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Journée portes ouvertes en Mauritanie : promouvoir l’approche “Champ agropastoral” au Guidimakha
Aminata KANE | 05/12/2025
Le projet SECURALIM, financé par l'Union européenne et mis en oeuvre par Enabel, a organisé une journée portes ouvertes à Arr, dans la région du Guidimakha, dans le cadre de la formation dédiée à l’approche « Champ agropastoral », axée sur les cultures pluviales avec irrigation de complément.Cette rencontre a rassemblé 30 facilitateurs venus des régions de l’Assaba et du Guidimakha, réunis pour renforcer leurs compétences pratiques et échanger sur les bonnes pratiques agricoles adaptées aux contextes locaux.L’événement s’est déroulé en présence du Hakem de Wompou, des maires du département, du délégué régional de l’Agriculture, des chefs de service, d’Irchady, ainsi que de l’équipe d’Enabel, témoignant de l’intérêt et de l’engagement des autorités locales en faveur du développement agropastoral.Cette journée a permis de valoriser le rôle essentiel des facilitateurs dans l’accompagnement des producteurs, tout en illustrant l’importance d’approches intégrées pour renforcer la résilience des communautés rurales face aux défis climatiques.
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Journée mondiale des toilettes 2025 : Enabel honorée pour son engagement en faveur de l’hygiène et de l’assainissement
Geoffroy ZONGO | 05/12/2025
Lors de la célébration en différé de la Journée internationale des toilettes, le 21 novembre 2025 à Boromo, Enabel a été distinguée pour son rôle dans la promotion de l’hygiène et de l’assainissement dans les régions des Bankui et du Sourou.Pour cette année 2025, la journée a été placée sous le signe de la sensibilisation à l’importance des infrastructures sanitaires et marquée par une reconnaissance particulière. L’Agence belge de coopération internationale, Enabel, à travers ses projets Lasso WASH et lasso Santé, financés par l’Union européenne, a reçu une attestation de reconnaissance pour son implication dans l’amélioration de l’hygiène et de l’assainissement dans les régions des Bankui et du Sourou.Cette distinction a été décernée par la Direction régionale de l’eau et de l’assainissement de l’environnement des Bankui et du Sourou, qui a salué les efforts consentis par Enabel pour renforcer l’accès aux services WASH dans un contexte où les défis restent nombreux. La réception de l’attestation a été assurée par Issiaka Sawadogo, Project Manager Lasso WASH. Il a exprimé la fierté de son équipe et réaffirmé la volonté d’Enabel de poursuivre ses actions pour améliorer les conditions de vie des populations. « Cette reconnaissance nous encourage à redoubler d’efforts pour atteindre les objectifs fixés en matière d’hygiène et d’assainissement », a-t-il déclaré.La Journée internationale des toilettes, célébrée chaque année le 19 novembre, vise à attirer l’attention sur l’importance des toilettes et de l’assainissement pour la dignité humaine et la santé. Enabel, par ses interventions dans les régions des Bankui et du Sourou, illustre l’impact positif des partenariats entre institutions publiques et agence de coopération pour relever ce défi.
