I just returned from a three-week visit to Uganda and it was a whirlwind trip. This was the first time I'd been back since June of 2021 - and even that was a brief visit due to Uganda going back into another COVID lockdown. It was great to be back on the ground with the AIA team and to see our community center operating at full speed!
Here are a few of my highlights from my trip:
Observing Colline’s weekend teacher training program, where 40 teachers join him each Saturday to learn classroom management techniques and how to incorporate creativity and movement with each lesson. I was so inspired!
Seeing Shaki, one of our special needs students, work with his new handwriting coach and how hard his support team is working to set him up for long-term success.
Visiting our Secondary Scholarship recipients at their boarding school with their parents during visitation day - a time where parents get to spend a day with their child and meet with their teacher. While AIA students are only 30% of the school’s population, they hold 50% of the leadership positions on the student council - including Head Boy and Head Girl!
Attending our University Scholarship Luncheon, organized by our new Education Specialist, Christine. 17 out of the 19 of our University Scholarship recipients were able to attend and spent the afternoon listening to guest speakers, drafting budgets, and discussing activities they want to implement and lead as volunteers at The Center.
Celebrating the recent graduation of two of AIA's University Scholarship Students. Gloria (left) just graduated with a Social Work degree and Derrick (right) just graduated with a Law degree. Both have been members of Action in Africa since primary school. AIA now has a total of three university graduates. We are so proud!
Participating in Africa’s first-ever all-day staff retreat. The day was filled with team-building activities and workshop sessions on topics ranging from budgets and communications to organizational values and plans for the years to come. One of my favorite parts of the day was facilitating transparent conversations about budgeting and fundraising and hearing our team’s ideas for creating a more sustainable model in Uganda. As usual, their ideas and suggestions were creative and impressive, and it was a great reminder of how well we work as a team.
Overall, I had a wonderful time in Uganda but I would be remiss if I didn’t give a special shout-out to the entire Action in Africa staff. Without a doubt, the best part of my trip was watching them lead their programs and being able to sit in on their classes. We have such an extraordinary team and Action in Africa is lucky to have each and every one of them supporting our mission in Nakuwadde!
Thank you to everyone who came to the AIA Booth at the Aspen Farmer's
Market last Saturday!
We had a wonderful day being the featured nonprofit at The Aspen Farmer’s Market last Saturday, handing out Creamies ice cream bars, playing cornhole, and networking with the Aspen Community. A big congrats to Jeff Mack who won the Pot of Porridge raffle drawing and an even bigger thank you to him for donating the winnings back to our Porridge Fund.
Chair of Board of Directors
We are looking for a leader who can help guide us through a period of exciting growth while continuing to build on our solid foundation for success. AIA’s new Board Chair will have a unique opportunity to shape the trajectory and operations of the US organization while simultaneously making a meaningful impact on the community in Nakuwadde.
As our organizational and fundraising needs grow, we are looking to hire a part-time Development Officer. The Development Officer will be instrumental in ensuring continued funding for our existing programming, as well as supporting ambitious plans for future growth.
Please be sure to share these opportunities with anyone
you think may be interested!
Action in Africa's Quarterly Summit - Live from USA and Uganda
Saturday, July 23rd at 8:30 AM MT This is a free virtual event, and we hope you'll grab a cup of coffee and take the opportunity to get to know some of Action in Africa's incredible young adults and the staff who run our education initiatives.
Virtual Zumba Class - Live From Uganda
Monday, July 25th at 11:30 PM MT We know this isn't our usual time for Zumba, but if you want to shake off some of the stress of the day or you're a true night owl, this is the class for you! Join us for a free, late-night, virtual Zumba class with the AIA team in Uganda.
By supporting Action in Africa, you are helping us serve the children, women, and schools we work with in Uganda. Consider making a one-time or monthly tax-deductible contribution with the link below. Thank you!
