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Citizen Posts
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Motherly Heart Foundation a local NGO focusing on Education, Skilling & Vocational, WASH, MHM, Human Rights & Equality, & Climate Change, last week joined the Ministry of water and environment in celebrating the inaugural Water and environment week for Karamoja region which aligns with their WASH program.
With several activities spread across several districts in Karamoja region, the water and environment week featured cleaning of markets and towns, an inter- school debate on water and environment, and climaxed with the Menstrual Health run which drew participants from different districts of Karamoja and beyond.
Under the theme; Empowering Girls in Karamoja through menstrual health Management for a sustainable future”. The menstrual run happened last week on 15th/03/2025 with proceeds aimed at supporting girls in Karamoja to have access to menstrual hygiene aspects like information; learning how to make reusable sanitary towels and having access to pads.
Speaking while opening the week’s activities, Mr. Wilson Tabaaro the Regional Manager of the Water for production in Karamoja emphasized hygiene and sanitation as a key focus of the week. He further promised that the Ministry would engage Motherly Heart on such programs which aim at empowering communities.
On his part, Mr. Gerald Kule the Project Coordinator at Motherly Heart Foundation also emphasized the need for such partnerships with government in creating awareness and reaching out to communities who are in dire need of such services and information to empower the community especially teenagers, youths and women.
”Motherly heart foundation is open for partnerships, donations, grants at all levels of programs and in all regions of Uganda. Our main goal is to create an impact in the community and supporting girls, and women, and MHM has been one of our main goals in Karamoja”
Motherly Heart foundation through it’s Partnership with the Ministry of Water and Environment supported the Menstrual Health Management (MHM) activity with Reusable Menstrual Pads to students, as well as buying running kits for all motherly heart foundation team and well wishers in support of the menstrual health run. These also joined the blood collection campaign with the Red Cross team.
Christine Nadunga Waniala – PR at Motherly Heart Foundation conducted an interview with the WASH team (Melissa, Karen, and Aleper) from Moroto High School, where they had an in depth discussion about WASH and MHM related background. These girls disclosed the challenges they face during their menstruation at School.
Melissa, a S.6 student said “ I was excited the first time I got my periods , I revealed to all my friends that I’m now a woman”, she went on and shared with us the challenges they face in school for example; poor disposal, less awareness on how to use them, limited funds to buy menstrual pads by some students and parents.
”Students still have a belief that they will be barren if they burn the used menstrual pads, so they prefer throwing them in Pit Latrines”, Melissa said.
These further thanked Motherly Heart Foundation for the efforts and support towards the Girl child in Karamoja, and they requested that we do an awareness campaign on menstrual hygiene in schools. Aleper added “ it’s crucial and many girls are forced out of school or even get pregnant because they don’t know what to do”
The District Youth Councilor Hon. Kiyai Hellen also thanked Motherly Heart Foundation for the efforts and support towards the needs of the girl children in Karamoja.
”I want to commend the team at motherly heart foundation for the support of a girl child, the school dropouts in schools are reducing, more enrollment happening, and at least students no longer use pieces of clothes during Menstruation. And I urge the team to create awareness and sensitization in other rural areas of Moroto”.
Abili Gerald Steven – Coordinator Water for production Karamoja regional office also appreciated Motherly Heart Foundation for the support of reusable Menstrual Pads, the sensitization and awareness of MHM in schools and the community with tremendous impacts happening.
Ministry of water and environment officials awarded Motherly Heart foundation with a certificate of appreciation for the outstanding contribution and participation in the Karamoja Region Water and Environment week 2025, recognizing our dedication, expertise and commitment to promoting sustainable water management and environmental conservation for peace and sustainable future.
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