Acen Kevin Daniela, is an enthusiast, Accountant, Actress and visionary philanthropist, whose name resounds with the meaning of lifting others. From her humble beginnings to becoming the Founder and Executive Director of the ITINGA Charity Education Foundation (ICEF), her journey is a testament to the indomitable African spirit, the power of kindness, and the strength of faith.
The Genesis of a Dream
Acen’s life was never destined to be ordinary. Born into the harsh realities of poverty and losing her father at a tender age, she quickly learned that life was a battlefield. Dropping out of school thrice due to a lack of school fees could have crushed her dreams, but not Acen’s. In an extraordinary twist of fate her spirit was buoyed by the kindness of others—five individuals, one NGO Imara-Uganda Education Fund and a university bursary who together became the wings that lifted her to the skies of opportunity.
Each sponsor’s support, whether it was books, pocket money, or full scholarships, planted a seed of gratitude in Acen’s heart. Her education was not just hers; it became a covenant to lift others as she had been lifted. It was from this place of deep gratitude that ITINGA was born.
“My personal education journey motivates me. I struggled so much through education, dropped out of school thrice due to lack of school fees and scholastic materials. five different people, University bursary and Imara-Uganda Education Fund sponsored my education. I became the first in my family and clan to ever graduate. Other people supported me with books and pocket money. So that alone made me to have that passion to at least support someone through education,” she recalls.
From a young age, Acen learned to lean on faith. When she dropped out because she could no longer afford school fees at O’ Level, she prayed fervently, surrendering her dreams to God’s will. Miraculously, within two weeks, one Teacher Joel Okullo introduced her to Sister Daniela, a missionary nun in Ngetta. Sister Daniela became the first to show her the power of kindness, paying her school fees while she worked as a cleaner at TGS Water Ltd to buy the necessary scholastic materials. She carried her name, Daniela, as a cherished reminder of her impact.
When her support ended at S.4, prayers began anew. By grace, a Fr. Robert Omara stepped in, funding her S.5 education. With a delicate balance between studies and work, she continued her journey, cleaning during holidays to sustain herself. Yet, the path was far from smooth—she dropped out again, unable to pay fees for nearly two terms.
It was then that a divine connection brought her to Rev. Hellen Aloti, who introduced her to Belinda, a compassionate stranger moved by her story. Without even seeing her face, Belinda sponsored her education, covering her debts and enabling her to complete her UACE exams. Though the results didn’t meet her hopes, Belinda’s unwavering support allowed Acen to pursue a certificate course and later a diploma. Imara Uganda Education Fund then stepped in, offering a full scholarship for further studies.
Even with these blessings, life remained a test of endurance. Determined to earn a degree, Acen sought opportunities in Kampala. It was a difficult period, but faith carried her through. Hon. Amule Doreen Ruth recommended her for a university bursary, which covered two years of her studies. Still, functional fees remained a hurdle—until a chance meeting with visitors from Norway opened another door. Inspired by her story, Mr. Reidar Bardsen generously pledged to cover her fees for the remaining two years.
Finally, her dream became a reality. Acen graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance from Metropolitan International University. Each step of her journey was a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the kindness of others.
The Birth of ITINGA
Today, she channels her gratitude into action. Driven by the desire to lift children and youth facing struggles like her own—or worse—she founded the ITINGA Charity Education Foundation in 2021. The name “ITINGA” carries a powerful message—”You Lift Me.” Its logo, a symbol of a graduate standing on steps made of books with a hand lifting them, perfectly mirrors Acen’s life journey. From struggling to pay school fees to graduating as the first in her family and clan, Acen embodies the vision of ITINGA.
“Despite the fact that I experienced harsh reality of poverty and loss of a loved one, the kind generosity of those who sponsored my Education changed my life forever. I developed passion to spread kindness and founded ICEF. I didn’t just wake up in the morning and started it, having an organization wasn’t in my plan. It’s not something I ever thought I would do because I imagined it’s something very big for me.” Acen said.
