Transform Lives and Boost Confidence

Action in Africa offers Adult English Classes to empower adults who did not have the opportunity to access this vital education at a young age. For three hours every Monday through Thursday, adult learners of all skill levels attend classes at The Center where they receive instruction in English reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.

Despite Uganda’s native language being Luganda, English skills are vital for effective communication in both personal and professional settings.
Travel with us as we hear the stories from two Adult English students at Action in Africa.

Nasejje Viola's Story

Nasejje Viola, 25, a mother of two from Bulenga, dropped out of school in Primary Four (about 10-years-old) after the death of her grandfather, who had fully supported her education. With her parents struggling financially, this loss had a significant impact on her schooling. Later, Viola joined a group of fellow dropouts who encouraged her to learn hairdressing. However, she found that her lack of English proficiency hindered her ability to attract customers and secure important jobs in the field.

Viola expressed how disheartened she felt by the mockery from friends and family, who often laughed at her for her poor English. "They would say, 'Who will employ you, the illiterate one? You can't even speak basic English,'" she recalled. Many times, conversations would shift to English, and she would be left behind, feeling embarrassed and excluded.

This constant mockery led Viola to join the Adult English classes at Action in Africa, after being encouraged by a friend. Viola nearly cried when she started attending the classes because she knew it was her chance to improve her life.

Viola shared how challenging adult education can be, as it requires balancing studies with domestic responsibilities. Yet, she remains determined, believing that “there’s no gain without pain.” She has also started helping her child with homework using the little English knowledge she has gained from AIA. Viola’s confidence has grown, and she now believes that she is ready to pursue any job that requires English skills. She feels empowered by the support and education she has received, and thanks to AIA, she’s now on the same level as those who were formally educated.

Namawegye Agnes' Story

Namawegye Agnes, 49, a resident of Nakuwadde and a participant in the Adult English Program at Action in Africa, told us of how her academic ambitions were sabotaged at the age of 15 through an unexpected pregnancy, cutting her education short. Then tragically, her baby died at nine months after receiving an expired polio vaccination.

Because her family was financially stable, Agnes continued to pursue her academic ambitions and resumed her studies at a vocational school, where she took a cookery course. However, she never graduated because, at the age of 17, she became pregnant again. This derailed her hopes of continuing her education, and her academic aspirations faded into obscurity.

Her journey with Action in Africa began when her children, Kalyango Michael and Muteesasira Joseph (a senior three student at Riverside School Mbazzi and an AIA Secondary Scholarship recipient), kept her informed about the programs.

She recalls her son, who was attending Saviour Junior School at the time, telling her, “Mummy, every week we visit an NGO called AIA, and they provide us with delicious meals and scholastic materials at school.”

Although Agnes was initially skeptical, she decided to visit The Center herself. Upon seeing the positive impact the community center was having in the community, she was convinced of its value.

Since joining Adult English classes last year, Agnes has focused on improving her English language proficiency, particularly because her early pregnancy had interrupted her studies. She revealed that she was often embarrassed at home by her children, especially her grandson, who would tease her, saying, “Jjajja, you’re speaking vernacular.” However, after joining the Adult English classes, Agnes’s reading, speaking, and listening skills have improved significantly. She can now assist her grandson with his homework, something she previously struggled with.

Agnes says that English has now become a daily part of their household, and no one would guess she dropped out at such a young age.