In celebration of Basic Education and Literacy Month, the Rotary Club of Medical Stars, a corporate-based club supported by National Medical Stores (NMS), led a joint outreach to Akengyeya Primary School in Kazo District, providing much-needed scholastic materials to pupils.
The initiative was carried out in partnership with the Rotary Club of Kazo, Rotary Club of Ibanda, and Rotaract Club of Ibanda, reflecting Rotary's global commitment to advancing basic education and literacy, one of its seven areas of focus.
Cartons of exercise books, pens, pencils, dictionaries, rulers, and mathematical sets were handed over to excited pupils, many of whom had been attending school without essential learning materials, particularly the primary seven students.
Teachers and parents described the donation as timely and impactful.
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The President of the Rotary Club of Medical Stars said the club, with support from NMS, is dedicated to uplifting rural communities and empowering children through education, disease prevention, and water and sanitation initiatives, in line with Rotary's seven areas of focus.
"Education is the great equalizer. By equipping these pupils with scholastic materials, we are investing in Uganda's future leaders," he said.
Also in attendance was Rt. Rev. Stephen Namanya, retired Bishop of North Ankole Diocese and a resident of Akengyeya village.
"Akengyeya is my home. I have seen the struggles of this school and the resilience of its children. What Rotary has done today is not just giving books; it is giving dignity, hope, and a chance for our children to dream beyond these hills," Bishop Namanya remarked.
The event also gave a voice to the beneficiaries. A primary seven pupil, clutching her new books, said:
"Today I feel very happy because I now have what I need to study well."
Representing the parents, the Chairperson of the Parents Teachers Association, Mr. Byangwe, expressed gratitude on behalf of the community.
"Most of our families here are peasant farmers and cannot always afford to buy materials. This support from Rotary and NMS has lifted a heavy burden off our shoulders and given our children a reason to stay in school. The entire Parish of Akengyeya doesn't have a single graduate," he said.
As the pupils sang songs of appreciation and held their new books aloft, the joy on their faces reflected the spirit of this month's Rotary theme: promoting basic education and literacy, and changing lives through service above self -- United for Good, One Act at a Time.
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