Absa Bank Uganda has handed over Sh300 million raised from the 2024 Absa 7 Hills Run to support educational initiatives for vulnerable children. This annual charity event, organized in partnership with the Kampala Hash House Harriers (KH3), aims to help keep girls in school.
According to the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) 2023 report, approximately 1.2 million primary school students drop out before completing their primary education. This high dropout rate is influenced by factors such as poverty, early child marriage, and teenage pregnancy.
Mumba Kalifungwa, Managing Director of Absa Bank Uganda, emphasized the bank’s commitment to education, stating, “We believe that education is a right that every child should have access to, regardless of gender. The Absa KH3-7 Hills Run is our way of supporting the girl child because their story matters. We have allocated these funds to reputable social enterprises to address societal challenges, support girls’ education, provide skills training, and improve menstrual hygiene management.”
Here is the breakdown of how the funds will be distributed:
| Beneficiary | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Joshua Cheptegei Foundation | Sh50 million | School fees bursaries for 22 girls at Joshua Cheptegei Junior School, focusing on less privileged children. |
| Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project | Sh20 million | School fee bursaries for vulnerable children in Rukungiri and Kanungu. |
| Baylor College | Sh50 million | School fees for 111 girls in the DREAMS programme in Fort Portal City, aimed at reducing HIV vulnerability. |
| Amref Health Africa | Sh30 million | Reusable sanitary pads for 1,875 girls under the Heroes of Gender programme, including support for teen mothers. |
| Windle International | Sh60 million | Purchase of bicycles for 266 girls to reduce long-distance travel and associated risks. |
| World Vision | Sh90 million | Strengthen menstrual hygiene management in Karamoja, benefiting over 5,000 girls with access to clean water. |
The initiative is expected to reduce school absenteeism and dropout rates among girls. The general public’s support for the run was acknowledged as crucial in achieving this goal.
Twesigye Jackson Kaguri, founder of Nyaka Foundation, praised the initiative, saying, “Nyaka’s mission is to provide free education to children who have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS. We offer a comprehensive support system where children are nurtured and protected to enable them to learn, grow, and thrive.”
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