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. 

• 
• 
• 
•