In Uganda, knowledge is more than just power—it’s a
lifeline.
For too long, many young people in Uganda have grown up
without clear information about their health, rights, or choices. A recent
study by Enabel revealed a worrying statistic: only 42% of adolescents in
Rwenzori and 38% in Busoga have basic knowledge of Sexual and Reproductive
Health Rights (SRHR). This lack of awareness leaves them vulnerable—facing
challenges like early pregnancies, school dropouts, and preventable health
issues.
But change is happening.
Enabel, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and
Sports and the Ministry of Health (MoH), is implementing a transformative school health
education programme. The initiative targets 147 school clubs from 73 schools
across the Rwenzori, Busoga, and West Nile regions. These clubs, comprising
student leaders and their patrons, are being equipped with essential SRHR
knowledge and skills.
The training is not just about theory. It’s a dynamic,
engaging experience. Through games, storytelling, and simulations, students are not
only learning but becoming empowered advocates for change. They are discovering
their rights, understanding their bodies, and gaining the confidence to educate
their peers.
The impact of this training doesn’t end in the classroom.
Equipped with new skills, club leaders will develop work plans, lead sensitisation
sessions, and even organise school-wide awareness events. This ripple effect
ensures that the knowledge gained by a few is shared with many.
This initiative is a collective effort. From the passionate
facilitators of Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU) to the committed teachers (patrons)
guiding the clubs—every stakeholder is playing a part in transforming lives.
But beyond the numbers and the training sessions, this
program is about young people discovering that their voices matter—that they
can be leaders, change-makers, and advocates for healthier futures.
Because when young people are empowered with the right
knowledge, they become a force for positive change.
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