This is a huge month for our community in Nakuwadde and Aspen. September marks the end of a great summer for AIA. The Labor Day holiday was a wonderful opportunity for our staff to rejuvenate and refocus as our students head back to school for their third and final term of the year. This month, as we say so long to summer, we'll be rolling out a full calendar of events and special programs that we'll be offering to our friends and family in Colorado this fall.

The first annual Action in Africa and RECESS pickleball tournament is happening in Aspen, Colorado on September 16th. The $500 entry fee covers team registration, an exclusive AIA and partners' merchandise swag bag, 2 drink and meal tickets, along with two additional general admission tickets for friends and family to watch the competition and join the other activities. All the money raised will support Action in Africa's commitment to providing opportunities for kids in Uganda to get outside, move, and play. Tuzannye - Let's play!

Making quality education accessible for all of Uganda’s women and children is no small task, but AIA has the best partners to help guide our journey. We work intimately with the parents, students, local leaders, and most importantly educators throughout the Wakiso District, to understand each school community’s unique needs and connect them with essential resources, tools, and training.

Last week, the Primary Five AIA Scholars participated in our end-of-term Quiz Bowl. Students from our partner schools and community members across Nakuwadde came to The Center to watch our scholars compete for the prized Center Cup. 

I've been so eager to share all the details from my recent trip to Uganda! Our Aspen High School students and I just returned from a nine-day immersion trip in Nakuwadde. I can’t thank you all enough for helping us provide our AHS students with this opportunity for cultural exchange and education. It was a trip like this that inspired me to start the AIA Club chapter when I made my first visit to Uganda 15 years ago. What we’ve accomplished since then is beyond my wildest dreams. It’s been amazing to watch the club, AIA, and the Center grow together.

By the time you read this message, the wheels of my plane will just be touching down in Uganda. This is an extra special trip because next week - for the first time in three very long years - six students from Aspen High's School's Action in Africa Club will be joining me in Uganda for a 9-day immersion trip to connect with our community in Nakuwadde. I am so proud of how hard this group has worked to support AIA, from organizing events to raising money and spreading awareness about our mission. This is truly a special group of kids and I'm thrilled to show them firsthand the impact that they - and the entire Aspen community - are making in Uganda every day.

If you’re a longtime friend of Action In Africa, you may know that the organization was established 17 years ago during our Founder Sarah’s sophomore year at Aspen High School. If you’re new here, welcome! Action In Africa began as a high school club raising funds for various African organizations, and has since grown into a thriving organization that provides free life-changing programs to thousands of individuals in Nakuwadde, Uganda. Under Sarah's guidance, Action in Africa has experienced remarkable growth yet we’re always reminded that this organization’s roots are planted at Aspen High School, where dozens of students continue Sarah’s legacy. And this month, after three very long years interrupted by COVID-19, Ebola, as well as tremendous organizational growth and change, the current Aspen High School club is traveling to Uganda to visit Action In Africa’s community center. 

Photos from AIA Gratitude Dinner with Chinobay.