By Richard Onapatum
Kotido, Uganda – In a bid to promote sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) among adolescents and young people, Nakere Rural Women Activists (NARWOA) has implemented a 9-month program in partnership with Mercy Corps.
The program, which targeted AGYW+ boys, has reached over 500 beneficiaries, with 73% completing the SRHR curriculum. According to Ngiro Joseline, Project Manager, “Our program aims to improve girls’ well-being by increasing their access to and uptake of life skills, health information, basic numeracy and literacy, and financial literacy.”
Key achievements of the program include increased knowledge of SRHR best practices, access to SRHR services, and training for parents and health workers.
However, challenges such as limited access to health services and information, lack of policies and procedures on SRHR in schools, and negative cultural norms and attitudes persist.
Despite these challenges, NARWOA remains committed to empowering Ugandan youth with SRHR knowledge and skills.
“Etuko Brian, Deputy Community Development Officer of Kotido, expressed his gratitude for the large turnout and the partnership between Mercy Corps and NARWOA. He appreciated the partners for accepting to fund their project proposals and urged parents to practice good parenting styles, often neglected. He also encouraged teachers to have parental hearts to nurture disciplined children and appealed to health workers to guide adolescent youth and revamp safe spaces.
Etuko cautioned against parents who don’t report defilement cases, vowing to arrest and detain those who seek negotiations. He called upon the community to make the best use of his office.
Emmy Look Adiaka, Senior Gender Officer of Mercy Corps, acknowledged the delivery of items to safe spaces and schools. He suggested other schools work with departments to seek funding and assured that the goals set can attract donors.
Lowamoe Francis, GESI Advisor of Mercy Corps, explained that they come with programs to aid development, complementing the government’s work. He emphasized their role as development partners, focusing on SDGs, NGPs, and government plans.
Okugo Patrick Mike, CARM Assistant of Mercy Corps, concluded by encouraging the community to call their toll-free line for feedback about their organization.
In an Exclusive Interview, A student at Kotido Senior Secondary School, Lodiye Esther Winnie one of the beneficiaries from SRHR Programme Thanked Mercy Corps for funding NARWOA to implement the SRHR project.
As an adolescent and student she noted that, pads for 3000 are a burden, as it makes you a beggar.
She appealed to the Donors, to expand the project so it can reach the whole schools in Kotido district , so they can all be empowered
from Left : Okugo Mike, Lydia,Ngiro Joseline,Lowamoe francis and Emmy Look Adiaka
“I can make my, Pad, and re use it. Its a big relief ” Lodiye seighed
She also thanked Mercy Corps for the sustainability workshop .
She appealed to NARWOA to continue teaching them with money income generating skills, so can minimise house hold poverty
The meeting aimed to develop sustainability plans to continue project interventions and efforts when NGOs close.