In a significant effort to improve education standards in rural Uganda, the Stromme Foundation, in collaboration with its local implementing partners—Rural Initiatives for Community Empowerment (RICE) West Nile and Community Empowerment for Rural Development (CEFORD)—recently distributed learning materials to schools in Obongi District and commissioned newly constructed classrooms and latrines at Mijale Primary School in Yumbe District.
These initiatives, funded by Educate A Child (EAC) and the AKO Foundation, are part of the four-year RISING project aimed at enhancing education outcomes for rural learners.
On March 18, 2025, Stromme Foundation and RICE West Nile distributed essential learning materials to 28 schools in Obongi District.
The donation included 374 desks, 1,652 textbooks, 17 cartons of chalk, 14 tables, and 14 chairs. The event was attended by community leaders, district officials, and education stakeholders, who praised the organisations for their contribution to improving education standards in the region.
Ms. Dinah Morgan Nambooze, Stromme Foundation’s Country Director, emphasized the critical role of education in combating poverty. She highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to complementing government efforts by ensuring that teachers and learners have adequate teaching and learning materials.
“We aim to create a conducive learning environment that makes school enjoyable and ultimately improves learning outcomes,” she said.
Mr. Alu Birunga Edward, Chairperson of the Head Teachers Association in Obongi District, expressed gratitude on behalf of all headteachers for the facilities and learning materials.
He pledged their commitment to implementing strategies to improve school performance. Vincent Opio, RICE West Nile’s Program Coordinator, reiterated the organisation’s dedication to supporting continuous professional development for teachers to maximize the use of the provided facilities.
Mr. Patrick Angara, the District Education Officer of Obongi, acknowledged the challenges faced by the district, including shortages of textbooks, desks, and school infrastructure.
He urged parents to actively support their children’s education by ensuring they are enrolled in school, providing necessary materials, and participating in school meetings.
The event was graced by notable figures, including the Resident District Commissioner of Yumbe District, the Chairperson of Yumbe District Local Government, and the Area Member of Parliament, Hon. George Opoka Didi.
Hon. Didi, an alumnus of the same primary school, urged parents and the community to ensure no child is left out of school.
He also emphasised the importance of embracing technology in education and pledged 10 computers to Aliba Primary School.
In a parallel event, Stromme Foundation and CEFORD commissioned newly constructed classrooms and latrines at Mijale Primary School in Yumbe District.
The new facilities include four classrooms and ten latrine stances, which are expected to decongest classrooms and improve hygiene, particularly for menstrual hygiene management among teenage girls.
Ms. Nambooze reiterated the importance of education as a pathway out of poverty. She urged school management to pay attention to the boy child, mentor them, and encourage their involvement in school activities.
She also advised learners to take their education seriously and avoid distractions that could hinder their performance.
Mr. Mawa Alatawa, CEFORD’s Program Manager, called on fathers to actively participate in their children’s education.
He also encouraged school management and parents to maintain the new facilities and ensure children attend school regularly. Additionally, he emphasised the importance of integrating farming activities, such as coffee cultivation, into the school curriculum.
Mr. Okunziga David, Headteacher of Mijale Primary School, expressed gratitude for the new facilities but highlighted the need for additional teachers.
The school currently operates with only 17 teachers, far below the required 37, leading to a high teacher-learner ratio and limited support for learners’ development needs.
The event was attended by the Resident District Commissioner of Yumbe District, the Chairperson of Yumbe District Local Government, and other local leaders. The Vice Chairperson of Yumbe District Local Government commended Stromme Foundation and its partners for their holistic programs addressing the needs of both refugees and nationals in the district.
The RISING project, implemented over four years, has achieved significant milestones, including the re-enrollment of over 6,000 out-of-school children in Obongi District and 15,000 in Yumbe District.
The project has also constructed 26 classrooms and 115 latrine stances across both districts, strengthened school management committees, promoted menstrual hygiene management, and trained over 1,280 teachers in various competencies to enhance education quality.
The combined efforts of Stromme Foundation, RICE West Nile, and CEFORD, supported by Educate A Child and the AKO Foundation, have made a profound impact on education in Obongi and Yumbe Districts.
By providing essential learning materials, constructing classrooms and latrines, and supporting teacher training, these initiatives are creating a more conducive learning environment and paving the way for improved educational outcomes in rural Uganda.
The events underscored the importance of collaboration between NGOs, local governments, and communities in addressing educational challenges and ensuring no child is left behind.