Journey to University: Peter
Peter Kabuuza joined Action in Africa through our Primary Partnership Program (PPP) at Real Infant Primary School. He used to attend our creative learning sessions, spelling bee, art, quiz, and other activities at The Center. There were over ten students in the P.7 class, but luckily enough, he was among the three students that AIA decided to support through the Secondary Scholarship Program. Peter’s mother is a market vendor, and his father is a boda boda (moped) driver, whose income could not support family necessities and the education of five children.
Peter said, “My parents are financially vulnerable, and in 2018 AIA gave me a Secondary Scholarship at Riverside High School Mbazzi. I knew I had to put in more effort in class and attend AIA’s programs so that I could keep my slot.” He added that his father had resisted, with an ultimatum of ending his studies at Senior Four to start working so they could support the family together. This was heartbreaking, but due to AIA’s support, he managed to continue his studies at A-level, where he excelled—expanding his chances of getting another opportunity through an internship at AIA.
Peter said, “A blessing dressed me. At my early age of 20, I would be on the streets of Nakuwadde riding a boda boda for survival, but in August I am looking forward to joining Makerere University Business School to pursue my dream course of a Bachelor's Degree in Tourism and Travel through AIA’s University Program.”
He never dreamed of being among the interns of 2025, though he always prayed for it. When he received a call from Shadiah, our Scholarship Assistant, informing him about the internship, there was excitement, dancing, thanking God, and rejoicing at home. The Internship Program has transformed both his family and personal development. Peter commended the monthly stipend they receive, which has helped reduce the burden of acquiring personal basic materials from his parents.
He revealed how he supports his mother with a small amount of money to boost her market vending business and bought his siblings scholastic materials before they returned to school. “Even my father, who wanted me to drop out in Senior Four, is proud of me now,” said Peter.
The internship so far has boosted his confidence, public speaking skills, soft skills like time management, office etiquette, and personal discovery, as well as ICT skills—especially in presentations using PowerPoint, Google Drive, and emails. He is eagerly ready for university to showcase the skills he has acquired from the internship.
He sent his gratitude to Aunt Sarah and the AIA fraternity who offered him an opportunity to transform the vulnerable families of Nakuwadde, including his own. His family needed extra assistance, which he found through AIA’s external facilitators, words of encouragement, advisory support, and counseling services. Peter noted that AIA’s meals have boosted his immunity due to the balanced diet received at The Center. He is now healthy, and by the time he joins university, he believes he will be looking better than before the internship.
“My goal of studying to uplift and break poverty cycles in our family is now enriched.”
