OTUKE – Okere City in Otuke District, North Eastern Uganda, is home to several hundred young girls and boys who face a major challenge that hinders their educational aspirations.
Ageno Rwot Flavia, a 13-year-old primary six pupil at Okere Community School, has ambitions to become a pilot, but studying is difficult when you are reliant on smoky kerosene lamps commonly known as tadooba for lighting.
“Okere City is off the grid. We do not have electricity at home, and we use tadooba, which produce a lot of smoke, which makes my eyes pain. I fear telling my father that I’m uncomfortable with it because when I remember what he goes through to bring food to the table, I persevere with the situation,” she said.
She expressed concern that this situation not only hampers her education, but may lead to long-term health risks.
In response to this, Stanbic Bank has today stepped forward with a transformative initiative donating 220 solar-powered bags to school-going boys and girls in the area, a move designed to provide them with both a reliable source of light and a safe way to carry their school materials.
This ingenuity worth UGX 20m is part of bank’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) which also coincides with activities leading up to International Women’s Day celebrations happening on March 8.
Diana Ondoga, Head of Corporate Social Investment at Stanbic Bank, articulated the significance of extending the blue gift, stating, “These solar-powered bags not only help girls keep their educational materials safe, but also provide a sustainable source of energy for studying at night.”
The bags are emblematic of Stanbic’s purpose; Uganda is our home we drive her growth that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In addition to the solar bags, the donation included 200 packs of reusable sanitary towels to support girls’ menstrual hygiene needs, ensuring they can remain in school.
“Studies have revealed that a considerable number of young girls drop out due to a lack of access to basic necessities, including sanitary pads. Because our focus as the bank is on women, youth and farmers, we believe that supporting these young pupils is one of the direct ways we can enable them achieve their dreams their core agenda of getting a first grade in the facility and also excel in life.” Ondoga said.
Ojok Okello, the founder of the Okere City initiative praised Stanbic Bank for its philanthropic efforts, acknowledging its pivotal role in transforming the lives of African children.
He said, “This special initiative from Stanbic Bank creates hope for families in Okere City, amplifying our advocacy for change and sustainable development.”
He said Okere City itself is striving to achieve a vision of holistic urban development, focusing on real estate, sustainable living, and community well-being. Before the start of this initiative, Okere’s illiteracy levels were around 72% but there has been significant drop with innervations like Okere City initiative.
“We started the community school initiative in 2019, with only the nursery section, a few learners and two teachers. Shortly after starting operations, the country was hit by the Covid-19 lockdown leaving the facility closed until 2022. During this year, the school reopened with the primary section and in 2013, they registered their first Primary Seven class which had only 17 pupils where the best candidate scored 18 aggregates. In 2024, the school registered 18 candidates where majority passed in second division and the rest in third division,” Ojok said. Hopes are that the school will break the record and register the first division one in this year.
With the Stanbic Bank donation, the leadership believes, they are getting closer to their major target of the year. Currently the School boosts of a population of over 350 pupils both in the primary and nursery section.
Stanbic Bank’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond this initiative. Over the years, the bank has demonstrated a strong dedication to enhancing maternal healthcare across Uganda.