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Rencontre d’Enabel avec le Ministère de l’Élevage en Mauritanie : une collaboration renforcée pour un impact durable
Aminata KANE | 04/12/2025
Une délégation d’Enabel Mauritanie, conduite par le Directeur Laurent Delouvroy et composée de nos chefs de projetsainsi que de notre conseillère stratégique, a effectué une visite de travail au Ministère de l’Élevage. La mission a été accueillie par Dr Baba Doumbia, Chargé de mission au Cabinet du Ministère, et M. Barikallah Mohamed, Directeur du Développement des Filières Animales.Cette rencontre s’inscrit dans la dynamique de coordination et de cohérence des interventions d’Enabel dans le secteur de l’élevage, un secteur clé pour la sécurité alimentaire, la résilience des communautés pastorales et le développement économique du pays.Un tour d’horizon des interventions d’Enabel dans l’élevageLa réunion a permis de présenter l’ensemble des projets d’Enabel touchant au secteur de l’élevage, qu’ils concernent :la production animale,l’amélioration des systèmes pastoraux,la santé animale,la valorisation des produits,ou encore les dynamiques institutionnelles et techniques liées aux filières.Les chefs de projets ont pu partager l’état d’avancement des activités, les résultats déjà atteints et les défis rencontrés sur le terrain.Renforcer la synergie avec les services techniquesUn temps important de l’échange a été consacré à l’identification et au renforcement des synergies entre Enabel et les services techniques centraux et déconcentrés du Ministère de l’Élevage.Les discussions ont mis en lumière la nécessité d’une coordination encore plus étroite sur les thématiques :techniques (production, santé animale, pastoralisme),institutionnelles (gouvernance des filières, planification, structuration),et opérationnelles (suivi, enquêtes, déploiement des activités sur le terrain).Cette collaboration renforcée vise à optimiser les efforts de tous les acteurs et à assurer une meilleure cohérence avec les priorités nationales définies par le ministère.Focus sur le démarrage opérationnel du PRADEPLa rencontre a également permis de faire un point détaillé sur le démarrage opérationnel du Programme PRADEP.Les équipes ont passé en revue :les premières activités programmées,les besoins opérationnels,et les axes structurants à mettre en œuvre dans les semaines à venir.Ce programme représente un levier important pour appuyer les communautés pastorales et les services techniques autour d’actions structurantes permettant d’améliorer les conditions de production, la gestion durable des ressources et la résilience des ménages.Une collaboration institutionnelle à long termeCette visite au Ministère de l’Élevage illustre la volonté commune d’Enabel et des autorités nationales de travailler main dans la main pour soutenir les filières animales, appuyer les acteurs du terrain et répondre aux enjeux d’un secteur aussi stratégique que sensible. Enabel réaffirme son engagement à accompagner le ministère, ses services techniques et les acteurs locaux dans une approche intégrée et coordonnée, au service des populations et du développement durable.
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Bringing life-saving ultrasound services closer to mothers in Busoga and Rwenzori regions in Uganda.
Sharon IBENU | 04/12/2025
Routine checks for expecting mothers are essential, and early ultrasound is a critical component of that care. Evidence shows that timely obstetric scans confirm pregnancy viability and gestational age, support monitoring of fetal growth and presentation, and help identify risks such as multiple gestations, ectopic pregnancy, fetal growth restriction, and other complications as reflected in the Ministry of Health’s Uganda Clinical Guidelines and Antenatal Care (ANC) guidance, which recommend use of obstetric ultrasound to identify high‑risk conditions for timely referral and appropriate clinical management, improving outcomes for both mothers and babies. Despite these proven benefits, access and quality have historically been uneven across levels of care. Systemic challenges including inadequate equipment, limited numbers of trained personnel, and variations in skill levels have constrained service delivery, delayed diagnosis, and complicated care pathways. Recognizing these gaps, Enabel has equipped health centers across the Busoga and Rwenzori regions with essential ultrasound imaging tools to integrate routine obstetric scanning into standard antenatal care. This investment reduces service gaps, brings diagnostics closer to communities, and relieves pressure on higher-level facilities by enabling earlier and more accurate assessment at the first point of contact. However, equipment alone does not guarantee impact. The true measure of success lies in the capability of health workers to use these tools safely, consistently, and confidently. In 2024/2025, Enabel supported 12 health workers; midwives, clinical officers, and nurses to enroll in a one-year Diploma in Sonography at Ernest Cook University Mengo Kampala, building the competencies required to use these tools effectively. To further deepen practical competence, Enabel organized a focused, clinic-first immersion designed around the realities of frontline care aimed at exposing the health workers to a range of ultrasound machine models and configurations in use across regional health facilities while engaging in supervised, hands-on scanning within real clinical settings, creating a durable foundation for quality. According to Marion Kainza, Nursing Officer at Bukuku Health Centre IV in Fort Portal District, the one-year course has equipped her with practical skills to better support mothers and their newborns. “Previously, many mothers would go back home when referred for scans because transport costs were high. A single trip to Fort Portal Regional Hospital could cost 12,000 Uganda shillings, ( 3 euros) which was a significant financial strain. With the skills I’ve gained, I can now support mothers here at the facility.” Similarly, Katusiime Joy, a Midwife at Kataraka Health Centre IV in Fort Portal City, noted that the sonography course has deepened her ability to support mothers. “As a midwife, I wanted to build more skills so I can provide better care. I have gained practical imaging competencies and can now confidently perform abdominal, gynecological, and obstetric examinations.This experience has inspired me to enroll for a bachelor’s in medical imaging to further strengthen my practice.” This cohort will expand the regions’ diagnostic capacity and anchor ongoing mentorship, skills transfer, and quality improvement within facilities so that mothers and babies can access safer, earlier, and higher-quality care, closer to home.
