From Scholar to Dance Teacher

The music starts, and a group of children bursts into motion. At the front of the stage is David Paul Okiria, a former Action in Africa scholar who now returns to The Center each week to inspire the next generation through dance.

David has been a cherished member of the Action in Africa family since he was a young boy. His journey with us began after he completed his primary education at Brightway Nursery and Primary School, marking the start of a nearly decade-long journey of growth, learning, and ambition. Through our Secondary Scholarship Program, David demonstrated unwavering dedication, successfully progressing through Senior Six at Central College Nakuwadde, where he graduated in 2024.

In 2024, David reached a pivotal crossroads. While he was an active student, he was not selected for our highly competitive University Scholarship Program. For many, this might have been a moment of discouragement, but David chose a different path. Instead of stepping away, he remained deeply engaged in our community, proving that a scholarship opportunity does not determine a person’s future; their character does.

David then took his future into his own hands by enrolling at Kyambogo University, where he is pursuing a Diploma in Hotel and Institutional Catering. His determination also led to a position at Serena Hotel Kampala, where he works as a waiter while continuing his studies.

David’s journey demonstrates what is possible when opportunity meets determination. His story reflects the kind of long-term impact Action in Africa strives to create: young people who not only grow through education and opportunity, but who return to uplift others.

Today, David serves as a Dance Facilitator in our after-school and holiday programs, giving back to younger students with the same passion and encouragement he once received. His story represents the lasting impact of Action in Africa’s investment in young people: what began as support for one student has grown into leadership that now reaches dozens of children through creativity, mentorship, and joy.

“AIA’s hand in my life for those six years didn’t just give me an education; it gave my family the financial breathing room to help me finish secondary education,” David shared.

“But the greatest gift was the invitation to return. Being brought back as a Dance Facilitator at the Center has lifted me in ways I can’t describe. Dance has always been my passion from day one, and now AIA has helped me turn that talent into a professional pathway. I thank Action in Africa for the encouragement they give to those who feel they are losing hope. My goal is to pass that on through dance, teaching our kids to work as a team and to move with a passion that lifts their spirits and their lives,” he added.

At Action in Africa, dance is more than recreation—it is a catalyst for holistic development. Through movement, children build confidence, process emotion, strengthen discipline, and learn to work as a team in a joyful, supportive environment. Mentors like David show students that these skills extend far beyond the dance floor and into everyday life.

It costs just $15 to host a dance class at The Center.

This modest investment ensures that children have a safe, creative space to grow while also providing David with meaningful income as he continues his studies at Kyambogo University. Your support helps keep dance programming free and accessible for every child while empowering young leaders like David to continue their education and build sustainable futures. Together, we are creating a cycle of opportunity, where today’s students become tomorrow’s mentors!