Education Uganda Project #48111

Support Talented Young African Leaders in Uganda

by Ashinaga Foundation

Project Report | Oct 13, 2022
One Scholar's Experience -- Scholar's Interview

By Yassmine Eladib | Graduates and Alumni Team Coordinator

Preparation Year is where Ashinaga Africa Initiative Scholars start their journey. Between the time of their initial selection and their enrollment at university, all AAI Scholars participate in a one-year program designed by Ashinaga to develop their academic, personal, and professional skills. The Preparation Year, held in Uganda for English- and Portuguese-speaking students and in Senegal for French-speaking students, is divided into the Study Camp and Preparation Camp.

Between them, the Preparation Years in Uganda and Senegal host approximately 50 students from 48 of the 49 Sub-Saharan African countries. This makes it a vibrant Pan-African environment where students are able to discuss regional challenges, culture, and plans for the future.

At the end of the Preparation Year all students enroll in prestigious universities in the US, UK, Brazil, or Japan. The network and the leadership skills they have gained during their Preparation Year will support them throughout their professional lives and help them achieve their dreams for the future.

However, due to Covid-19, the Ashinaga Uganda team had to shit from organizing in person preparation camps to online camps in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, the Uganda office led its first in person preparation camp ever since the Covid-19 pandemic started. We spoke to Joan, an AAI Scholar from Kenya, about her experience during the Preparation Camp in Uganda before she starts her university journey in Japan.

1. Tell us about yourself. What are your future ambitions?
I believe fulfillment in life is key to happiness, and I try to follow this idea by volunteering, reading books, taking walks, and traveling. In addition to this, I enjoy meeting new people, sharing ideas, and learning new things.

2. How was your experience at the Preparation Camp in Uganda?
Being in Uganda was a memorable and life-changing experience for me. At first, I was excited but nervous to start a new journey in a new country. During the preparation camp, I socialized with like-minded students from across Africa, and made friends I know I will keep. This interaction with a diverse group of people gave me a new perspective on life and introduced me to the breadth of diversity within the continent.

3. What are some important skills you learned during the camp?
“A goal without a plan is just a wish,” as Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once said. With my peers’ help, I could better define my future goals. I explored my curiosity through various activities both outside and inside the classroom. This helped me develop my academic and social skills and improve my Japanese through interactive classes. Overall, this learning journey was an eye-opening experience I am grateful to have pursued.

4. Due to the pandemic, students had to take classes online before traveling to Japan. How was your experience studying remotely?
Studying remotely was new and exciting yet challenging. I was a bit surprised but thrilled to be in charge of my own time. During the online Study Camp, I created a schedule that left time for leisure while attending academic, leadership, and mental health classes. Being home also gave me the chance to research the state and importance of geriatric care in rural Kenya, something I look forward to improving in the future. One challenge I faced at the beginning was maintaining concentration during online classes, but with time I quickly adapted and attended lessons fully engaged. Generally, the online study period helped me discipline my time management skills.

5. What and where will you study?
I will be studying in the Discovery Program for Global Learners at Okayama University in Japan, where I look forward to beginning my future career in biology and the treatment of tropical diseases.

6. How do you feel about studying in Japan?
While moving to a new environment comes with benefits and challenges, I am eager to explore Japanese culture and meet new people! I am constantly studying Japanese and look forward to learning more every day. Overall, I feel excited knowing that I will be studying in Japan!

Dr. Alex Coutinho, a well-known physician from Uganda, said, “If a goal is important, the detour doesn’t matter.” Ashinaga has helped me overcome the challenges I have encountered along the way. I am now more determined than ever to use my education to improve the future of geriatric care and raise awareness about tropical diseases in rural Kenya. I will devote my time and energy to studying to assist Kenya’s rural communities in receiving adequate care for the elderly and educate people on the severity of tropical diseases so they can seek medical assistance.

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Jun 8, 2022
The Role Of School Feeding Programs in Uganda

By Deontae Griggs | Digital Marketing Manager

The World Bank defines school feeding programs as a targeted social safety net that provides educational and health benefits to vulnerable children, aiming to increase enrollment rates, decrease absenteeism, and improve nutrition at the household level.

