Retain Orphan Girl Children in Schools in Uganda

Background

Girls in Kibuku District continue to face numerous challenges, including poverty, early marriage, teenage pregnancy, limited access to quality education, and gender-based violence. Household responsibilities often affect their school attendance and academic performance. Despite efforts by the government and community-based organizations to promote girls’ rights and improve access to education, healthcare, and empowerment opportunities, significant barriers remain.

KADO continues to acknowledge and appreciate all partners and donors who have made remarkable contributions toward supporting the retention of orphaned girls in schools in Uganda.

This report covers project activities implemented during the period from August to September 2026.

Activities Implemented

During the reporting period, the project supported caregivers of orphaned girls by providing agricultural inputs. Scholastic materials and reusable sanitary pads were distributed to adolescent girls who had been orphaned and were still attending school. In addition, the project team conducted school monitoring visits to assess learners’ attendance and progress.

The team visited schools to verify the number of learners who had completed the second term of the 2026 academic year and those who were continuing with their education.

Achievements

• 24 schools were visited to verify learners’ attendance and assess their situations.
• 62 orphaned children were visited and engaged during the monitoring exercise.
• 4 orphaned girls had dropped out of school. Follow-up efforts are ongoing to support their return to school.
• 30 caregivers of orphaned girls received maize seeds to support agricultural production and improve household food security.

Challenges

• Prolonged dry spells negatively affected agricultural yields, resulting in increased food insecurity among beneficiary households.
• Limited funding and support hinder efforts to sustain the high number of orphaned girls in school.
• Caregivers face difficulties meeting the educational requirements and related school expenses of orphaned girls.
• The increasing number of adolescent mothers in schools presents additional challenges, particularly due to the limited support available to them.

Recommendations

KADO therefore appeals to all stakeholders to continue supporting efforts to promote and strengthen girls’ education in Uganda. Access to education remains limited for many vulnerable girls, while teenage pregnancies, child marriages, and school dropouts continue to affect their educational opportunities and future prospects.

Strengthened collaboration among stakeholders, increased funding, and sustained support for vulnerable girls and their caregivers are essential to addressing these challenges effectively. These efforts will help improve school retention, promote educational achievement, and create better opportunities for orphaned girls to complete their education.

Links:

• http://www.kado.or.ug