Dignity in Education:

Supported the Girls at St.Charles Lwanga Primary School

On 1st July 2025, the Rotary and Rotaract Club of Bwebajja extended a helping hand to young girls at St. Charles Lwanga Primary School in Kawuku, Katabi Town Council, through a project that combined compassion with empowerment. The initiative, centered on menstrual hygiene management, sought to ensure that no girl misses school because of her biological cycle.

The project began with a comprehensive needs assessment. Conversations with teachers, school administrators, and the community revealed a recurring challenge: many girls lacked access to sanitary materials, resulting in frequent absenteeism and, in some cases, dropping out altogether. The findings guided the project team to respond not only with supplies, but also with education.

On the day of the outreach, 200 pupils received sanitary kits, each accompanied by educational materials on menstrual hygiene. Training sessions created safe spaces for the girls to ask questions, learn proper practices, and gain confidence in managing their health. By combining access to high-quality materials with knowledge, the project offered a holistic solution that addressed both the physical and emotional challenges faced by schoolgirls.

The impact was immediate. With sanitary pads in hand and the right information at their disposal, girls could return to class with dignity and confidence. Teachers noted the importance of this support in reducing absenteeism and encouraging full participation in school activities. Beyond academics, the training promoted self-esteem and broke down cultural taboos that often surround menstruation.

What makes this project particularly inspiring is its focus on sustainability. Through the school’s Health Club, ongoing conversations about menstrual health will continue. Partnerships with organizations such as AfriPads and other NGOs will provide reusable sanitary materials and additional training, ensuring the project’s impact lives on. Local leaders and businesses are also being engaged to support future initiatives, creating a strong foundation for long-term change.

The Donation of Sanitary Materials Project reaffirmed Rotary’s commitment to Basic Education and Literacy by tackling one of the hidden barriers to learning for girls. With every sanitary kit distributed, and every lesson taught, the project unlocked not just academic potential but also the confidence of a new generation of girls determined to stay in school and pursue their dreams.