will reduce the overall building and administrative costs of the Annex, Technical College and teacher housing.

We are working with CRF to drill the well. Estimate for the borehole and pump is $10K.  Estimate for Phase One (Building Phase One Wall, Multi-purpose building, Boy and Girl dorms and classrooms) is $115K.  Total estimate for Land, Well, and Phase One is $265K

Below is the floor plan for the Administration area and the Medical Clinic:

 Just as we designed a multi-purpose space for dining, church services, and other classroom activities at our Rongo campus, the Annex will have a similar building as designed below:

This basic dormitory design will be used throughout the Annex for both boys and girls separated living spaces.

Phase Two

Phase Two will consist of building the secondary campus, including a computer center and science lab. In addition to these state-of-the-art facilities, this phase will introduce specialized classrooms and resource centers tailored to meet the unique educational needs of Deaf students. By integrating advanced technology and hands-on science experiences, Phase Two will empower students with critical skills and practical knowledge, preparing them for higher academic pursuits and a range of career options.
Total estimate for Phase Two (Building Phase Two for wall, Boy and Girl dorms and classrooms) is $50K.

Phase Three

Phase Three will consist of the building of the Technical College and Teacher Housing. Teacher housing will be an added benefit to bring high quality teachers to Sam’s Place.
By providing dedicated housing for educators alongside the construction of the Technical College, Phase Three not only attracts and retains skilled teachers, but also fosters a close-knit campus community where staff and students can collaborate more effectively. This residential aspect supports ongoing mentorship, extended learning opportunities, and a stable environment for both teachers and students, ultimately reinforcing the holistic, student-centered mission of Sam’s Place Annex as it prepares youth for success in academics, careers, and independent living.
Total estimate for Phase Three (Barns, Technical College and Teacher Housing) is $135K.

The housing plan is a significant improvement over what we built at the Rongo campus. There will be a block of one-bedroom apartments and a block of two-bedroom apartments organized as shown below and on the next page.

Construction Methodology

Pre-fabrication will be the name of the game for building the Annex. These new construction techniques are recent innovations that are more cost effective that the old system of construction used at Rongo.
Sam’s Place Annex will be constructed using pre-fabricated walls for both the security wall and the main buildings. This building method offers a significant advantage in terms of quality, speed, and affordability, ensuring that the project meets high standards while staying within budget. The pre-fabricated concrete panels will be designed to accommodate windows, doors, and decorative elements during the initial pour, streamlining the construction process and allowing for customization. Floors throughout the campus will feature durable red oxide concrete, providing a long-lasting and attractive surface. The roofing will utilize gauge steel roof trusses paired with iron sheeting, resulting in sturdy, weather-resistant structures that further enhance the safety and comfort of the facilities.

Example of the Pre-Fab Concrete Security Wall

Example of Pre-Fab Concrete Walls with Windows

Example of Pre-Fab Concrete Building

Example of Gauge Steel Roof Trusses paired with Iron Sheeting

• Phase One – 5 months upon purchase of the land. Goal completion date is Jan 2027 so that Sam’s Place High School Students can start at the new annex. This will keep from having to hire High School Teachers in Rongo and then having to re-hire teachers at the new location.
• Phase Two – 4 months upon raising appropriate funds
• Phase Three – Technical College 5 months and 6 months for teacher housing upon raising appropriate funds
• These Phases can run concurrently if all funds are available

All furnishings and equipment will be purchased or built by Phases. Due to the electrical requirement of Kenya using 220V versus the USA’s 110V, all electronic tooling, technology, and appliances will be purchased in Kenya. Sam’s Place will have a furnishing and equipment donation drive to allow supporters to fund the purchase of certain items needed as they choose. The following are some of the items that will be included:

• Windows
• Beds
• Bathroom fixtures
• Building of closets
• Kitchen appliances
• Dining Tables and chairs
• Building of Student desks
• Science Lab supplies
• Art/Photo Lab equipment and supplies
• Classroom and office fixtures
• Administration office furniture
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• Computer Server
• CCTV Cameras
• Fruit Trees
• Garden Supplies
• Cows, Goats, Rabbits and Chickens
• Vegetable Seeds
• Necessary equipment for College Practicum

With this plan, Sam’s Place will be able to save and educate up to 280 deaf students at a given time. With the deaf orphan or abandoned child given the highest priority for a safe haven and strong education.

This is an exciting opportunity to change the face of Deaf Africa and give the Deaf Orphan a high quality education and the skills for THEM to change their country

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Take a look at our current campus.  We have used the ground that God gave us to the maximum and need to expand.  More deaf orphans need to come to Sam's Place, some of them are not yet born.  Will you help us build the Annex and grow Sam's Place?

Our vision for Growing Sam's Place will expand Sam's Place from 46 deaf orphans to 100 deaf orphans. Join with us and our anonymous donor to continue the dream for deaf Africa.  You may donate online at our website or send checks to the Foundation at the address below.  Sam’s Place Foundation is a 501 c3 organization and all donations are tax deductible.  A copy of our IRS Determination Letter can be found on our website at:  https://samsplace.reachapp.co/about-us

Sam’s Place Foundation

1617 Morrow Lane

Abilene, Texas 79601

Website:  www. samsplace.reachapp.co

Email:  vwilliams@samsplacefoundation.org

Sam's Place Foundation has no paid staff.  All officers and staff are volunteers.