Proud Parents of Interns en Route to University

Nakyanzi Fatumah Nalongo (Racheal’s mother)

Action in Africa, you may never truly know the impact you’ve had on my life. The day we received the news about the internship, I couldn't hold back my joy; I literally danced. As a parent, I know how powerful it is to educate a daughter. Out of all my children, she is the very first to reach university. Financial struggles meant the others had to stop at Senior Four or Senior Six, especially since I am carrying the role of both father and mother alone. 

Alongside your guidance, I have done my absolute best to raise her well, and she has grown into a humble, respectful, and obedient young woman. If she hadn't secured this internship, we had no other options left. My only backup plan was to keep her at home to help with my cake-baking business and find customers to support us. Thank you for giving us a different path.

But your impact on us doesn't stop there. You have also supported my son, Lukooya Edward, by giving him work at the Center to assist with fixing and maintaining the water systems. On top of that, being a part of the Women-to-Women program has empowered me tremendously as a mother. All in all, you have transformed our entire family in ways we could never repay. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Magezi Robert (Shaban’s father)

I cannot thank Action in Africa enough for the transformation and support they have given our family. When Shaban’s initial results came back, I honestly lost hope. I told him, 'Action in Africa gave us a great opportunity, but these grades might have buried your future.' Little did I know, God still had a plan for him.

I was at work when he called to say Action in Africa had invited him for the internship. I thought he was joking at first! When I realized it was real, I wanted to dance right then and there. I was overwhelmed with joy. If it weren't for this internship, my plan was to send him to lay bricks or find other casual labor. We had accepted our situation, especially knowing AIA’s process is completely merit-based and free; you can't buy your way in; you just have to qualify.

Today, I still can’t believe my eldest son is heading to university on a scholarship. AIA lifted a heavy burden off my shoulders for six years, and now they are seeing him through university. Who am I to receive such grace? May Action in Africa continue to thrive and rescue many more vulnerable families like ours.

Nansereko Rehemah (Ramulah’s Mother)

For now, I have two children at university on full scholarships; who am I to receive such blessings?. Last year, my son Muyanja Ramadhan was the first, and he has just entered his second year studying Information Technology at Makerere University. Today, my heart is overflowing with joy as my daughter, Nazziwa Ramulah, also joins him at Makerere in the same course.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Action in Africa from the bottom of my heart for transforming our family's life. Beyond serving as a Special Needs Aide, I see the impact every single day in my own home. My older children are attaining university degrees, and my younger ones thrive through AIA's community programs, enjoying daily porridge in the After-School Program and receiving vital healthcare. We could never repay everything you have done for us. May Action in Africa continue to grow and bless families for years to come. 

Nakalema Yudaya (Imran’s mother)

Knowing that Imran’s tuition for Medicine and Surgery is over 7 million shillings ($54,000 USD) was overwhelming; that is such a huge amount of money, and I honestly didn't know how we would manage. But seeing my firstborn reaching for his dream of becoming a doctor is a feeling I can’t even describe. My heart fills with joy, and I can't stop smiling knowing he is heading to the university on a scholarship. We are deeply grateful for all your support in making this dream come true. 

Babirye Asha (Owen’s mother)

Growing up, I used to be tough on Owen because he was the eldest and had to set an example for his younger siblings. Over time, he grew into a strong, humble young man, and I truly believe Action in Africa played a significant role in shaping his character and discipline. Did you spend time teaching them how to behave? He has turned into a good, strong man, and I am so proud of him.

Being both a mother and a father to him since he was young has been a constant struggle, but everything changed when you came into his life. I no longer have to force or pressure him because I know he has a supportive second family(AIA). When I received the news about his internship, I literally shouted to my neighbors and rejoiced, knowing a massive burden had finally been lifted off my shoulders. Thank you, Action in Africa and all your supporters, for everything you do. I still can't believe my son is becoming an engineer. 

Kesande Agnes (Witness’ Mother)

Seeing my child go to university for such an expensive course feels like a total dream. With tuition at 7 million shillings ($54,000 USD), I kept asking myself: How will I ever manage? Witness’s elder brother performed so well, yet he has been sitting at home for three years unable to join campus. I was terrified that he would suffer the same fate. 

But God had a different plan. Who are we to receive such a miracle? Words cannot express my gratitude for you stepping into our lives. Thank you for making his dream of becoming a doctor come true. I also want to mention my daughter, Kebisembo Agnes, who is currently in S.5 (junior year) at Mbazzi School for Life on a secondary scholarship from Action in Africa. My prayer is that she follows in her brother's footsteps and goes just as far in her education. You have supported us all.