Journey to University: Shaban

I am Shaban Magezi, a 2026 Intern at Action in Africa and a proud beneficiary of the Secondary Scholarship Program from Senior One through Senior Six. 

I believe my story is totally different from other vulnerable young children. Having been raised by my grandparents deep in Fort Portal village with the support of a single mother, I faced a childhood defined by hardship. The most devastating blow came after Senior One, when my mother could no longer afford paying my school fees. In a desperate attempt to continue my education, she sent me to Kampala to live with my father, hoping for support or, at the very least, casual work. Instead, after reaching Kampala my education hit a painful pause again. Spending over a year out of school, I felt my goals and ambitions slipping away, sabotaged by a lack of means. Completing even Senior Four felt like a distance. 

I proudly say possible dreams rose after joining Action in Africa, where those hard dreams finally began to turn into reality. 

Engaging in the programs at the Center opened a door I thought was permanently locked: the opportunity for a Secondary Scholarship in 2019. Because of this support, I have managed to study for free from Senior One all the way through Senior Six. The scholarship didn't just pay my fees; it transformed my mindset.

Beyond scholarship, the holiday programs at the Center equipped me with the tools to navigate the world. I have significantly improved my communication skills, English proficiency, and confidence through public speaking and I believe more to come during Internship. 

Having offered PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) combination at Riverside High School, I am now transitioning toward my goal of studying Medicine and Surgery at Kampala International University. My ultimate mission is to become a Surgeon who blends clinical excellence with a deep commitment to my roots. I intend to use my medical training as a tool for social transformation, ensuring that my family and the wider community have access to the quality healthcare they deserve.

I can finally see a clear path to my future. Thank you, Action in Africa, for restoring my ambitions and giving me the platform to pursue the goals I once thought were out of reach.