Journey to University: Mahad

Like other kids, Mahad Kasirye also joined the Action in Africa family through our Primary Partnership Program (PPP). One aspect that always attracted him to attend the sessions at The Center was porridge and snacks, as well as other activities like spelling bee, quiz, debate, music, dance and drama, and art.

Mahad was among the students that AIA decided to support with a Secondary Scholarship in 2018, based on his daily attendance in our Holiday Programs and After School Programs. He recalled, “I was non-proficient in English at school, and my fellows used to mock and laugh at me during debate. But due to creative learning sessions at AIA, I realized I had to practise and perfect it. Now I can stand before those who always laughed at me and challenge them.”

Mahad, who used to speak broken English, is now looking forward to pursuing a Bachelor of Law at Kampala International University in August, to fight for and represent people’s justice, freedom, and human rights. He revealed how undisciplined he was at an early age, but AIA shaped his behavior accordingly. “I knew if I continued with my character, I would lose my scholarship, yet my father needed extra support to educate me,” said Mahad.

Unexpected news about being accepted into the Internship Program found him at his father’s shoe store. They were both amazed by the opportunity. “So far, I have gained confidence and public speaking skills through book presentations. I have adopted a reading culture. Reading one page of a novel used to be very hard for me, but now I have the potential of capturing the entire novel.” He has also enhanced his ICT skills and social behavior.

Lastly, he expressed his gratitude to the entire AIA team that has enabled him and fellow interns to go through the Internship process with several career guidance sessions. “For now, I am ready to conquer university challenges because I have a strong feeling that I am prepared enough by the Internship Program to face the outside world.”