When Uwiringiyimana Jeanine moved to Uganda during her Senior Six vacation, she brought with her big dreams of attending a Ugandan university. Born to Rwandan parents who had relocated to Uganda in search of greener pastures, Jeanine had completed her secondary education in Rwanda, where she learned exclusively in French and Kinyarwanda.
While she possessed the academic drive to pursue higher education, she faced a significant challenge: the language barrier. English is Uganda's official language and plays an important role in higher education, government, and professional life.
"I wanted to learn English to communicate with people easily," Jeanine noted. "I was struggling with basic communication in Uganda, and since I wanted to join a university here, English was essential."
Unsure where to begin, Jeanine's turning point came during a church service in Nakuwadde. The pastor made an announcement that would change her trajectory: anyone looking to learn English should visit Action in Africa. When Jeanine first arrived at The Center, the language barrier was significant.
Why Adult English Courses Matter
In Uganda, English proficiency acts as an important pathway to continued education, professional opportunities, and greater independence. English is the country's official language and is widely used in higher education and formal institutions, but many adults did not have the opportunity to learn English in school, making it difficult to pursue further education and navigate professional environments.
At Action in Africa, we believe it is never too late to learn. Our Adult English Program serves 40 learners across Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels at no cost. Students attend classes four days a week, Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
It is life-changing for learners who once couldn't write their own names gain the skills to read, write, and speak confidently. For students like Jeanine, these skills represent new opportunities for education and greater independence.
"By the time she joined us, she could not even understand a basic question like, 'What is your name?' She would just look at her father for assistance," shares Judith Amanyire, Literacy Assistant at Action in Africa.
Starting with the fundamentals, including the alphabet, self-introductions, and everyday greetings, Jeanine immersed herself in the library and classroom resources. What she initially lacked in English proficiency, she more than made up for with enthusiasm and determination.
Jeanine wasn't satisfied with just getting by. Driven by extraordinary commitment, she requested to attend classes across all proficiency levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. She never wanted to miss a single learning opportunity.
"I knew if I studied all levels, it would help me catch up quickly," she added.
Through six months of dedicated attendance and hard work, her transformation was remarkable. She rapidly built her vocabulary, mastered grammar, and gained the confidence to express herself fluently.
Today, Jeanine's dream is a reality. She is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Medical Records and Health Informatics within the Faculty of Science and Technology at St. Lawrence University. Moving into a university setting where English is the primary language of instruction can be intimidating, but Jeanine has adapted seamlessly.
"I am glad no one teases me about my English," Jeanine says with pride. "I blended in well, and no one can even notice that I didn't have strong English skills before. I thank Action in Africa for this opportunity. If it wasn't for the Adult English Program, I would have struggled to connect with my fellow students."
Jeanine's story is a testament to anyone whose educational journey has been interrupted: never lose hope. There is a second chance at Action in Africa. We are honored to play a part in stories like Jeanine's, helping students unlock their potential and build brighter futures through the power of education.
