Introducing our Interim President of Davis College, Paul Swaga
Paul brings over 20 years of teaching experience to this role, and has served as a key leader of our academic team for six years.
We are proud to announce the appointment of our Interim President of Davis College, Paul Swaga!
In 2014, Paul joined Akilah as an English and Leadership Instructor. He was appointed Head of the Core Department in 2016, and began serving as Co-Academic Director in 2019. Over the last six years, Paul has become an integral part of the Akilah and Davis community, firmly establishing himself as a mentor to students and colleagues alike.
“I am honored to lead Davis College during an exciting year. We will strengthen our commitment to women’s leadership at Akilah, while welcoming our first co-ed class.
We will not compromise any elements which have made this institution such a unique environment for empowering young people. Even as we navigate the pandemic and transition to online courses, I will ensure that our students continue to receive a life-changing education.
I’m excited about our new gender-responsive pedagogy for our co-ed cohort, designed to empower students as they articulate issues about gender stereotypes that have affected the socio-economic development of Africa. I feel tremendous pride to be at the helm of an institution leading the implementation of education for sustainable development. Our alumnae continue to demonstrate dedication to sustainably transforming their communities, and I look forward to nurturing future classes of Davis students towards the same goals.
As I step into this new role, I remind myself of the best piece of advice I ever received: to embrace constructive criticism, radical transparency, and every opportunity for growth. My advice to our students is to always embrace constructive feedback, and celebrate the areas where they may be struggling. These challenges can be a roadmap for growth, and ultimately for success and fulfillment — both personal and professional.
Though our school year looks very different this year, I am most looking forward to graduation. It is always exciting to see how our graduates have grown over the years, and emerge from their education empowered and prepared to impact and lead their communities. Many students enroll with low self-esteem, discouraged by seemingly insurmountable challenges. But our unique academic model, coupled with strong student support mechanisms, inspire them to challenge their limits and work hard for success. Some of them break down into tears of joy amid the graduation celebrations, as they reflect on all that they achieved! These moments always fill me with tremendous pride and joy, and I look forward to celebrating many graduations at Davis College for years to come.”
Paul holds a Master’s in Mass Communication from Jomo Kenyatta University, and a Bachelor of Education and Diploma in Education from Makerere University and Kyambogo University, respectively. Prior to joining Davis College and the Akilah Institute, Paul was the Head of Languages at Riviera High School, Rwanda, the Head of Languages at Mehta Secondary School in Uganda, and Coordinator of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award for Young People in the Mehta Group of Companies.
Please join us in congratulating Paul as he steps into his new role!
Paul Swaga, pictured far left, with colleagues.