ADRA engages stakeholders to fundraise for education of vulnerable girls

2 April 2026, 18:41

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) engaged stakeholders in Pader District to mobilize support for ADRA RUN 2026, a fundraising initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable girls’ education in northern Uganda, especially in Agago District. The campaign focuses on improving access, retention, and dignity by addressing barriers such as school fees, lack of materials, and poor sanitation.

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) held a strategic consultation at the Pader District Headquarters to mobilize community support ahead of ADRA RUN 2026, a national fundraising initiative titled “Run! Save HER Future a fundraising run to promote health and dignity Of a girl child in Agago district.”

The consultation meeting, held on Wednesday, 1st April 2025 at the district headquarter in RDC Office, brought together the ADRA team and Pader District local government technical staff to discuss strategies for raising awareness and mobilizing resources to support out-of-school girls in northern Uganda. 

Similar consultations were conducted in Kitgum, Lamwo, and Agago districts, engaging district leaders, technical staff, and community stakeholders.

ADRA Forth and Community Development Manager, Pastor Samuel Kizito, emphasized that the organization’s efforts target both access to education and retention, ensuring that girls not only enroll but are supported to complete at least Senior Four.

ADRA, operating in Uganda since 1986, is a humanitarian organization committed to serving communities regardless of faith or background.

Kizito outlined the dual purpose of the initiative first, to promote the rights of girls to education and empowerment, and second, to mobilize resources to address barriers such as school fees, scholastic materials, and inadequate sanitation facilities.

By consulting local leaders directly, ADRA aims to leverage community insight for effective planning and ensure the program addresses the most urgent needs of girls in northern Uganda.

ADRA TOGETHER Project Manager for Pader, Kitgum, Agago and Lamwo, Pio Ndahilo, explained that the marathon will take place on Sunday, May 10, 2026, with a main launch at Metroplex Mall, Naalya in Kampala, and simultaneous events in Kitgum, Rwamwanja, Kyaka, Kotido, and Yumbe.

The initiative seeks to support 1,100 out-of-school girls by providing school fees, educational materials, and 1,000 menstrual health kits to address absenteeism and dropout caused by poverty, stigma, and lack of facilities.

Ndahilo emphasized that the program is designed not as charity, but as a movement to restore dignity, opportunity, and agency for girls whose education has been interrupted.

According to UNICEF (2024), approximately 25% of girls aged 15–19 in Uganda have begun childbearing, and nearly one in four girls are married before the age of 18, contributing to permanent school dropout.

In Agago District, adolescent pregnancies account for up to 28% of registered cases, higher than the national average, while one in four girls drops out before completing primary education due to poverty, early marriage, and social pressures.

The transition from primary to secondary school remains the weakest retention point for girls.

Pader Resident District Commissioner Amos Asiimwe Banji pledged his full support for ADRA RUN 2026, saying he will use village meetings and local radio to raise awareness and mobilize community backing.

He emphasized that all funds will be used transparently, focusing on restoring the education and futures of girls who have dropped out of school.

Acting Chief Administrative Officer, Adong Susan, stressed that inadequate sanitation facilities remain a major barrier for girls’ education.

Many girls miss school for several days each month due to lack of secure changing rooms and sanitary pads.

She welcomed ADRA RUN 2026’s focus on distributing menstrual health kits and supporting school infrastructure, which will improve attendance, learning outcomes, and retention.

Anek Joyice Onge, the Principal Assistant Secretary, highlighted her long-standing collaboration with ADRA since 2014, noting its successful projects such as the construction of Latigi Health Centre in Latanya, promotion of village savings groups, and support to communities in Pokor and beyond.

Despite these efforts, Pader District still faces serious education challenges, including poor infrastructure, limited staffing, and high dropout rates, especially among girls, with past policy solutions not fully implemented.

She welcomed ADRA’s new education project, expressing hope it will expand to benefit all districts.

The project is expected to improve school retention and address key challenges. She also called on stakeholders to actively support its implementation to ensure its success and meet learners’ needs.

The project is expected to improve school retention and address key challenges. She also called on stakeholders to actively support its implementation to ensure its success and meet learners’ needs.

Acting CFO, Odysus John Ghandy, highlighted the importance of recognizing diverse talents among girls and providing mentorship to retain those at risk of dropping out.

He emphasized monitoring, assessment, and ongoing support to ensure girls progress through critical transitional periods.

David Odwong Okech, Pader District Probation Officer, emphasized the vital role of families, schools, and community structures in supporting girls’ education.

He noted that many families struggle to provide essential items such as school clothing and materials, while social distractions like local markets and auctions can negatively affect schooling if not properly guided.

Okech highlighted the need for child protection committees and peer monitoring groups in schools to track attendance and intervene when girls are absent.

He also encouraged initiatives such as literacy fairs and academic competitions to empower girls, build confidence, and ensure that close monitoring and support enable them to succeed in both education and life.

ADRA Gander Officer, Nuwaleula Alice , underlined the scale of need among vulnerable girls, noting that previous interventions had to expand beyond initial targets due to demand.

She reaffirmed ADRA’s commitment to transparency and collaboration with local leaders to ensure that funds are allocated effectively.

Participation in ADRA RUN 2026 is open to all, with race categories including a 10 km run/walk for fitness enthusiasts, a 5 km run/walk for families and casual participants, and a Kids’ Dash to engage children.

Registration requires a UGX 35,000 payment via Mobile Money, followed by completion of a registration form.

Participants will receive confirmation and event details closer to race day.

The consultations in Pader, Kitgum, Lamwo, and Agago are part of a nationwide mobilization campaign leading up to the official launch.

The event aims to raise UGX 200 million to support education, retention, and dignity for girls in Agago District, creating long-term opportunities and promoting gender equity in northern Uganda.