The Rotary and Rotaract Club of Bwebajja, in partnership with Kakindu Buddy Group, has donated sanitary pads, blankets, mattresses and assorted scholastic materials to learners of St Kizito Primary School Namugonde in Kakindu, Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District.
The initiative was aimed at improving the learning environment and welfare of vulnerable children under the club's Basic Education and Literacy Project themed "Education is Power", one of Rotary International's key focus areas aimed at expanding access to quality education and literacy.
Besides donating learning materials, Rotarians, Rotaractors, teachers and pupils planted trees within the school compound as part of Rotary's environmental conservation efforts, encouraging learners to participate in climate action and promote a greener environment.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Rotary Club of Bwebajja President Sylvia Nabakadde said education remains a critical tool for transforming communities, adding that every child deserves an opportunity to learn in a safe and supportive environment.
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"Education is the foundation upon which successful communities are built. Through this project, we are not only providing scholastic materials and essential supplies, but we are restoring hope and dignity to these learners. We believe that when children have the tools they need, they are inspired to stay in school and achieve their dreams," Nabakadde said.
She said the donation of sanitary pads would help reduce absenteeism among girls by addressing challenges related to menstrual hygiene, while blankets and mattresses would improve the wellbeing of vulnerable learners.
Nabakadde added that tree planting was included because environmental sustainability remains one of Rotary's priorities.
"As Rotarians, we are committed to protecting the environment. Planting trees today is an investment in the future of these children and our planet. We want learners to grow appreciating the importance of conserving nature and responding to the effects of climate change," she said.
The project received support from several partners, including Mugejjera Richard Yiga, Headteacher of MST Junior School Bwerenga, who commended the Rotary Club of Bwebajja for extending its community service beyond the classroom.
He said partnerships between schools and service organisations can create lasting change for communities.
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"Education is everyone's responsibility. When schools, community leaders and organisations like Rotary work together, we can transform the lives of children. We were pleased to partner in this initiative because every contribution made today will have a lasting impact on these learners," Yiga said.
Receiving the donation, St Kizito Primary School Namugonde Headteacher Wataka Michael thanked the Rotary and Rotaract Club of Bwebajja and its partners for supporting the school.
He said the donated items would improve learners' welfare and motivate pupils to remain focused on their studies.
"We are deeply grateful for this generous support. Many of our learners come from vulnerable families, and these materials will greatly improve their welfare and learning. The tree planting activity is equally important because it teaches our children to protect the environment while creating a greener school for future generations," Wataka said.
Teachers, parents and community members welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely support that addresses both educational needs and environmental conservation.
The Rotary Club of Bwebajja continues to implement community service projects in education, health, sanitation, maternal and child health, and environmental protection in line with Rotary International's mission of creating lasting change through community partnerships.