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Niger : le projet Sarraounia 2 renforce les capacités des femmes pour une hygiène menstruelle durable en milieu scolaire
Halissa HASSAN DAN AZOUMI | 04/12/2025
Du 27 Nov au 1er Dec 2025, un atelier de formation en confection de serviettes hygiéniques lavables s’est tenu à Dosso au profit de 24 femmes :Les Associations des Mères Éducatrices (AME), structures composées de mères d’élèves engagées dans l’appui à la vie scolaire, la protection des filles et le suivi de leur réussite,et les points focaux de la Scolarisation des Filles (SCOFI), responsables au niveau départemental de la promotion, du suivi et de la coordination des actions en faveur de la scolarisation et du maintien des filles à l’école.Les participantes provenaient des huit collèges d’action du projet Sarraounia 2/Enabel et des départements de Dioundiou, Tibiri, Gaya et Dosso.Cette formation visait à renforcer leurs capacités techniques afin de maîtriser la fabrication de serviettes hygiéniques lavables, une solution durable, économique et adaptée pour améliorer la gestion de l’hygiène menstruelle en milieu scolaire. Elle ambitionnait également de consolider le rôle essentiel des AME et des SCOFI dans la protection et le bien-être des filles, tout en favorisant l’autonomie des femmes et la mise en place de dispositifs de production dans les collèges.Au terme des cinq jours d’apprentissage intensif, les participantes ont réussi à produire 300 serviettes hygiéniques lavables entièrement finalisées, atteignant ainsi l’objectif fixé. Elles ont témoigné de l’importance de cette formation, bénéfique tant pour leur propre autonomisation que pour les milliers de jeunes filles qu’elles accompagnent. Elles se sont engagées à transmettre les compétences acquises dans leurs établissements respectifs.Les points focaux SCOFI assureront un suivi rapproché afin de soutenir l’apprentissage des filles et d’assurer la durabilité de l’initiative.À travers cette action, le projet Sarraounia2/Enabel renforce son engagement en faveur d’un environnement scolaire inclusif, sensible au genre et propice à la réussite des filles.
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Niger : partage des résultats sur l’approche innovante “HIMO pastorale”
Halissa HASSAN DAN AZOUMI | 03/12/2025
Les 25 et 26 novembre 2025, le PTCS–Niger a organisé à Niamey un atelier de restitution sur l’approche « HIMO pastorale », une méthode de restauration des terres dégradées testée par le Projet REPO/Enabel. Cette technique utilise le pacage et le parcage nocturne du bétail pour ameublir et fertiliser naturellement les sols, offrant une alternative moins coûteuse et mieux appropriée par les communautés.Le suivi scientifique, mené par l’Université Abdou Moumouni, a porté sur les apports en fumure organique, l’alimentation du bétail, les types de sols favorables et la perception des éleveurs. L’atelier a réuni chercheurs, autorités locales, services techniques et acteurs pastoraux pour analyser les résultats préliminaires et formuler des recommandations en vue d’une mise à l’échelle.Cette initiative, soutenue par Enabel à travers le PTCS, constitue une étape importante pour renforcer la gestion durable des terres pastorales et la résilience des communautés au Sahel.
