How Action in Africa Engages Students During School Break
When school doors close for holidays and breaks in Uganda, students often face a challenging landscape of isolation, financial pressure, and negative social influences. But Action in Africa bridges this vulnerable gap. Our structured holiday program offers a safe, vibrant environment, giving youth the tools they need to create, develop life skills, and truly thrive.
Through our Holiday Program, we bring together both primary and secondary students at the Center for a compelling, high-energy experience designed to keep them safe, engaged, and inspired. During this second-term holiday season, we registered a total of 328 students: 133 primary children alongside 195 secondary students who are part of our scholarship program. During school breaks, The Center transforms into a vibrant hub of learning and mentorship. We provide a protective, non-judgmental environment where all of these children and youth find a genuine, safe space to share their experiences, navigate life's challenges, and stay clear of negative influences.
Throughout the holiday, students dive into a rich lineup of developmental activities led by mentors and instructors. Youth express their creativity through drama, visual art, and dynamic dance classes, while also gaining hands-on skills on the keyboard and guitar before jamming together in live band sessions. Additionally, poetry workshops and lively debates teach them how to think critically and speak with confidence, while guided mentorship sessions provide a safe platform to discuss real-life issues and build emotional resilience.
Because learning, dancing, and making music take immense energy, every day ends with a warm, nutritious meal to ensure our students stay healthy and sharp. We serve hot porridge alongside freshly made local snacks like mandazi, warm chapati, and hard-boiled eggs, giving our youth the vital nourishment they need to thrive.
What Attendees Say About Our Holiday Program
Mugisha Shane, 14 years old, P.7, Vision Foundation School
The Holiday Program at Action in Africa has completely transformed how I spend my school breaks. Art is my favorite program at the Center, and I have learned so many new craft skills, like decorating plastic bottles. You never know when I will sell them for income! I go back to school with great ideas on how to start my own art projects.
The creative learning sessions have helped me build confidence. I have learned how to carry myself, speak respectfully to elders and peers, and navigate life’s challenges. I have become a much bolder person. Of course, the fun matters too. I get to laugh and play with friends I meet at the Center and enjoy my favorite snack: fresh chapati with sweet porridge.
Before this, I used to just stay at home doing chores and passing the time. Now, I spend my holidays productively at the Center. Action in Africa is doing an amazing job of giving kids a safe, creative place to gather. I am so grateful to everyone who started this program.
Nakibuule Pauline, S.6
Before this program, I used to wake up without a routine, wasting my days loitering in the community and doing household chores. Now, I have a welcoming, safe space at the Center where I can participate in constructive activities. The mentorship and counseling here completely changed my mindset, teaching me to love myself and focus on what I can control.
Through leadership sessions, I have boosted my confidence, self-esteem, and communication skills, learning how to interact with peers and elders in an overwhelming world. I am incredibly grateful to our donors for these life-changing holiday sessions, the support, and even my favorite snack, warm chapati, which I miss while at school.
Kizito Duncan, S.6
During past holidays, I used to wake up late, around 10:00 AM, wasting my time watching TV and just drifting through chores without learning any life-changing skills. Now, the Center keeps me fully occupied with productive activities like debate, which has truly boosted my public speaking skills and confidence.
This holiday, I am eager to receive counseling and guidance. A fellow peer also shared a lesson with me last holiday that stuck in my head: “Life is how you choose to live it.” On behalf of all the students, we are deeply grateful for your love, care, and support. And I can’t forget the nutritious porridge and snacks, especially my favorite, chapati, which always gives me the energy to keep going.
This vital program is only possible because of your support. Our Center serves more than 300 students during the holiday period, and bringing in professional facilitators requires significant resources to keep things running smoothly. The impact doesn't stop when the holiday ends. Immediately afterward, we transition into paying school fees at Riverside High School Mbazzi and purchasing essential scholastic materials for our secondary scholarship students.
