Ninah Kenyana's story:

Ninah is the 5^th born in a family of 6 children. She was born in the Kabale district of Uganda. The family struggled to make ends meet, especially after her father married a second wife, bringing the family total to 10 children. “We used to dig and sell what we planted in order to go to school,” she says, discussing how the family managed to survive. Eventually, Ninah’s eldest brother completed school and secured a job with a local TV station. With the money he earned, he as able to help support Ninah and her siblings.  In 2010, Ninah moved back to Rwanda with her older sister. Today, she lives with her cousin in Kigali, where she attends school at Akilah.

Ninah first heard about The Akilah Institute for Women through a friend, right after completing her final year of secondary school. “My life has changed because before, I didn’t like being near people. I was not used to it, but now I am a friend to everyone. Before Akilah, I wasn’t creative. But now I can think on my own.” Ninah says it best herself when she says that she is a friend to all. The statement could not be truer, as Ninah’s smile and laughter can always be spotted around campus, even from a mile away.

It is this character and charisma that landed her the role of class representative. While she is now preparing to begin her 2^nd year of Akilah’s 2-year Hospitality Management diploma program, she hopes to again serve as the class representative.  She enjoys representing her fellow classmates at an institution that she loves. “Akilah is like a community. We are so free to each other.”

Ninah’s magnetism has taken her far outside of Akilah as well. She began her internship at the famous Serena Hotel, and 2 weeks in, she was offered a part-time job. She is looking forward to beginning in the next few weeks. Outside of Akilah, Ninah serves as the secretary to a youth-advertising group called Trista Advertising. Already, the members have created an advertisement for Radio 10.

Eventually, Ninah aspires to be either an event planner or clothing designer. She is prepared to continue her education in one these fields in order to make her dream a reality.