Globally, school feeding programs are one of the most significant and widespread social safety nets, benefitting 388 million children. One in every two schoolchildren worldwide receives a school meal, although there are wide disparities between countries. The expansion and institutionalization of these programs are most prominent in low-income countries, where such efforts can substantially impact children’s welfare.

A 2013 report by the World Food Program (WFP) highlighted that school feeding programs were disproportionally distributed, not covering the regions that needed them the most. It was the same case in 2020, but the gap has begun to close thanks to the efforts of grassroots organizations. Between 2013 and 2020, the Global South made crucial steps forward in proposing policies and funding for school feeding programs.

School Feeding Programs have several benefits:

They promote higher school attendance and reduce dropout rates. Many scholars in low-income countries might not be able to attend school because of limited resources and the cost opportunity of not working. School feeding programs are an incentive for families to send their children to school.

Institutional feeding programs are carefully selecting balanced meals to improve children’s nutrition. Careful selection promotes children’s health and growth since malnutrition among children is a contributing cause of premature deaths.

It improves concentration and educational performance in school. The food provided in schools improves students’ energy levels, which helps them focus on class and perform much better in their assignments.

When Ashinaga launched the Terakoya program in 2007, it ensured free food and water for all students in addition to educational support. This provision has been fundamental, proven by the baseline analysis, which showed that 35% of the students in the program scored underweight on the Rohrer Index – a mass-height ratio. Terakoya places emphasis on creating a school experience that helps them in their academic growth and ensures regular nutrition. For some of these kids, school is what guarantees them at least one meal a day. For this reason, Ashinaga has invested resources to ensure that programs like Terakoya’s can help as many children as possible.

Covid-19 has made it harder for children in the Global South to attend school. These complications have compromised their ability to access proper nutrition, primarily due to the financial impact that the pandemic has had on households’ income. School feeding programs such as the one offered at Ashinaga Rainbow House are vital in ensuring adequate education and food for children.

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Feb 9, 2022
Annets Activities and Aspiration In Uganda

By Shona Lynch Morimoto | Project Leader

Annet during her year in Oxford University (2021).

Two weeks ago, an Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) Graduate, Annet, made her first TV appearance on Uganda’s National TV. The TV interview was about Annett’s childhood, major turning points in her education journey, and her passion for cancer research in particular.

Annet says,

“It was a precious moment for me because I have always envisioned narrating my journey to many young people. To be honest, I just felt that my story was reaching them at one of the right times. Multiple students in low-income nations like Uganda have given up on their education due to various problems fuelled by the Covid-19 pandemic. Well, people get energized or inspired in distinct ways, but I hope that many young people learn something from it and understand that they are more powerful than the problems they are facing”.

This all started when in November 2021, when Annet was invited by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission through the British Council, Uganda, to a panel discussion under the theme: Inclusion of girls in science and technology. There, she met Dr Sabrina Kitaka, a renowned Ugandan medical doctor, who was also a speaker at the event.

Dr Sabrina recorded her speech and sent it to her later. Then, after a short conversation, Annet shared with her YouTube Channel “From Poor Village Ugandan Schools to Oxford University” with Dr Kitaka. The distinguished doctor contacted one of the producers at the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, Ms Jacinta Kagoro, to allow Annet to share her story with young Ugandan students. A week later, Annet received a phone call from Ms Rouenah Kajumba, the program host, to arrange for an interview.

Annet said,

"I felt so excited. I just imagined appearing on a NATIONAL TV for the first time, and that made me so happy.’’

Annet is on a mission to lead cancer research in Uganda. Her ambition extends beyond curing the disease, but rather investing in preventive measures like spreading awareness and good.

Annet hopes to be at the frontlines to increase the contribution of women in the field of science. Annet believes that we can accomplish remarkable things when given the support needed. We are delighted to see former AAI scholars such as Annet fulfilling the goals of the Ashinaga Africa Initiative and leading the next generation towards the better.

We want to also express our appreciation for your generous support, making it possible for such bright young Ugandan future leaders to pursue their dreams and make the world a better place.

To keep up with Annet’s inspiring journey, check out her YouTube channel here.

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