Journey to University: Teopistar

Nankya Teopistar is among the students who have journeyed with Action in Africa from the very beginning of her education. “I got to know Action in Africa in 2011 at St. Johnson Primary School Nakuwadde in my Primary Five,” said Teopistar.

Her parents regularly participated in singing and performing cultural dances for U.S. visitors, which helped build connections and meaningful relationships. Through AIA’s Secondary Scholarship Program, Teopistar attended St. Edwards College Ggalamba for her O-Level and Central College School, Nakuwadde, for her A-Level studies.

In January 2024, she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Makerere University Business School (MUBS). She is now applying the knowledge she gained during her time at university.

Her father worked as a cargo driver, and her mother ran a small home business. Despite their hard work, they struggled to fully support the education of their five children, but AIA’s support provided some relief. Teopistar was highly motivated to attend programs regularly, knowing the value of the opportunity. “I focused more on my scholarship, but I also benefited from the activities we engaged in at The Center,” said Teopistar.

She credits AIA’s spelling bees and public speaking programs for building her confidence. “I was shy and fearful to face large numbers of people,” said Teopistar. She also highlighted the information and communications technologies skills she learned, especially during her 2020 internship, which she later applied to her business coursework involving ledgers, financial analysis, balancing books, and record keeping.

She proudly shared: “I am the only child at home with a degree. I feel immense gratitude for this milestone, and I work as an example in my family and the neighborhood who saw me growing up from nursery until I graduated. I will be a respected lady who will be approached by my level,” said Teopistar.

She reflected on her academic path, saying that after securing her internship in 2020, she truly believed her university journey had been achieved; a dream she never thought possible due to her family’s financial situation. She added that without AIA, her life could have taken a very different path. “I would be now a mother of three kids, but spending my time in education exposed me to opportunities and professional friends who mentored me in the docket of finance.”

Looking ahead, Teopistar aspires to hold a senior finance position to make her supporters proud. She is also planning to pursue a master’s degree to stay competitive in the job market. “Many have degrees in this century so if I obtain another qualification, it will be another advantage for my job search,” said Teopistar.

She expressed deep gratitude for AIA’s support, especially for “Aunt” Sarah Nininger. “AIA has taught me to love and associate with others, I promise to love my kids and others the way AIA has loved us,” said Teopistar.

She shared how Action in Africa’s support has elevated her status in her home village of Kireka-Bbira. “Let Aunt Sarah be blessed with each and everything she needs in this life. Let her continue to receive energy, hope and support to transform the vulnerable families in Uganda,” said Teopistar.

She closed with a heartfelt wish for AIA’s legacy, praying for the, “100 years of existence of Action in Africa. I shall love my AIA family forever.”