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

  • Celebrated ten years at The Center in Nakuwadde

  • Over 1,000 scholarships awarded

  • Ground blessing ceremony at Sentema

  • University Alumni launched Give Back Program 

  • Went fully solar in Nakuwadde

  • Built our new kitchen

  • Built our new pavilion

2024

  • Hosted our first NYC fundraising event

  • Received our first $1 million gift 

  • Hired our first Ugandan Country Director

2022

Co-hosted our first Taste of Africa fundraiser with AIA Ambassador Mawa McQueen

2021

Mary Nakidde, who started at AIA as a primary-aged student, graduated from university

2019

  • Paddy Kimbowa, our first university student, graduated

  • Opened our first fundraising office in the U.S.

2017

  • Partnership kicked off with GUCCI

  • Hosted our first community medical outreach

2015

Opened our Community Center in Nakuwadde

2014-2018

Sarah lives in Uganda

2014

  • Launched our After-School Program, Women-to-Women Workshops, and Adult English Classes

  • Held our 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

  • The AIA club leaders take their first trip to Uganda

  • We constructed our first project, a community library, in Uganda 

2006

SN Headshot

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