ADRA engages stakeholders to raise funds 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 mobilise support for ADRA RUN 2026, a fundraising initiative aimed at supporting the education of vulnerable girls in Northern Uganda, particularly in Agago District. The campaign focuses on improving access, retention, and dignity by addressing barriers such as school fees, lack of learning materials, and poor sanitation.

ADRA held a strategic consultation at Pader District Headquarters to garner community support ahead of ADRA RUN 2026, a national fundraising initiative titled “Run! Save HER Future”—a fundraising run to promote the health and dignity of girls in Agago District.

The consultation, held on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, at the RDC Office in Pader District Headquarters, brought together the ADRA team and local government technical staff to discuss strategies for raising awareness and mobilising 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, emphasised that the organisation’s efforts target both access to education and retention, ensuring that girls not only enrol but are supported to complete at least Senior Four.

Operating in Uganda since 1986, ADRA is a humanitarian organisation 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 mobilise 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 to ensure the programme 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, 10 May 2026, with the 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 inadequate facilities.

Ndahilo emphasised that the programme 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, stating that he will use village meetings and local radio to raise awareness and mobilise community backing.

He emphasised that all funds will be used transparently, with a focus on restoring the education and futures of girls who have dropped out of school.

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

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

She welcomed ADRA RUN 2026’s focus on distributing menstrual health kits and supporting school infrastructure, noting that these efforts 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, including the construction of Latigi Health Centre in Latanya, the promotion of village savings groups, and support for communities in Pokor and beyond.

Despite these efforts, Pader District continues to face significant education challenges, including poor infrastructure, limited staffing, and high dropout rates, particularly among girls, with previous policy solutions not fully implemented.

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

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

Acting Chief Financial Officer, Odysus John Ghandy, highlighted the importance of recognising the diverse talents of girls and providing mentorship to retain those at risk of dropping out.

He emphasised the need for monitoring, assessment, and ongoing support to ensure girls progress through critical transitional periods.

David Odwong Okech, Pader District Probation Officer, stressed 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, including local markets and auctions, can negatively affect schooling if not properly guided.

Okech highlighted the importance of 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 both in education and in life.

ADRA Gender Officer, Nuwaleula Alice, highlighted the scale of need among vulnerable girls, noting that previous interventions had to expand beyond initial targets due to high 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 payment of UGX 35,000 via Mobile Money, followed by completion of a registration form.

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

The consultations held in Pader, Kitgum, Lamwo, and Agago are part of a nationwide mobilisation 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.