ICEF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving education for disadvantaged children in Uganda. They provide scholarships, grants, and essential facilities, such as constructing or renovating classrooms and libraries in underserved schools. Additionally, they supply learning materials like specialized computers for the visually impaired, textbooks and Braille resources, benefiting over 12,000 students.
To date Acen has provided full scholarships to over 42 children and youth with and without disabilities across primary, secondary, and vocational schools. Under Acen’s leadership, ITINGA in partnership with Imara-Uganda Education Fund has championed the cause of inclusive education, constructing a secondary school for the blind in northern Uganda. This school, operational since 2023, is a beacon of hope, proving that disability should never hinder access to quality education.
“We’ve completed phase one, and now we’re pushing through phases two and three,” Acen says with determination. “It’s not easy. Providing inclusive education is costly, but every step we take is a step toward transforming lives.”
Juggling Passions and Purpose
Acen’s journey is multifaceted. A degree holder in Accounting and Finance, she uses her expertise to manage ITINGA’s finances meticulously. But her talents don’t stop there. She is also an actress, and filmmaker, roles she embraces passionately whenever she finds the time.
“In acting, I find joy and creativity. It’s something I love, and it complements my work,” she shares.
Acen’s story is deeply rooted in faith and community. She recalls the many people who stepped into her life, like Teacher Joel Okullo, Sr. Daniela, Belinda Maclean and Rev. Hellen Aloti, who extended hands of kindness during her darkest hours.
“They gave without asking anything in return, and that inspired me to do the same,” she reflects. “I prayed hard and worked harder, knowing that God’s plan for me would always prevail.”
Her advice to others is simple yet profound:
Be good. A good name is more valuable than riches.
Pray and persevere. Faith in God, coupled with hard work, can move mountains.
Stay focused. Life’s challenges are not barriers but stepping stones to greatness.
The Future and legacy of ITINGA
Acen’s long-term vision for ITINGA, is to see it grow into a self-sustaining international organization that thrives even in the absence of its founders. She dreams of a future where it transcends her presence, becoming an institution as enduring as the great NGOs of the world.
“I want ITINGA to outlive me,” she declares with unwavering conviction. “I want it to continue lifting lives long after I am gone.”
Similar to renowned entities like Save the Children and Compassion International, ITINGA aims to serve humanity and create opportunities for people well into the future. This ambitious goal involves expanding operations gradually, with the organization currently focused on northern Uganda while registered to operate nationwide. Although the organization’s impact is already felt across Uganda through its adherence to the national curriculum, its physical efforts remain concentrated in the northern region. Today, it serves northern Uganda, but its influence ripples across the nation. Children from central and western Uganda come to study at ITINGA’s schools, a testament to its growing reach.
As a locally registered NGO, the organization faces significant financial challenges compared to international charities. Additionally, Acen is quick to remind us that local NGOs like hers, operate on shoestring budgets, relying heavily on donations and volunteerism. Even as an executive director, she receives no salary, only a modest travel allowance. Managing activities across northern Uganda’s vast sub-regions is a demanding task, requiring dedication and resilience.
“It’s not about money; it’s about passion and purpose. If you can’t do it for free, don’t start an NGO. But if you can, the rewards are immeasurable,” she advised.
A Legacy of Lifting Others
Acen Kevin Daniela’s life is a masterclass in resilience, a hymn of gratitude, and a beacon of hope. Her story reminds us that when we lift others, we create a ripple effect of kindness and opportunity.
“I used to just pray and say if I could get a very good job, I would be able to pay for at least one or two children in school. That was my prayer. Now it’s happening in a big way through Itinga Charity, many children are receiving education by unwavering support of donors and partners than i would ever pay,” she said.
As she continues to lift others, her light shines brighter, illuminating the path for countless children and youth to rise, just as she did. This is her story—a story of being lifted and lifting others. It is a story that resonates across the heart of Africa and beyond.