And the Action in Africa Excellence Award Goes to...

The Action in Africa Excellence Award is one of the new ways we are recognising Action in Africa scholarship students who excel in their academics. Action in Africa students have often been hailed by teachers and parents for their stellar performance both in classroom and out-of-classroom activities. Recognising their exceptional performance is one of the aims of this award, but it is also intended to inspire other students to work hard to achieve the kind of success that their peers have managed to achieve.

This year, for the first time, the Action in Africa Excellence Award was given to Nakayaga Shadia, an incredibly outstanding Action in Africa Scholarship Student who graduated with a first-class degree (summa cum laude) in International relations and diplomatic studies from Kampala International University. Shadia’s journey with Action in Africa started in 2016, while she was in high school, and she has grown with us until she has managed to pull off this amazing academic achievement.

We interviewed Shadia to get more insight from her about her Academic excellence and getting the inaugural AIA Excellence Award.

Jamada: How did you manage to pull off this academic milestone?

Shadia: I was very motivated to achieve these results, I believed that I could do anything if I attacked it with a clear goal. But I think it was a lot easier for me because I had all the resources I needed to achieve, with Action in Africa paying for my tuition and giving me a living stipend. I had only one thing to dedicate my life and focus to. I did not have to divide my time between part-time work and school. The fact that the course I was studying suited my capacity was also very enabling. That was my recipe for success. I wanted these grades and I was ready to put in the work for it. 

Jamada: What helped you identify the academic journey you wanted to take?

Shadia: Identifying my abilities earlier helped me identify the academic decisions I had to make. I used to enjoy the AIA debate program; researching the debate topics, coming up with arguments and presenting them in discourse with other students. This was fundamental in building my confidence, and undoubtedly, that was very instrumental in guiding me to the career path of International relations and diplomatic studies, which involves a substantial level of research and public speaking.

Jamada: What is your message to the AIA community?

Shadia: I honestly did not expect my education journey to go past high school. After my Senior Four national examinations, I even considered dropping out, but instead, I applied for the Action in Africa scholarship program. Luckily, I got into the program. Fast-forward, I am graduating to pursue a career in diplomacy. I am very excited about the life ahead of me and appreciate Action in Africa for bringing me this far. I am confident I have all the tools necessary right now to get the best out of my life for the betterment of my family and community.

Jamada: How do you feel about being the first person to receive the AIA Excellence Award?

Shadia: I am very honoured, I was surprised when David (AIA’s Country Director) brought the award during my graduation celebration party. I thought the awards had stopped at school on graduation day, and there I was, receiving one more award from Action in Africa. I hope I can motivate other young girls living within Nakuwadde so that they too can do exactly what I did and better. They can win this award and more. Thank you very much Action in Africa.