Luuka District, Eastern Uganda – Stromme Foundation has launched its latest initiative to promote school retention and completion among girls—the unveiling of ECOJUA solar-powered school bags at Namakakale Primary School and Walibo Primary School in Luuka District, Eastern Uganda.
The project aims to empower girls and help children stay in school despite the social and economic challenges associated with sugarcane farming in the area. It forms part of a broader campaign to combat period poverty, teenage pregnancy, early marriage, and other educational barriers in rural Uganda through the foundation’s Bonga after-school clubs, which equip teenage girls with critical life skills and knowledge about reproductive health.
The ECOJUA bags, designed and produced by the Smart Girls Foundation with funding from Stromme Foundation, are waterproof backpacks that include reusable sanitary pads, solar-powered lights for evening study, and educational booklets on menstrual health. Distributed through the Bonga clubs, these innovative bags directly address key factors behind girls’ school dropout—lack of access to hygiene products and safe environments for study at home.
The launch event attracted local government leaders, educators, parents, and more than 500 learners, underscoring the vital role of education in breaking the cycle of poverty. Stromme Foundation, a Norwegian nonprofit committed to eradicating poverty through inclusive education, income generation, and green job creation, supports Bonga clubs across Luuka District and other parts of Uganda in partnership with African Evangelistic Enterprises (AEE), its regional partner in the Busoga sub-region.
Through these clubs, students gain life skills in decision-making, self-confidence, and financial literacy, as well as practical abilities such as making reusable sanitary pads and liquid soap—skills that promote better menstrual hygiene and sustain girls’ education.
Joseph Walugembe, Programs Manager at Stromme Foundation, highlighted the importance of such efforts in sugarcane-growing areas like Luuka, where teenage girls face increased risks of early sexual activity and school dropout.
“We recognize the government’s Universal Primary Education program, but additional support is needed to keep learners especially girls in school,” Walugembe said. “That’s why we promote Bonga in-school clubs as a platform for mentorship and extracurricular learning.”
Dinah Morgan, Country Director for Stromme Foundation in Uganda, emphasized the foundation’s broader mission:
“Our mission is to fight poverty through quality inclusive education, income generation, and job creation,” Morgan explained. “We understand why girls drop out mainly due to period poverty, teenage pregnancy, and early marriage, which perpetuate poverty. Partnering with Smart Girls Foundation to launch the ECOJUA bags helps us tackle these root causes. These bags, made by Bonga girls themselves, include reusable pads, solar lights for studying, and a menstrual health booklet. Together with AEE, local government, and school committees, we are ensuring that no girl is left behind.”
At Namakakale Primary School, Head Teacher Kajamiti Amos shared remarkable progress over the past two years. Enrollment has grown from 350 to 534 learners in primary, with an additional 132 in Early Childhood Development (ECD).
“We faced many challenges, including a shortage of latrines,” Amos said, “but through partnerships with AEE and Stromme Foundation, we’ve made tremendous progress.”
Achievements include training the School Management Committee (SMC) on crafting school improvement plans, teacher training in psychosocial support, establishment of play and stimulation facilities, and provision of 360 learner-friendly chairs to replace oversized desks. Learners have also received training in climate-smart agriculture, growing vegetables both at school and home for nutrition and income generation.
Amos credited Bonga after-school sessions for building learners’ confidence and teaching them practical skills such as making sanitary pads and liquid soap. “These sessions have improved hygiene and self-esteem,” he added, also noting the joy brought by a new playground. However, he appealed for more classrooms, latrines, and a fence for school safety, as well as greater community sensitization on the importance of ECD.
At Walibo Primary School, Head Teacher Ms. Babilekele Rebecca echoed similar appreciation, noting that Stromme Foundation’s programs have transformed the lives of vulnerable girls who might otherwise abandon school due to financial temptations from sugarcane workers.
Mr. Dickens Ziwa, a board member of AEE, described the initiative as part of AEE’s dual mandate:
“AEE drives change through both the gospel and social transformation,” he said. “We thank the community for embracing this program and call upon everyone—especially learners—to stay in school. Teachers are heroes in this work, and parents must support their children, even during family challenges.”
Local leaders expressed gratitude for the project’s impact. Hellen Aliwayatya, Community Development Officer for Bulanga Town Council, said:
“We’re very grateful to AEE and Stromme Foundation. These bags will help children study at home, and the training programs have empowered both learners and parents. As a CDO, my workload has been eased. Sugarcane has brought many challenges, but this initiative is helping turn things around.”
Deputy Mayor Namango Alice also commended the foundation’s efforts, urging parents to ensure every child attends school.
“Many girls are getting pregnant in the sugarcane fields. Education is the way forward,” she emphasized.
During the distribution, Ijokua Mesely, Team Leader for ECOJUA Smart Bags at Smart Girls Foundation, demonstrated how the bags work.
“These aren’t just bags—they’re tools for staying and completing school,” Mesely explained as students tested the solar lamps. “With waterproof material, pads for dignity, and solar lights for evening study, no girl should have to drop out because of darkness or menstruation.” She noted that over 33,000 ECOJUA bags have already been distributed nationwide.
