Easter update - NL #13
April 20, 2025
Hello Everyone! Happy Easter.
I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday.
Today we’ve got two updates:
1. Changing the Team Structure.
2. Trip prepping.
First off, I’d like to apologize for the delay in getting this newsletter out.
In my day job, I’ve taken on more responsibility and work travel, and it’s taken time away from writing to you! I’m sorry … Now I’m settling into it, so I should have more time for updates in the coming weeks.
1. Restructuring the team.
“Wait, why is this even necessary? Weren’t you guys accomplishing so much?”
Yes! We’ve actually grown quite a bit, in members and contributions. (We’re now around 10 active members, and we’ve raised $2967 from our wonderful supporters!!!)
However, unfortunately I (Florian) organized most of the plan and communicated with members individually, and became a bottleneck as work responsibilities took my time.
So, we’re transitioning now to working in small teams, and each with a leader who can report out to the group. This way, communication can flow better!
We met this past week to discuss that structure, and in our next meeting we’ll elect team members, and get rolling with more trip preparations!
On that note…
2. Trip Details:
First, who is all going?
Dr. Sarah Ivory, and a small team of students from Penn State.
Dr. Bob Nakileza, and large team of Ugandan students
Domagoj Hart, our first volunteer.
Myself - Florian Knollmann.
If you’d like to join, let us know! Dates are June 15th - July 6th.
What are we trying to do?
Plant trees, and ski.
We’ll spend the first 8 days planting trees with RTS’s team in Kilembe (led by Edson and Brian).
There, Sarah and Dr. Bob and their students will set the foundations for an ongoing research project on tree planting efficacy that future student groups can carry forward in recurring trips.
Then, a smaller subset of us will trek 8 days to ski the Rwenzori glacier again, and report on how much it has melted.
Our goals are not fully defined, but please let me share this draft:
get trees in the ground (we’ll have a number goal soon)
establish our research project
leave with a clear project program to share with volunteer & student travel organizations.
get the first Ugandan skiing the glacier.
3. Trip Preparations:
Luckily for us, we have some amazing individuals on our team, who have been moving things forward!
Dr. Bob & Sarah Ivory have put their research proposals in, and we’re awaiting feedback from UNCST. Dr. Bob has been making a lot of connections happen for us in Uganda and is working to ensure we get approval.
Brian and Edson from RTS in Uganda have been procuring the seedlings and bamboo shoots we’ll need for the tree planting.
Morgan Long has put a lot of effort into our operations to keep us progressing on our team restructuring.
Remmy from RTS got us a preliminary budget for the tree nursery’s ongoing costs, one we can refine and make our fundraising goal for 2025.
With that, I look forward to giving you more updates of our planting prepping progress in June!
Donate to Support Our Mission: This Easter season, if you're able to contribute financially, please consider donating via our link. Every donation tells us we’re on the right track, and helps us achieve our goals to make a positive impact in Uganda.
Much love,
Florian
President, Ski Club Uganda ‘24
Can’t wait to go back and go skiing!
