AJA Foundation Executive Director Colleen McKenna Visits Action in Africa in Uganda
We are thrilled to share highlights from AJA Foundation Executive Director Colleen McKenna’s recent visit to our Center in Uganda. Her trip underscored the power of collaboration and community-led education while celebrating our educational milestones on November 18th. During her visit, Colleen engaged deeply with the impactful work of Action in Africa (AIA), interacting hands-on with staff, students, parents, and educators at Little Kings Learning Centre.
The centerpiece of her visit was Action in Africa’s Annual Graduation Ceremony, a powerful celebration of students who completed their university studies this year and are stepping into the next chapter of their lives. Colleen had the pleasure of addressing the graduates, offering words of encouragement and congratulating them on their hard-earned achievements. The atmosphere was electric with hope and possibility, a testament to the dedication of the graduates and the unwavering support of AIA. This event perfectly showcased how AJA Foundation’s investment in quality education, mentoring, and scholarships is translating directly into life-changing opportunities. Seeing graduates, many of whom are the first in their families to reach this level of academic success, reaffirmed our joint mission to level the playing field.
In addition, Colleen visited Little Kings School, a vital partner in AIA's Primary Partnership Program, which provides a holistic and creative education for younger students. This visit was far from a formal tour; it was a day of active participation and fun. Colleen observed the innovative teaching methods employed at Little Kings, which incorporate creativity and movement to enhance the national curriculum. This partnership ensures that students not only master academics but also build confidence and essential life skills.
The highlight of the day was joining students and teachers for team-building activities and writing letters to loved ones who supported them throughout the year. From collaborative games to problem-solving challenges, the day was filled with laughter and hands-on learning. These activities, facilitated through AIA’s approach, are crucial for fostering communication, leadership, and teamwork among students and staff. Colleen thoroughly enjoyed participating, witnessing firsthand how play-based learning creates a vibrant, supportive environment.
Colleen's visit reinforced the deep, impactful partnership between AJA Foundation and Action in Africa. “The support, commitment, programs, and passion of AIA in investing in young people is truly inspiring, and I feel privileged to be a small part of your journey. Congratulations, graduates,” Colleen said. The work of Action in Africa is a shining example of how community-led initiatives, supported by strategic philanthropy, can unlock the full potential of individuals and uplift entire communities.
On the same day, several parents of the graduates delivered messages of appreciation to Action in Africa. One heartfelt speech came from Lewis’ father:
"I am truly grateful for the Action in Africa project. As one of the parents present today, I am perhaps the most excited of all. Back then, I was unemployed and could not pay my son’s school fees, but Lewis was proactive in seeking opportunities. His love for learning and his drive led him to this organization. Despite facing the significant loss of his mother at the age of seven, he never lost focus. He persevered because that is when I think he would have paused from the trail of moving forward. I used to work at Lewis's former secondary school, Light Secondary, just to earn supplementary income for his education. However, the relief that came into our lives with Action in Africa was immense. When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, I feared he would be forced to drop out and his goals buried, but AIA stood firm, and your unwavering support continued until this very day—his graduation. Lewis is the first of my children to earn a degree. His three older sisters, unfortunately, became pregnant at an early age, halting their education. But Lewis has achieved this great milestone, and I am proud that he has followed my footsteps into engineering. Thank you, Action in Africa."
