Our History
Meet the Founder of Action in Africa
Our Story
Sarah Nininger is the Founder and Executive Director of Action in Africa. What began as a high school club in 2006 has evolved under her leadership into a thriving international NGO. With a degree in Integrated Educational Studies from Chapman University, Sarah has spent 20 years championing community-led development in Uganda. Her vision centers on providing sustainable, research-driven resources through "The Center" in Nakuwadde, moving away from traditional aid models to address generational poverty.
2026
Celebrating 20 years
2025
Celebrate ten years of The Center being in operation, thousands of cups of porridge
Over 1,000 scholarships awarded
Ground blessing ceremony at Sentema
Alumni Give Back Program
Went fully solar
Built new kitchen
Built new pavilion
2024
Retired beloved AIA Winter Gala, after 10 successful years
First NYC event
AIA receives first $1M gift
Hired first Ugandan Country Director - all UG staff in Uganda
2022
First Taste of Africa Event
2021
Mary graduating from university (first student we started working with from primary age)
2019
Paddy graduating from university (first university degree graduate, started in university)
Opened our US office
2017
Partnership kick off with GUCCI
First community medical outreach
2015
Open Nakuwadde Community Center
2014-2018
Sarah living in Uganda
2014
Launched ASP, W2W, and Adult English
First Annual Winter Gala in Aspen, CO
2010
Officially became a nonprofit
2009
First school kitchen at St. Johnson’s Primary School
Launched our scholarship program
2008
First trip to Uganda
Constructed first project in UG /library
2006
A group of high schoolers felt inspired to start a fundraising club in support of children in Uganda.
a concert with DMC (of Run DMC)