Thanks to a generous donation, we’re embarking on an exciting new chapter in our work: Supporting access to education for children in Uganda.
For years, we’ve been committed to improving access to safe surgery for children because we believe that every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy and reach their full potential. Access to safe and timely surgery is not a privilege it is a fundamental right.
But good health is only one part of a child’s future. Education is another fundamental right that opens doors to opportunity and, along with healthcare, gives them the chance to thrive.
This remarkable gift from Jane (pictured below) allows us to build on the work we’re so passionate about, extending our support beyond healthcare to help children access education. By investing in both health and education, we can help create brighter futures for children, their families and their communities.
We’re immensely proud of this new initiative and deeply grateful to the donor whose generosity has made it possible.
Building a Stronger Community Learning Hub
The Ruhija Community Library in South West Uganda serves as an important educational resource for children and young people in the area.
The projects initial priorities were to help children improve their literacy skills, complete homework, and explore new subjects so we donated books and stationary worth UGX 2.3 million.
We installed new benches to create a more comfortable space and increase capacity for children and community members to learn, read, and study together.
These improvements are helping transform the library into a vibrant community learning centre.
Expanding Access to Digital Skills
Digital literacy is essential for education and employment, yet many young people in rural communities have little opportunity to gain practical computer experience.
The donation allowed for the purchase and installation of ten laptop computers. Prior to this investment, the library had only three laptops available for training. The additional computers will increase the number of learners who can participate in digital skills programmes.
For many participants, this will be their first opportunity to use a computer. The training will provide foundational digital skills that can support further education, employment opportunities, and greater participation in an increasingly digital world.
Supporting Girls to Stay in School
Education is about more than books and technology. It also means addressing the barriers that prevent children from fully participating in learning.
Through the Girls’ Menstrual Health and Dignity Programme, the project is helping ensure that menstruation does not become a reason for girls to miss school or fall behind in their studies. A study conducted by Miiro in Uganda revealed that 19.8% of the girls in their study missed school at least once during their last menstrual cycle,
The project purchased twenty boxes of sanitary pads, enough to support the first phase of distributions planned for June through to August. Preparations are also underway to deliver menstrual hygiene education sessions alongside the distribution programme.
Access to menstrual health products can have a profound impact on girls’ confidence, dignity, attendance, and educational outcomes. By addressing this often-overlooked challenge, the project is helping more girls remain engaged in their education.
Challenges Along the Way
As with many community projects, implementation has not been without challenges. Rising fuel prices increased transportation costs for moving books, computers, furniture, and other supplies from Kampala to Ruhija. Some items also cost more than anticipated due to market price increases.
Despite these pressures, our team successfully completed all planned procurement activities and has remained focused on ensuring that resources are used effectively to maximise community impact.
Whats happening now.
June saw classes and programmes start in earnest including;
* Launching computer skills training sessions.
* Registering learners for digital literacy classes.
* Continuing library reading and homework support programmes.
* Beginning sanitary pad distribution to girls in need.
* Delivering menstrual health and hygiene awareness sessions.
* Monitoring and documenting project outcomes.
Thank You
We’re delighted to see such strong early progress from this new initiative. The resources provided through this project are already creating opportunities for children, young people, and girls in the Ruhija community.
This achievement would not be possible without the generous donation from Jane and the dedication of the local team. Together, we’re helping create a future where more children can reach their full potential.
We look forward to sharing more updates as the project continues to grow and make a lasting difference in Ruhija.
To donate please visit: https://www.humanitydirect.org/ You can choose to donate to fund surgery, GlassesforClasses or Ruhija Community Library.