The Rotary Club of Adjumani has launched a critical initiative focused on menstrual health education to tackle teenage pregnancies and school dropouts in rural Uganda. The outreach, called Pad the Girl Child, directly supports upper primary girls with menstrual hygiene knowledge and materials.
With the theme “Empowering Girls, Securing Futures: Menstrual Health and Career Dreams,” the program aims to assist at least 400 girls annually. These beneficiaries, aged 10 to 19, receive sanitary pads and mentorship during scheduled school visits by Rotarians.
Promoting Dignity and School Retention
Brenda Tideru, the President-elect of the Rotary Club of Adjumani, emphasized that the program goes beyond distributing sanitary pads. “It’s about empowering girls to remain in school, manage their health, and visualize a better future,” she said. The visits integrate career guidance sessions, enabling girls to dream beyond limitations and understand the importance of education.
This proactive approach responds to troubling data from the Adjumani District Local Government, which shows persistently high school dropout rates—particularly among girls in rural areas. Rotarians are stepping in where resources are limited, addressing gaps in access and education.
Impact at Oyuwi Primary School
Oyuwi Primary School in Adropi Sub-county is among the first to benefit. According to Headteacher Alice Gulua Mombe, student enrollment has plummeted—from 1,289 last year to just 980 this term. She explained that while lower primary classes are well-populated, numbers fall drastically in upper levels.
“Some parents cannot afford basic learning necessities,” she said. “But this initiative helps bridge the gap, ensuring girls stay in class. We appreciate that Rotarians are reinforcing efforts by both families and teachers.”
Addressing Teenage Pregnancy Head-On
The decision to begin with Oyuwi Primary School was strategic. Dolorence Mane Inyani, the Service Projects Chairperson, revealed that teenage pregnancy in Adropi Sub-county is at 19%—a rate significantly above the national average.
“These girls face serious challenges around menstrual hygiene management, proper guidance, and overall support,” Inyani stated. By prioritizing this community, the Rotary Club aims to reduce school dropout rates and increase girls’ chances of achieving their full potential.
The club believes these interventions support Uganda’s broader goals, particularly Vision 2040, by nurturing educated and empowered citizens who can contribute meaningfully to society.
A Grassroots Effort with National Impact
Launched on May 22, 2024—the same day the Rotary Club of Adjumani was officially chartered—the Pad the Girl Child initiative is more than a charity event. It is a community-driven solution that offers sustainable support. The club, now 26 members strong, meets weekly and has committed to sustained school outreach.
By providing education, mentorship, and basic sanitary needs, the club ensures girls can focus on learning rather than embarrassment or stigma. As one of the club’s core projects, menstrual health education is becoming a foundation for female empowerment in the region.
This ongoing effort is a testament to how grassroots activism, aligned with local needs and global development goals, can change lives. Girls in Adjumani now have new reasons to stay in school, dream big, and pursue their aspirations without barriers imposed by biology or poverty.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts, such as Uganda’s 2026–2030 Women’s Manifesto calling for gender-responsive reforms, and recent calls by a Ugandan minister urging global leaders to prioritize social programs to ensure SDG success.
