Our History
Sarah Nininger is the Founder and Executive Director of Action in Africa. What began as a high school club in 2006 has evolved into a thriving international nonprofit over the past 20 years championing community-led development in Uganda.
Meet the Founder and Staff at Action in Africa
OUR STORY 2016-2026
20 Years of Growing Together
From a high school fundraising club to a community-led organization working alongside families in Uganda, every milestone reflects the people, partnerships, and shared commitment behind Action in Africa.
2025
Rooted in Community. Rising Together.
- Celebrated ten years at The Center in Nakuwadde.
- Awarded more than 1,000 scholarships.
- Held the ground blessing ceremony at Sentema.
- Launched the University Alumni Give Back Program.
- Went fully solar in Nakuwadde.
- Built our new kitchen.
- Built our new pavilion.
2024
A Year of Firsts
- Hosted our first NYC fundraising event.
- Received our first $1 million gift.
- Hired our first Ugandan Country Director.
- Constructed our new kitchen in Nakuwadde.
- Constructed our multi-purpose pavilion in Nakuwadde.
2022
Taste of Africa
- Co-hosted our first Taste of Africa fundraiser with AIA Ambassador Mawa McQueen.
2021
A Full-Circle Moment
- Mary Nakidde, who started at AIA as a primary-aged student, graduated from university.
2019
New Beginnings
- Paddy Kimbowa, our first university student, graduated.
- Opened our first fundraising office in the U.S.
2017
Growing Partnerships
- Partnership kicked off with GUCCI.
- Hosted our first community medical outreach.
2014–2018
Building Community in Uganda
- Sarah lived in Uganda, working alongside the community and helping guide AIA's growth.
2015
Opening The Center
- Opened our Community Center in Nakuwadde.
2014
Expanding Our Programs
- Launched our After-School Program.
- Launched Women-to-Women Workshops.
- Launched Adult English Classes.
- Held our first Annual Winter Gala in Aspen, Colorado.
2010
Becoming an Organization
- Officially became a nonprofit.
2009
Investing in Education
- Built the first school kitchen at St. Johnson's Primary School.
- Launched our scholarship program.
2008
Our First Trip to Uganda
- The AIA club leaders took their first trip to Uganda.
- Constructed our first project, a community library, in Uganda.
2006
Where It All Began
- A group of high school students started a fundraising club in support of children in Uganda.
- Their first fundraiser was a concert with DMC of Run-DMC.