The UNESCO-Peking University initiative on girls’ health education during COVID-19 in Uganda recently wrapped up with a reflection meeting to review progress and challenges. Held on February 20, 2024, the gathering convened over 40 stakeholders from diverse sectors, including district representatives, Peking University, UNESCO, and government bodies.
The meeting aimed to assess the initiative’s advancements and obstacles while focusing on enhancing adolescent health education. Key objectives included updating guidelines, building teacher capacities, improving access to sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and gender-based violence (GBV) information, and generating evidence-based data.
Commencing in January 2022, the two-year endeavor concentrated on revising existing adolescent health education guidelines, strengthening teacher capabilities, and expanding access to SRHR and GBV information. Implemented in the Luuka and Butaleja districts, the project showcased notable progress in providing crucial health services and education for adolescent girls.
Significant achievements encompassed the creation of essential resources such as health training manuals, along with the training of over 240 health workers, 340 peer educators, and 300 teachers in SRHR, GBV, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS).
The reflection workshop featured panel discussions and interactive sessions, where stakeholders provided feedback on the outcomes. Despite successes, challenges like inadequate infrastructure hindering girls’ education during menstruation were acknowledged.
For teachers, the initiative presented an opportunity for increased responsibility. Mary Kasasa, a teacher at St. Mary’s School Kapisa in Butaleja district, praised the project as enlightening, acknowledging its role in broadening her understanding of the school’s significance beyond mere education.
“I now see the institution as a vital rehabilitation center, where me and my colleagues work tirelessly to support learners facing multifaceted challenges including child mothers and fathers.”Mary Kasasa, Teacher at St. Mary’s School Kapisa
