As the Rotary Club of Soroti Central formally commissioned a life-changing, multi-million shilling water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) project, there was a great deal of joy and celebration at Angole Primary School in Kyere sub-county.
The initiative, which is specifically designed to help girls and the surrounding community, includes a modern washroom block for girls as well as a newly drilled borehole that provides clean water to over 1,200 students and residents.
The project, which has as its theme “Empowering Girls through Water, Menstrual Hygiene Management and Sanitation,” is the outcome of a fruitful partnership between the Rotary Club of Soroti Central, the Soroti Youth Development Initiative (SOYODI), and the San Jose D5170 Rotary Club in the United States of America.
The commissioning ceremony was marked by excitement and gratitude from both the school and the local community, many of whom have struggled for years without reliable access to clean water or suitable sanitation facilities.
Angole Primary School now becomes a model for improving educational outcomes and well-being through practical infrastructure and awareness initiatives.
The project was informed by a detailed needs assessment carried out across various schools in Soroti and Serere districts.
The findings indicated an urgent need to support girls, many of whom missed school during their menstrual periods due to the lack of private, hygienic spaces and menstrual supplies.
The project’s first objective was to increase awareness and knowledge among learners, teachers, and family members about menstrual hygiene management (MHM). Workshops and training sessions were conducted to demystify menstruation, encourage open conversations, and reduce stigma.
The second objective focused on infrastructure development: the construction of an approved menstrual hygiene facility specifically for girls at Angole Primary School. This facility provides privacy, dignity, and a safe space for girls to manage their menstruation without having to miss school.
Thirdly, the project empowered girls and boys alike with practical skills in making reusable sanitary towels, soap, and Vaseline, resources that are often scarce or unaffordable for many rural families.
The fourth and final objective was to increase access to safe and clean water. With the commissioning of the new borehole, both learners and members of the neighboring communities now have a reliable source of clean water for drinking, hygiene, and domestic use.
The project, valued at $30,300 (over UGX 113 million), was the first Rotary global grant implemented by the Rotary Club of Soroti Central in partnership with an international club.
Rotarian Simon Jude Ojele, the Immediate Past President and primary contact for the project, noted that this was only the beginning.
“We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved with this grant,” said Ojele. “But we’re not stopping here. Our vision is to secure more global grants and bring additional schools on board.
“Every girl child deserves dignity, every learner deserves clean water, and every community deserves a healthy learning environment.”
Ojele extended special appreciation to SOYODI for its role in implementing the project and to the district leadership of Serere for providing oversight and guidance.
He also commended the dedication of his fellow Rotarians and all other stakeholders who played a role in making the project a success.
Chris Ochaloi, the current President of the Rotary Club of Soroti Central, echoed these sentiments.
He congratulated the project team for their hard work and announced the next phase of their community engagement, tree planting.
“We will soon launch a tree-planting initiative as part of our environmental conservation efforts,” Ochaloi revealed. “This initiative aligns with Rotary’s new focus on environmental sustainability and has the support of our District Governor.”
He further urged the school’s head teacher, staff, and local community members to take ownership of the new facilities and ensure they are well maintained.
Anne Nkutu, District Governor for Rotary District 9213, was the guest of honor at the commissioning. She highlighted the importance of long-term, sustainable interventions in rural education and hygiene.
“Rotary’s goal is to create lasting change, and projects like this are a step in the right direction,” Nkutu said. “While we’ve made great strides, there’s still a long way to go. When you look at the age of this school and compare it to global standards, it’s clear we must do more to bridge the gap. Every child, regardless of where they live, deserves a chance to learn in a safe, supportive environment.”
Nkutu emphasized that even small steps, taken consistently, can lead to transformative change over time. She praised the Soroti Central team for their vision and commitment, and encouraged more clubs to consider similar community-driven initiatives.
The washroom block and borehole will not only enhance learning conditions for girls but also reduce absenteeism, prevent waterborne diseases, and instill dignity and confidence among young learners.
As water flowed from the borehole and the doors to the new washroom swung open, it became clear that this project is more than just infrastructure; it represents hope, opportunity, and a brighter future for the children of Serere District.
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