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Burundi : Renforcer la surveillance moléculaire face aux résistances du paludisme
Jean BIRONKWA | 03/12/2025
Malgré des efforts importants — distribution de moustiquaires imprégnées, pulvérisation intra-domiciliaire, traitements adaptés — le paludisme demeure la première cause de mortalité au Burundi. À cette menace persistante s’ajoute un défi croissant : la résistance des parasites aux antipaludiques et celle des moustiques aux insecticides. Cette évolution réduit l’efficacité des interventions classiques et oblige les acteurs de santé à adapter leurs stratégies. Pour répondre à cette situation, Enabel, à travers le projet Malariya Pi, collabore avec l’Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP), le Programme National de Lutte contre le Paludisme (PNLP) et l’Institut de Médecine Tropicale d’Anvers (IMT). Ensemble, ils réfléchissent à des approches permettant de renforcer la lutte contre le paludisme, notamment en améliorant la surveillance moléculaire, indispensable pour anticiper les résistances et ajuster les interventions. Cette initiative vise à appuyer la recherche scientifique, à moderniser les systèmes de surveillance et à préparer la mise en place d’un centre national de recherche sur le paludisme au Burundi. La mobilisation des partenaires techniques et financiers sera essentielle pour concrétiser ce projet stratégique. Conformément au pilier 3 de la Stratégie technique mondiale de lutte contre le paludisme 2016-2030, disposer de données fiables et actualisées est indispensable pour mener des actions fondées sur des preuves scientifiques. Les chiffres récents illustrent l’ampleur du problème. En 2023, près de 399 cas pour 1000 habitants ont été enregistrés. La maladie représentait environ 21 % des consultations médicales cette année-là, et était responsable de 59,4 % des décès hospitaliers en 2021. Les enfants de moins de cinq ans restent les plus exposés : sur les 4,8 millions de cas recensés en 2023, 46 % concernaient cette tranche d’âge. Face à ces enjeux, les spécialistes s’accordent : la surveillance moléculaire est un outil clé pour mieux comprendre l’évolution du paludisme, suivre les résistances et adapter les stratégies nationales de lutte.
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Enhancing school supervision and data efficiency across Uganda
Sharon IBENU | 02/12/2025
In Uganda, the lack of adequate transport and modern tools has long hindered effective school monitoring and supervision. District education departments, tasked with ensuring quality education, have struggled to reach schools in remote and hard-to-reach areas. Without regular inspections, schools often lacked the necessary oversight and guidance to address challenges, leading to gaps in education delivery and outcomes. To address these challenges, Enabel, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports, provided motorcycles to district education departments, aimed at strengthening school monitoring and supervision, enabling education officers to access even the most remote schools. In addition, modern ICT tools, including laptops and tablets, were distributed to enhance data management, reporting, and decision-making processes. This initiative was rolled out in the West Nile, Busoga, and Rwenzori regions, areas that have long faced challenges in education supervision due to their geographical and infrastructural constraints. By equipping these regions with the necessary tools, Enabel has empowered education officers to improve the quality of delivery. Angulima Collins Nyaliyo, Senior Inspector of Schools in Madi Okollo district, notes, "We previously faced significant challenges due to the lack of transport facilities. Many schools in remote areas were left uninspected for long periods, which affected their performance. Now, with motorcycles, we can reach these schools more frequently and provide the necessary support," he explained. Nyaliyo also emphasized the importance of the ICT tools. "The tablets have been equipped with an inspection tool, which allows us to collect and manage data more efficiently during school visits. This has improved our reporting processes and enabled us to make better decisions to support schools," he added. Enabel’s efforts have not only improved the frequency and quality of school inspections but have also fostered a culture of data-driven decision-making. By equipping education departments with the tools they need, the initiative is ensuring that schools in even the most remote areas receive the attention and support they deserve. This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing systemic challenges in education. With continued support, the regions of West Nile, Busoga, and Rwenzori are now better positioned to provide quality education for all children, ensuring that no child is left behind.
