A Father’s Support of His Daughter’s Education

This September, as we celebrate the impact of Action in Africa’s Secondary Scholarship Program, we are proud to share the story of Mercy Atukunda, a Senior Five student whose scholarship is helping achieve her dreams of graduating. Behind her journey stands her father, Henry Muhangi, whose dedication to his daughter’s education and his community is a powerful reminder of what family support can make possible.

Mercy knows firsthand how difficult it can be to stay in school when families struggle to afford school fees.

“I was constantly sent home for fees in primary school. My parents fought hard just to get me through, and secondary school felt out of reach until I received an Action in Africa scholarship. Now, in Senior Five, studying Mathematics, Economics, and Geography, I am building a career in procurement, something I once thought was impossible,” Mercy shared.

Today, Mercy is one of 152 students receiving support through Action in Africa’s Secondary Scholarship Program. For Henry, ensuring that his daughter can make the most of this opportunity is a responsibility he takes seriously.

His involvement with Action in Africa began through his wife, who was once one of the most active participants in The Center’s weekly Women to Women sessions. When she received an opportunity to work and had to step away, Henry made a decision: he would continue participating on behalf of their household to fulfill the scholarship requirement that a family member engages with an Action in Africa program.

“My wife benefited so much from this community, and when she left for work, I didn’t want our home to lose that momentum. I decided to represent our household, learn these skills, and keep the fire burning until she returns,” Henry explained.

Since then, Henry has become a dedicated participant in the Center’s programs. He rarely misses the Friday Women to Women sessions and actively takes part in meetings, activities, and workshops. He also attends I.T. classes every Tuesday and Thursday to strengthen his digital skills.

His commitment is especially meaningful because of the role he plays in supporting Mercy’s education. He understands the rare and transformational opportunity her secondary scholarship represents, and he works to ensure she remains engaged in her studies and the broader opportunities available through Action in Africa.

As the only man attending the Friday Women to Women Program, Henry may seem like an unexpected participant, but his presence reflects the belief that community learning and family development benefit everyone.

Through the program, Henry has learned small-scale farming techniques suitable for home gardens, explored commercial poultry and baking, and participated in counseling and guidance sessions. He has also gained practical knowledge about nurturing and guiding his children while their mother is away.

“Participating in women-led sessions has taught me so much, especially about women’s perspectives on men, helping me apply those lessons in my own household and in raising the children. Above all, I am deeply grateful for their trust. Even during sensitive conversations, they welcome me as family, which gives me the confidence to participate in those safe-space discussions,” Henry said.

Henry’s story demonstrates how education and empowerment extend beyond the individual participant. When parents have opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute, those benefits reach their families and strengthen the wider community.

Mercy’s scholarship and Henry’s commitment to her success represent two connected parts of the same story: a student gaining access to education and a family working together to make that opportunity count.

At Action in Africa, we believe every student deserves the chance to pursue their potential, regardless of the financial circumstances they were born into. Our Secondary Scholarship Program helps make that possible for students like Mercy, while our community programs create opportunities for parents and families to build skills, strengthen relationships, and support one another.

We are grateful to Henry for his dedication, humility, and unwavering support for his family.