Journey to University: George William
GeorgeWilliam Nsereko, a Communications and Engagement Fellow at Action in Africa in 2025, has been part of the organization’s family since 2015, when he first joined at just 15-years-old. In 2023, he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kampala International University, made possible through Action in Africa’s University Scholarship Program. His path within the organization is remarkable, rising from Secondary Scholar, to Intern in 2020, to University Scholar, and now, Fellow.
"It is prestigious to pass through the entire process of AIA," he shared. "That shows how blessed I am, because it is not a guarantee that everyone supported by AIA comes back and works at The Center."
His intimate knowledge of Action in Africa’s programs makes him a powerful ambassador for the organization. As the person responsible for communications, he delivers firsthand updates to the broader community through social media and verbal engagement. He said, “I know each and every program running at The Center.”
GeorgeWilliam recalls the early days of hardship, before he received a secondary scholarship. "My academic journey was nagging to the extent that I thought of dropping out and joining comedy or singing groups because I have my talent," he said. School administrators regularly sent him home for unpaid fees. He still remembers the ridicule from neighbors: Why don’t you just leave studies and sit home because you are always coming back home? But he remained resilient, knowing education was his key to success.
He credits much of his turnaround to AIA’s support. Upon receiving his scholarship, even his headteacher celebrated, knowing that consistent school fees would improve both his performance and stability. The scholarship also enabled him to join the boarding section, helping him focus and thrive.
The AIA Center became a haven for GeorgeWilliam, especially during holidays. Living with a stepmother who mistreated him emotionally, he found comfort in spending long hours participating in programs at The Center. He especially loved debate days, saying, “I didn’t want to miss Wednesday debates because I loved argumentative topics.” Though he admits his English wasn’t initially strong, those public speaking opportunities helped shape the confident communicator he is today.
Originally hoping to pursue a degree in law, GeorgeWilliam pivoted to journalism, partly inspired by media personalities he admired. It’s a choice he doesn’t regret.
“I shall never compensate AIA because the efforts, money, knowledge, skills, and love they have invested in me is infinitely too much to manage,” he said. He left his parents’ home at age 19, using the stipend he earned during his internship to become independent. “Everything I have at my place—bed, mattress, cups, bedsheets, and clothes—is AIA’s money,” he added. “Why should I forget Action in Africa in my life? I want to be with them for the rest of my life.”
GeorgeWilliam now aspires to pursue a Master’s Degree in International Relations or Management. His family, especially his father, is proud as he is the only child in his family with a university degree. Others dropped out due to early pregnancies, lack of school fees, or other struggles. But he stayed the course. “When I got my Action in Africa scholarship, I asked myself, ‘Why are you dropping out when the ball is in your hand?’” he recalls.