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Breaking the dropout cycle with essential learning tools in Uganda
Sharon IBENU | 02/12/2025
In many parts of Uganda, children drop out of school due to the lack of basic scholastic materials. For families struggling to make ends meet, buying items like books, pens, and uniforms is often a challenge, leaving many students unable to attend or complete their education.This issue has been a significant barrier, especially in hard-to-reach areas, where poverty levels are high, and access to resources is limited. To address this challenge, Enabel has stepped in to provide much-needed scholastic materials to students in these underserved communities. This initiative has not only reduced the financial burden on parents but has also encouraged children to stay in school and focus on their education. At Uleppi Senior Secondary School in Madi Okollo district, the impact of this support is evident. According to the head teacher, Mr. Wilfred Onen, the provision of scholastic materials has been a game-changer. "Many of our students come from families that cannot afford even the most basic school supplies. When Enabel provided these materials, it gave students a reason to stay in school and focus on their studies. We’ve seen a significant reduction in dropout rates," he explained. Letaru Peru, a Senior One student at Uleppi Senior Secondary School, shared how the materials have eased the burden on her family. "The books, bags, and pens have been a big relief to my parents. They are now able to pay my school fees without worrying about buying supplies," she said. At Okollo Seed Secondary School in Madi Okollo district, headmistress Mrs. Susan Ocokoru highlighted the importance of the initiative in promoting education for girls. "Many girls drop out of school because their families prioritize other needs over education. With the provision of scholastic materials, parents are now more willing to send their daughters to school, knowing that the burden of buying supplies has been lifted," she noted. Ms. Driwau Agnes, the Education Officer in charge of special needs in Madi-Okollo, commended Enabel’s efforts, emphasizing the long-term impact of the initiative. "Providing scholastic materials may seem like a small gesture, but it has a profound effect on the lives of these children. It ensures that they stay in school, complete their education, and have a chance at a brighter future," she remarked. This initiative has not only addressed the immediate needs of students but has also fostered a culture of hope and determination in schools. By removing one of the key barriers to education, the program is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. With continued support, more children in Uganda will have the opportunity to stay in school, achieve their dreams.
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School clubs as catalysts for student empowerment in Uganda
Sharon IBENU | 02/12/2025
School clubs are proving to be a powerful tool in shaping students' lives, fostering self-esteem, discipline, and awareness. Thanks to the training and support provided by Enabel, schools like Offaka Senior Secondary School have successfully introduced clubs that are changing the educational experience for students. These clubs are not only enhancing students' personal growth but also addressing critical issues such as health, relationships, and discipline. Jordan Adomati, a student at Offaka Senior Secondary School, shared how the introduction of clubs has changed his life. "When I first joined Offaka, there were no clubs, and I struggled with low self-esteem. But after joining the debating club, I’ve gained confidence and can now express myself freely," he said. For Jordan, the debating club has been a platform to develop his communication skills and build his self-confidence. Gerald Bulea, the head boy and a Senior Three student, highlighted the impact of the Health and Sanitation Club. "Through the club, we discuss important topics like HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, and drug abuse. This has helped ensure that students are informed and do not fall victim to these issues. There has been a notable change in behavior among students," he explained. The club has become a safe space for students to learn about and address sensitive topics, fostering a culture of awareness and responsibility. Sandra Ocokoru, another Senior Three student, emphasized the role of clubs in promoting healthy relationships. "Through the clubs, we’ve been able to discuss healthy relationships, which has helped girls stay in school and avoid early marriages," she noted. These discussions have empowered girls to make informed decisions about their futures, contributing to higher retention rates in school. Francis Oyua, the club patron at Offaka Senior Secondary School, praised the initiative, noting its profound impact on students. "Through the clubs, students are now disciplined and self-aware. Offaka is a hard-to-reach school, and initiatives like this make us feel energized and cared for," he said. Oyua also highlighted the challenges faced by students, many of whom trek 7 kilometers daily to attend school. Despite these hardships, the clubs have provided a sense of belonging and motivation for the students. The training conducted by Enabel has been instrumental in ensuring that clubs are established and effectively run in schools. By equipping teachers and patrons with the skills to manage clubs, Enabel has created opportunities for students to explore their talents, address critical issues, and develop life skills. The impact of these clubs goes beyond the classroom, fostering a sense of community and responsibility among students. With continued support from Enabel, schools like Offaka Senior Secondary School are not only improving academic performance but also nurturing well-rounded, self-aware, and disciplined individuals.
