We are lucky to have the opportunity to work together on projects with a number of organizations in Livingstone!

DeSanto Center for the Deaf

We began teaching our ‘senior class’ simple alphabet sign language when we realized that some children were naturally more visual learners. Once sign language was introduced, alongside the letter and sound, they understood it more easily and it boosted their self-esteem. Ever since, we have worked on expanding our own understanding of sign language by watching educational videos.

In 2020, when schools closed due to COVID-19, our director, Tammy, started to learn sign language at the DeSanto Center for the Deaf. She soon discovered that a partnership would be a huge benefit to our kids’ education. So in 2022, we teamed up with DeSanto, spearheaded by their director, Lisa Zahra. Once a month, her younger students, along with some of their support staff, come to our school where we learn new words, sentences, play the drums, dance and create. It is a great collaboration for both groups to get a real understanding of each other. If you would like to see more of what DeSanto does, please visit their website: https://deaaf.org

African Impact

As you may know, Tammy first came to Zambia ten years ago when she volunteered with the NGO, ‘African Impact’. ‘African Impact’ gave Tammy the inspiration not only to move to Zambia, but also for establishing her own school when she saw, firsthand, how educating people could be potentially life-changing.

‘African Impact’ have been a huge supporter of Baobuyu from the very beginning. They continue to help with projects, female empowerment sessions, teacher training and the painting of our school. They have also so kindly donated endless resources to us. We’ve also partnered with ‘African Impact’ for fundraisers like pub quizzes and hosting joint movie nights together. If you would like to hear more about the wonderful things they get up to, or how you could become a volunteer with them, please click the following link: http://www.africanimpact.com/ .

Zambezi Animal Welfare Services (ZAWS)

Teaching others, and caring for animals has always been near and dear to Tammy’s heart. That’s why Baobuyu’s partnership with ZAWS is so crucial. ZAWS is a non-profit organization that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes dogs and cats. They also hold awareness-raising sessions for the community, provide vaccinations, organize community outreaches, as well as treat animals within the Livingstone area.

We are very fortunate to have an animal shelter in such a small city as, without it, animals would not have a chance at life or hope for rescue. Baobuyu proudly partners with ZAWS and we have been a home for both their outreach programs and several of their rescue dogs. It is truly an incredible initiative, and one we will support where possible. If you’d like to find out more about ZAWS, check out their Instagram (@zawslivingstone) or their website: http://www.zawszambia.org

Maramba Old People’s Home (MOPH)

We think it is important that our kids are involved in their community, across all generations. At the end of 2018, we took our kids on a school trip to the Maramba Old People’s Home, where we spent the day singing, dancing and entertaining its residents! We were busy the week beforehand preparing cards, wall pictures and bracelets to give as gifts to our new friends.

We are looking forward to continuing to visit MOPH and building on this relationship further!

Conservation and Tourism Society (CATS) – 2018 to 2019

CATS is a community-led organization based in Livingstone dedicated to preserving our environment. They provide educational workshops in a range of settings – from schools to lodges and restaurants – about why our environment is so important and how we can minimize our impact on it.

We began our partnership with CATS in 2018, with regular sessions held for both our preschool students and Girl Power group.