UNATU Distributes COVID-19 Relief Items to Simameni Schools in Western and Teso Regions

In November 2022, the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU), in partnership with the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) and with generous funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC), successfully distributed COVID-19 relief items to implementing schools under the Simameni Project. The distributions were held at Kyenjojo Secondary School in Kyenjojo District (Western Region) and Atutur Seed Secondary School in Kumi District (Teso Region).

These events aimed to support schools and learners both boys and girls but in particular girls to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The distribution ceremonies were graced by high-level guests, including the Members of Parliament for Kyenjojo and Kumi, who served as Chief Guests. Also present were Workers’ MPs, officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports, district local government officials, local council leaders, the UNATU National Chairperson and Vice National Chairperson, the General Secretary, Regional Chairpersons, the Gender Officer, program officers from Teso and Western regions, as well as Boards of Governors (BOGs) and Parents-Teachers Associations (PTAs) of the benefiting schools.

The Simameni Project, implemented by UNATU and supported by CTF/FCE, had earlier integrated a special COVID-19 response component aimed at minimizing the pandemic’s impact on girls’ education. The relief distribution focused on three core areas:

1. Immediate Economic Relief
Vulnerable girls received essential items including sanitary pads, scholastic materials, and in some cases, school fees support—measures intended to reduce the economic burden on families and keep girls in school.

2. Health Measures
Schools were equipped with hygiene and sanitation facilities, including hand-washing stations, temperature guns, and reusable face masks to safeguard the health of students and staff.

3. Social Support
The intervention also addressed deeper social challenges such as gender-based violence, stigma faced by pregnant girls, and the rise in early marriages, all of which were exacerbated during the pandemic.

The initiative was warmly received by school communities. Teachers, learners, and administrators expressed deep appreciation for the materials received and the support provided. Several speakers praised the commitment of UNATU and the CTF/FCE team in ensuring that no child—especially girls—is left behind in the journey of recovery and empowerment through education.

Special thanks were extended to Global Affairs Canada (GAC) for their financial support, which made this intervention possible, and to CTF/FCE for their unwavering partnership and technical contribution to the Simameni Project.

As the head teacher of Atutur Seed SS put it:
“These supplies are not just materials, they are a symbol of hope and a reminder that we are not alone.”

Through efforts like these, the Simameni Project continues to be a beacon of empowerment, resilience, and transformative education for communities across Uganda.