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Boosting school enrollment through community outreaches in Uganda
Sharon IBENU | 02/12/2025
Across parts of West Nile region in Uganda, school enrollment especially for girls has remained stubbornly low due to a mix of economic pressures, long distances to school, cultural norms, early marriage and pregnancy, and limited awareness among parents about the long-term benefits of education. Many families prioritize immediate household needs or seasonal work over classroom time, and as a result, children attend irregularly or drop out before completing key transition grades. In a bid to improve school enrollment and ensure children complete their education, Enabel, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports, rolled out a community outreach programme aimed at involving parents in their children’s education. The programme has yielded remarkable results, with schools in the region reporting significant increases in enrollment, particularly among girls. "After the community outreach, we managed to register 75 Senior One students in 2025, with 35 of them being girls. This is a significant improvement compared to the previous year 2024, where we only had 30 students enrolled,” Mrs. Susan Ocokoru Head Mistress at Okollo Seed Secondary School in Madi Okollo district noted. She further noted that the outreach programme not only raised awareness among parents but also emphasized the importance of education for all children, especially girls. Similarly, Mr. Adrama Martin Agondua, the headmaster of Offaka Senior Secondary School in Madi Okollo district, highlighted the impact of the programme on his school. "Ever since the community outreach, we were able to register 45 Senior One students in 2025, compared to just 12 in 2024. This is a testament to the effectiveness of engaging parents and the community in promoting education," he explained. The outreach programme also directly impacted students like Zavia Asiku, a Senior One student at Offaka Senior Secondary School. "I was at Sacady Nursery and Primary School when Offaka Secondary School visited us and had a discussion with our parents. They informed us that school was affordable, and that’s how I ended up here," Zavia shared. His story mirrors that of many other students who have benefited from the programme, which has broken barriers to education by addressing misconceptions and financial concerns. Angulima Collins Oyalijo, the Senior Inspector of Schools in the Madi-Okollo District, commended the efforts of Enabel and the European Union. "Their commitment to ensuring children, especially girls, stay in school and complete their education is commendable. This programme has not only increased enrollment but has also created a sense of responsibility among parents to prioritize their children’s education," he remarked. Mr. Achema Rasul, Deputy Head Teacher of Ramogi Seed Secondary School in Yumbe District, stated that many students wanted to opt out due to the new curriculum. However, with the school outreach programme, they have been able to enroll 397 students in 2025, compared to 267 students in 2024 and 150 students in 2023. The community outreach programme by Enabel has proven to be a game-changer in addressing low school enrollment rates. By engaging parents, raising awareness, and making education more accessible, the initiative is paving the way for a brighter future for children in the region. With continued support and collaboration, the programme is set to leave a lasting impact on education in the region.
