Journey to University: Mary
Mary Nakidde is among the distinguished students who began with Action in Africa way back in 2009 through St. Johnson Primary School. For secondary school, she attended Hope High School Watoto and later graduated from Ndejje University with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and Social Administration. She is currently working as a social worker at Kids of Africa Swiss Children’s Village. Mary is in charge of children’s education activities and plans, the internship program, holiday programs, file updates, and psychosocial support.
She revealed that AIA’s programs were beneficial, helping her learn how to deal with different kinds of people. “I am applying the same knowledge and skills I obtained from Action in Africa during my internship, which makes my duties effortless,” she said. In 2008, her parents separated, making it difficult for her mother to raise school fees for four children as a single parent. “With her small business of selling charcoal, she couldn’t manage until AIA relieved her of the load,” said Mary.
In her family, she is the only child with a degree, thanks to Action in Africa. She applauded AIA’s internship program for guiding and inspiring her career path. “It is such an honor and I feel prestigious,” she said. “I was enrolled for the Social Work course due to AIA’s advice and career guidance sessions, which created my future.” She pursued Social Work at university after being inspired by AIA’s influence. In addition to the career sessions, Mary embraced other AIA programs, especially the Holiday Program offerings in drama, music, dance, and art, activities that kept her fully engaged.
Mary shared that all the programs at the Center capture one’s attention, but she particularly enjoyed how Mama Mellan welcomed U.S. visitors with drumming, alongside the warm hospitality from other staff members. “I miss that juncture. It is a sign of love.” Today, Mary is a well-established woman, wife, and mother with a happy family. She aspires to launch different businesses that will boost her personal development. Through her profession in Social Work, she is already transforming communities at her workplace. She hopes to support her mother and siblings and break cycles of poverty.
She expressed deep appreciation to Action in Africa for everything they provided in her life, including the internship program, youth-centered activities, career guidance, love, and, most of all, the life-changing opportunity of a scholarship. “I can't imagine whether I could be a graduate now due to my family background, but Action in Africa saw a need to support a vulnerable girl to enrich her endeavors. Everyone has been pivotal and I immensely glorify their roles towards my change.”
