Journey to University: Pamela

Before joining AIA in 2015, Pamela Masika attended Kazo Primary School, Nalinya Ntale Girls Secondary School for O-level, Ndejje Secondary School, and Light Vocational and Secondary School for A-level on Action in Africa’s Secondary Scholarship. Later, in 2022, she graduated from Makerere University with a Bachelor's Degree in Development Studies through AIA’s University Scholarship Program. By the time she joined AIA, she needed support, especially with education.

“Much as all my parents were alive, but they were financially vulnerable at that moment because the bank had confiscated our properties. It created a financial setback, and that is how we shifted to Nakuwadde. But it was a blessing in disguise, because if we had not shifted to Nakuwadde my destiny would be terrible,” said Pamela.

She was persistently chased back home for school fees, positioning her father in a struggle to collect money to keep her in school until AIA relieved him of the burden with a Secondary Scholarship in 2016. “It was a challenging experience for our family,” she recalled.

Pamela learned about AIA after her brother, who delivered news daily to The Center, introduced her to it. That is how she started utilizing the Community Library, attending Holiday Programs, and joining other activities, which amplified her chances of receiving a scholarship. Her favorite activities were salsa, dance, and drama, which boosted her confidence and expression.

She applauded the Internship and Fellowship Programs for having prepared and equipped her with constructive skills and real-world experience.

“I am competent enough to expose my skills gained from the Center. I enhanced my ICT skills, social behavioral skills, managerial skills, career paths, and social network,” Pamela said.

She aspires to solicit more donors to support Action in Africa to create a better place for everyone. She added that inspiring and giving hope to the younger generation is one of her dreams.

Lastly, she expressed her gratitude to “Aunt Sarah” AIA’s Executive Director who works tirelessly to find funds in support of vulnerable families in Uganda.

“Sarah will be remembered in history as the engine behind the development of the Nakuwadde community. A million words can never describe her impact but the impact will communicate vividly,” said Pamela. “Thank you Action in Africa for having transformed my life. I am the only degree holder in my family which makes me proud and inspirational to my young siblings who are still in the trek.”