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Enabel strengthens learning and teaching outcomes in Uganda
Sharon IBENU | 02/12/2025
Uganda’s shift to the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) is reshaping what happens in classrooms-from how lessons are planned and delivered to how learners show what they can do. Enabel’s targeted CBC trainings are accelerating this transition by addressing long-standing challenges in assessment, teaching delivery, and student engagement, creating a more effective and interactive learning environment. Adrama Martin, the head teacher of Offaka Senior Secondary School in Madi Okollo district, shared how the CBC training has impacted his school."Through the CBC trainings, teachers are now able to assess students in line with the curriculum. Before, it was difficult for teachers to construct assessment items or evaluate projects effectively," he said. Martin noted that the new curriculum encourages learners to discuss and think critically, an improvement from traditional methods. He also called for a mindset change among parents, urging them to take an active role in their children’s education. "Parents must take the lead in supporting their children. Their involvement is key to the success of this approach," he emphasized. Martin further noted that improved teaching methods have led to better student performance. Students have also noticed these positive changes.Sandra Ocokoru, a Senior Three student, shared her appreciation. "Our teachers now teach more frequently, and we are able to interact with them freely. This has made learning more engaging and enjoyable," she said.Mrs. Ocokoru Susan, the headmistress of Okollo Seed Secondary School in Madi Okollo district, echoed these sentiments. She observed that the CBC training, particularly on Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) and Value-Based Learning, has improved teacher attendance and commitment."The training has had a great impact on teacher attendance and their overall approach to teaching. This has created a better learning environment for our students," she remarked.The CBC trainings by Enabel are not just improving teaching practices but also fostering a culture of collaboration, critical thinking, and active learning among students.According to Achema Rasul, Deputy Head Teacher at Ramogi Secondary School, the early stages of the CBC rollout were difficult, particularly in the Bidi Bidi settlement, where many students considered dropping out. "When the CBC was first introduced, many students wanted to leave school because they found it difficult to adapt to the new system.However, with the training we received from Enabel, we have been able to plan our lessons effectively, deliver them in a way that engages students, and assess and score their progress accurately," he explained.Rasul added that teachers can now integrate ICT into their lessons, making classes more dynamic and accessible. "With the integration of ICT, we can now use digital tools to enhance learning, which has made a big difference in how students interact with the curriculum," he said.He also noted that the trainings have strengthened relationships between teachers and students. “Teachers are now better equipped to identify individual student challenges and lay strategies to support them. This has made a huge difference in both teaching and learning,” he added.Collectively, these results show more than improved techniques. They mark a shift in school culture toward collaboration, critical thinking, and active learning.
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Student-Led Innovation tackles period poverty in Uganda
Sharon IBENU | 02/12/2025
Vivian Namuddu a senior three student at Masese Seed Secondary School in Jinja district, is rewriting the narrative for girls in her school community. Vivian has witnessed firsthand the struggles many girls face in accessing menstrual hygiene products. For many, the lack of pads is not just a health challenge but a life-changing one that can lead to early pregnancies, school dropouts, and shattered dreams. Period poverty remains a widespread barrier to girls’ education across Uganda, causing absenteeism, shame, and preventable dropouts. Menstruation, though natural, often becomes a monthly crisis when pads are unaffordable or unavailable. The stigma and silence surrounding it translate into lost classroom time and, for many girls, lost futures. Despite increased access to education, menstrual health challenges continue to undermine girls’ dignity, safety, and success. “Some girls are so desperate that they go to strangers to ask for pads,” Vivian explains.“But this often leads to terrible consequences. Many of them are exploited, and some end up pregnant. Others feel so ashamed that they stop coming to school.” The statistics are sobering. In many parts of Uganda, girls miss several school days each month because they lack menstrual products. Over time, these missed days lead to poor academic performance and, for many, dropping out. For Vivian, this was unacceptable. She knew something had to change. Her solution was both practical and empowering. She started a group at her school where girls learn to sew reusable pads during art lessons. The goal is simple: teach girls to make their own pads so they don’t have to rely on anyone else. “At first, it was just a few of us,” Vivian recalls. “We didn’t have many materials, but we used what we could find, old fabric, thread, and needles. Slowly, more girls joined, and now it’s become something much bigger.” The group has grown into a safe space where girls learn valuable skills and encourage one another. They share experiences and make sure no one feels left out. “Before, I used to feel so embarrassed when I got my period,” says Aisha, a Senior Two student in the group. “I would stay home because I didn’t have pads, and I was afraid of being teased. But now, I feel confident because I know how to make my own pads. I don’t have to depend on anyone.” Vivian’s initiative does more than provide pads. It breaks the cycle of dependency and vulnerability that so many girls face. By teaching them how to make reusable pads, she is giving her peers the tools they need to take control of their own lives. “Making pads is not just about solving a problem,” Vivian says. “It’s about showing girls that they are capable of solving their own problems.” Despite the progress, Vivian dreams of expanding the initiative to her wider community so that no girl misses school because of her period. She believes every girl deserves to learn, to dream and to succeed. One stitch at a time, Vivian Namuddu is proving that change is possible and that no girl should ever have to choose between her period and her education.
