Buyende district applauds Right to Play’s Shs294m boost in education sector

Buyende, Uganda: Buyende District leaders have hailed the Right to Play project for its Shs294 million investment in education, praising its transformative impact on learner enrolment, retention and school completion rates across the district.

During the handover of sports equipment worth Shs33 million, including 975 jerseys and 260 footballs, to 65 beneficiary primary schools at Buyende Township Primary School on Thursday, District Education Officer (DEO) Dison Bwire said the project has made learning enjoyable, engaging and more impactful for young learners.

“Right to Play’s contribution to education retention and completion is commendable and aligns perfectly with the Ministry of Education and Sports’ policy of promoting talent, skills and socialisation,” Bwire said.

The DEO noted that the project’s education model, involving learner engagement, parental involvement, community participation, mentorship and sports, has fostered meaningful social change. He pledged that the district will replicate this model across all schools.

Bwire highlighted the importance of empowering parents, caregivers and communities with playful learning approaches that strengthen children’s wellbeing, support academic performance and reinforce sexual reproductive health knowledge.

“Advancing menstrual hygiene addresses period poverty, promotes gender equality and supports environmental conservation. Most importantly, it contributes to the holistic development of girls,” Bwire said.

Right to Play Team Leader and Project Officer Nelson Mandela Odera said the sports equipment handover brings the organisation’s total in-school investment to Shs294 million under the Learning Through Play project, which aims to protect, educate and empower learners.

He listed ongoing school activities as training in menstrual hygiene management, life skills, making reusable sanitary pads, and sexuality education.

“Under the SHARE Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, we are improving access to sexual and reproductive health information and services, challenging harmful gender norms and championing policies that respond to the needs of girls and boys,” Odera said.

Patricia Nangobi, the Sanitation and Hygiene Secretary of the SHARE Club, praised the project for increasing awareness, social acceptance and helping girls overcome menstrual stigma.

“Right to Play has helped us socialise, be exposed and develop our talents through play and sexuality education. We are now more confident and able to maintain our dignity as girls,” she said.

Pius Isabirye (P.6), Compound Prefect and SHARE Club Publicity Secretary, thanked the project for strengthening communication between pupils, teachers and parents.

“Through our SHARE Club, the boys are able to help girls during their periods, make reusable pads and freely talk to parents and teachers about their challenges and future plans,” he said.