The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
The 11th Ecobank Day Celebration, for ‘Keep A Girl in School’ Initiative
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | As part of Ecobank’s commitment to the “Transforming Africa through Education” theme, this year’s 11th Ecobank Day group-wide Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative will focus on giving back to the community.
This year, Ecobank are continuing their partnership with the Uganda Red Cross through the ‘Keep A Girl in School’ (KAGIS) campaign, building on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed earlier this year providing reusable sanitary pads to 500 girls at Kitebi Secondary School. Ecobank Uganda also donated sh2 million to Kitebi Secondary School to enhance internet access.
While handing over pads to the school leadership, the MD, Grace Muliisa reiterated her bank’s commitment. She said that as part of the partnership with the Uganda Red Cross Society, Ecobank commits to being an advocate of the ‘Girl child’ and will champion the initiative as an ambassador.
“As a bank, we are committed to our efforts to keep the girls in school through eradicating menstrual health barriers. We partnered with Uganda Red Cross on this cause, and we are happy to hand over 500 Pads today. These pads will last for about 14 months and we believe this will go a long way in contributing to the girl’s welfare and a high school retention,” Muliisa added.
In addition to distributing menstrual management kits, the bank also conducted a mentorship session led by Ecobank staff, where girls received career advice and guidance.
These activities align with the second year of Ecobank Group’s three-year ‘Transforming Africa Through Education’ campaign, and also the African Union (AU)’s declaration of 2024 as the year of education and its theme ‘Educate and Skill Africa for the 21st Century’, which highlights the importance of integrating technology into foundational learning
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals established in 2015, goal 4.1, which aims to ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education by 2030; we are actively addressing critical barriers that hinder girls’ education at these levels. These include the lack of sanitary materials and inadequate WASH facilities, both of which are essential for creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
The ‘Keep A Girl in School’ initiative is part of Ecobank Uganda’s three-year CSR campaign, “Transforming Africa through Education,” with a specific focus on digital skills for 2024. The initiative is aimed at empowering girls by ensuring that their education is not disrupted by the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, while also promoting digital learning as a key tool for their future success.
This initiative seeks to empower the girl child’s education in Uganda by providing a decent environment during their menstrual cycle, allowing them to compete favorably in school. This initiative is critical to addressing key issues that affect adolescent girls, such as health, education, and protection, both in development and emergency contexts.
Naphtal Baguma, Head of Logistics, Supply Chain Management at Uganda Red Cross, expressed URCS’ appreciation to Ecobank Uganda for the continued support. He emphasized the critical role of collaboration in addressing menstrual hygiene challenges and called for nationwide support.
“We aim to raise national awareness about menstrual hygiene. This cannot solely rely on donors; we call upon all Ugandans to be part of this humanitarian campaign for the good of our country’s girl child,” Baguma added.
Hajji Kamulegeye Muhammed, Headteacher of Kitebi Senior Secondary School, emphasized the value of these collaborations: “With the support of organizations like Ecobank and the Red Cross, we can continue to enhance the educational experience and ensure our students have the necessary tools to succeed.”
This event will serve as the main highlight of Ecobank Day 2024 celebration, symbolizing Ecobank Uganda’s continued dedication to the local community and our shared commitment to the education and health of young women in Uganda.