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Enabel and Ministry of Education champion community-driven solutions for adolescents in Uganda
Sharon IBENU | 02/12/2025
Enabel, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports, held a School Club Convention to empower students, engage parents, and foster community dialogue. The convention also showcased the impact of student-led clubs, which equip adolescents with life skills and practical knowledge in areas such as income generation, environmental conservation, and Sexual and reproductive Health (SRH). Adolescents in Uganda face many challenges that affect their education, health, and well-being. High school dropout rates, teenage pregnancies, substance abuse, and limited access to SRH education remain major concerns. These challenges are made worse by cultural norms, social pressures, and limited parental involvement in their children’s education and development. In regions like Rwenzori, West Nile, and Busoga, these issues are even more pronounced. Many students struggle to stay in school and to thrive in their communities. Despite efforts to address these problems, communities still need stronger collaboration between students, parents, teachers and local leaders to create lasting change. The School Club Convention helped to bring these groups together to reflect, learn and discuss solutions. During the event, Mr. Aaron Gwolaba, the Kamuli District Principal Education Officer, urged schools to adopt the new curriculum that promotes skills development, productivity, and relevance in education. “Schools should create reflective, empathetic, and solution-oriented learning environments. Parents must also interact with teachers because they are co-parents in this journey,” Gwolaba stated. Students also shared their own experiences. “We need our parents to listen, understand, and talk to us without judgment. "When communication is open, we perform better and feel supported,” said Polar Nabirye , a senior three student at Busoga High School. She noted that students lack career guidance, struggle to balance academics with household duties, and find it difficult to discuss sensitive issues such as sexuality with their parents due to cultural barriers. Headteachers highlighted progress made through the new curriculum but expressed concern that many parents do not appreciate student-led innovations and life skills. Ms. Oliver Nambi, Headteacher of Busoga High School and Chairperson of the Kamuli Headteachers Association, commended Enabel's involvement and guidance but stressed the need to improve parental awareness “Without their active involvement, the desired education outcomes cannot be achieved. Many do not know what happens at school, what their children are learning, and the challenges they face. Education requires a collective effort; from teachers, parents, students and the government,” said Mr. William Mubiru, Enabel’s Education Programme Manager He added that when parents are not actively involved, they can not provide the full support their children need to remain in school.
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De l’information à l’action : les médias au cœur de la prévention et de la sécurité communautaire
Osée DOSSOU-HOUEGBE | 01/12/2025
Dans le cadre du projet PRONORD-PAOP financé par l’Union européenne, un atelier inédit s’est tenu à Natitingou pour renforcer le rôle des médias dans la promotion de la paix et de la cohésion sociale. Organisé conjointement par la Police républicaine et Enabel avec l’appui de la Fondation Hirondelle et du Secrétariat Permanent de la Commission nationale de la lutte contre la Radicalisation l’Extrémisme Violent et le Terrorisme (SP/CNLREVT), cet événement a réuni des journalistes des zones d’intervention du projet, des réseaux spécialisés en cohésion sociale (RJCSDD) ainsi que des associations professionnelles telles que l’Union des Professionnelles des Médias du Bénin. L’objectif est d’outiller les journalistes pour une production médiatique responsable et engagée, en leur offrant des connaissances approfondies sur la police communautaire, leur rôle dans la prévention de la paix et dans la lutte contre la désinformation. Ces thématiques, au cœur des enjeux sécuritaires actuels, nécessitent une approche nuancée et inclusive pour renforcer la confiance entre la population et les forces de sécurité. À l’issue de la formation, les participants se sont engagés à devenir des acteurs de changement, capables de produire des contenus informés et équilibrés sur la sécurité, la cohésion sociale et la lutte contre la désinformation. Cette initiative marque une étape clé pour instaurer un dialogue constructif entre journalistes, autorités locales et Police républicaine, contribuant ainsi à une meilleure compréhension publique et à la consolidation de la paix. Les journalistes ont exprimé leur volonté d’accompagner les forces de sécurité dans la promotion des valeurs sociales et la prévention des violences, confirmant que l’information responsable est un levier essentiel pour la stabilité et le développement.
