EMPOWER AND EDUCATE VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN UGANDA

Program Title: Strengthening them  Through the Holidays: Keep Her in School Stands With Girls
Organization: GABA HOPE FOR KIDS
Location: Central Uganda

1. INTRODUCTION
The holiday period is a critical time for adolescent girls. School closures often mean loss of access to school meals, safe spaces, peer support, and sometimes interruption of health care and menstrual hygiene management. Through the "Keep Her in School" initiative, GABA HOPE FOR KIDS implemented Strengthening Her Through the Holidays to ensure girls remain healthy, dignified, and ready to return to school.

2. GOAL AND OBJECTIVES
Goal: To strengthen the health, dignity, and education continuity of girls during the holidays.
The objectives of this program were to ensure continuous health care and nutrition support, to provide menstrual hygiene pads and psychosocial support to reduce stigma, to equip girls with back-to-school supplies to promote re-enrollment, and to engage parents and schools to reduce stigma and absenteeism.

3. ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED
During the holiday period, GABA HOPE FOR KIDS conducted home visits and phone check-ins for health reminders and provided nutritious food packs to girls. Reusable sanitary pads and soap were distributed to prevent period-related absenteeism. Group counseling sessions were held on self-esteem, personal disclosure, and goal setting. Back-to-school kits with books, pens, and uniforms were given to girls. Meetings were also held with parents and teachers on supporting girls.

4. KEY RESULTS AND IMPACT
Girls received continuous support during the holidays. A percentage reported improved health care adherence. Girls received menstrual pads which reduced missed days. Many girls reported feeling more confident to return to school. Stigma was also reduced through community sensitization meetings held.

Story of Impact:
"Before, I would stay home during my period and miss support. Because of the pads and food, I stayed healthy and I am ready for school." – Beneficiary, Age 14

5. CHALLENGES
The program faced limited funds to reach all girls in need, transport costs for home visits in rural areas, and persistent stigma in some communities.

6. RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended to expand pad and food support to cover the entire holiday period, to train more peer mentors, and to partner with schools and health centers for year-round follow-up.

7. CONCLUSION
By strengthening health, dignity, and learning during the holidays, we keep girls in school and give them hope for the future. With continued support, no girl will be left behind.