In a powerful reaffirmation of its commitment to education and gender equity, Absa Bank Uganda has donated school bags worth UGX 60 million to Windle International Uganda (WIU). The handover ceremony took place on 18 June 2025 at the Absa Head Office in Kampala, celebrating a growing partnership that aims to dismantle the barriers keeping girls out of school, especially in underserved communities across Eastern and Northern Uganda.
The donation, raised through the third edition of the Absa KH3 7 Hills Run organized in collaboration with the Kampala Hash House Harriers, will benefit over 600 secondary school disadvantaged girls. Each girl will receive a school bag with a solar-powered reading light, reusable sanitary pads, a mathematical set, and ..: practical, transformative tools that address real challenges that often lead to absenteeism and school dropout among adolescent girls.
“These school bags are more than just supplies; they are a message to every girl that her education matters,” said Mr. Anthony Kerwegi, Director of Institutional Development and Quality Assurance at WIU. “Your commitment to supporting disadvantaged girls to stay in school is not only an investment in their futures but also a powerful contribution to building stronger, more inclusive communities.”
Menstrual health management remains a significant barrier to girls’ education in many rural areas. By including reusable sanitary pads in each school bag, this initiative promotes dignity, reduces shame, and allows girls to remain in school during their periods, ultimately improving attendance and academic performance. The provision of solar-powered lights, meanwhile, offers a safe, sustainable solution for girls in homes without electricity, giving them more study time in the evenings and reducing dependence on harmful kerosene lamps.
Mr. David Wandera, Managing Director of Absa Bank Uganda, lauded WIU’s impact and reiterated the bank’s commitment:
“We would like to acknowledge the great work you are doing in Uganda to keep girls in school.”
Reflecting on the partnership’s progress, Mr. Kerwegi also noted the tangible outcomes of last year’s support from Absa, which provided bicycles to school-going girls. That intervention helped students arrive at school earlier, attend more regularly, and boost their performance in class.
This renewed collaboration underscores the critical role of public-private partnerships in unlocking education opportunities and driving gender equity. It also highlights how targeted support, whether through a bicycle, a solar light, or a menstrual kit can have a profound ripple effect on a girl’s confidence, well-being, and future.
Together, Absa and Windle International Uganda continue to champion a vision where no girl is left behind, and every girl, regardless of her background, has the tools and support she needs to stay in school, thrive, and reach her full potential.
