Amuru girls benefit from life skills and mentorship programme

5 November 2026, 8:14 pm

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Rural schoolgirls in Amuru District have received life skills training and mentorship at Laco Primary School through an initiative led by Acibo Fiona Mary, Miss Heritage Uganda – Northern Region. The programme promotes cultural values, menstrual hygiene, self-confidence and education, targeting 150 rural schools within six months.

Rural schoolgirls in Amuru District are benefiting from a mentorship initiative aimed at equipping them with essential life skills, cultural values and knowledge to navigate challenges beyond the classroom.

The engagement, held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Laco Primary School, was led by Acibo Fiona Mary, Miss Heritage Uganda Northern Region, under the Miss Tourism Foundation platform.

The initiative brought together learners from Primary Four, Five and Six for interactive sessions focusing on personal hygiene, menstrual health, self-respect, discipline, cultural values, children’s rights, responsible decision-making and the importance of education.

The programme particularly emphasised empowering young girls to understand their worth, maintain healthy boundaries, resist negative peer pressure and remain focused on their education and future ambitions.

During the engagement, a touching moment emerged when a Primary Six girl revealed that she had lost both parents and was struggling to afford sanitary pads after beginning menstruation.

In response, Fiona pledged to support the learner with sanitary supplies to help her manage her menstrual hygiene with dignity and confidence.

Speaking on behalf of the school, Atyeno Irene Odoki, the Senior Woman Teacher at Laco Primary School, welcomed the initiative, noting that such engagements complement the school’s existing efforts to promote girls’ education, menstrual hygiene awareness and personal development.

She also emphasised the importance of collaboration between parents, teachers and communities in supporting the well-being and education of young girls.

Meanwhile, Lamara Melisa, a Primary Six pupil, and Mego Lonyo Bakita, a Primary Five pupil and Head of the Child Rights Club, expressed appreciation for the mentorship session, particularly the lessons on discipline, self-control, responsible decision-making and remaining focused on education.

Acaye Opwonya William, a parent and retired teacher at Laco Primary School, underscored the importance of parental involvement in children’s development, urging parents to work closely with teachers and schools to provide guidance, counselling and support.

Laco Primary School is the first beneficiary of the initiative, with Fiona targeting 150 rural schools within six months.

The campaign seeks to nurture confident, responsible and resilient girls equipped with life skills, cultural values and the determination to overcome challenges, pursue their dreams and contribute meaningfully to society.