Change begins where community and compassion meet. On April 25, 2026, the Evergreen Foundation team set out for Kigalama Primary School in Namutumba District with a clear, urgent mission: to break the silence surrounding menstrual health, restore dignity to young girls, and equip an entire community with sustainable solutions.
We didn’t just visit a school; we hosted a powerful day of transformation. By bringing together students, parents, teachers, and local community leaders, we took a giant leap forward in creating an environment where no girl has to miss school because of her period.
Here is the story of an incredible, impactful day in Namutumba.
A Holistic Approach: Engaging the Whole Community
True sustainable change cannot happen in isolation. If we only speak to the girls, the stigma remains. That is why this outreach was uniquely powerful—we engaged the entire ecosystem supporting these young women.
We sat down in circles of shared dialogue with students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. Together, we dismantled long-standing myths and opened conversations about menstrual hygiene management. By involving parents and leaders, we are shifting the narrative from menstruation being a hidden “girls’ issue” to a shared community priority.
Practical Skilling: Creating Self-Reliance
The highlight of the day was our hands-on training session. We gathered the girls and walked them step-by-step through the process of making reusable sanitary pads from locally accessible, safe, and absorbent materials.
The classroom was alive with focus and determination. By teaching the girls this skill, we have given them a lifetime asset:
Independence: They are no longer dependent on expensive, disposable alternatives.
Sustainability: Reusable pads are highly eco-friendly, keeping plastic waste out of Namutumba’s beautiful environment.
Education Insurance: With pads they made themselves, these girls can stay in school comfortably every single day of the month.
Immediate Relief: Direct Distribution to Girls and Parents
While long-term skilling is the ultimate goal, immediate support is just as vital. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the Evergreen Foundation distributed a massive supply of sanitary pads during the outreach.
Crucially, we didn’t just hand these pads to the students; we distributed them to parents as well. Providing these resources directly to mothers and caregivers alleviates an immense financial burden from families, ensuring that menstrual health is fully supported right at home.
Voices from the Ground: Teachers and Leaders Step Up
The school administration and local leaders expressed deep gratitude for the timely intervention. Teachers noted that menstrual hygiene challenges have historically been a leading cause of school absenteeism among upper-primary girls. With the combined approach of skilling, direct distribution, and community sensitization, Kigalama Primary School is now better equipped to support its students.
Community leaders pledged to keep the conversation going, ensuring that the advocacy started by the Evergreen Foundation continues to ripple through Namutumba District.
Fostering a Period-Friendly World
Seeing the pride on the girls’ faces as they mastered a new skill, and witnessing the overwhelming gratitude of the parents, reaffirmed the core purpose of the Evergreen Foundation. We left Kigalama Primary School knowing that seeds of dignity, health, and confidence had been deeply planted.
We extend our deepest thanks to the headteacher, staff, and community leaders of Kigalama for their warm welcome and incredible organization.
Be a Part of the Movement
Every girl deserves to learn, grow, and thrive without shame or limitation. The Evergreen Foundation is committed to scaling this impact across the region. To partner with us, volunteer for our next outreach, or support our menstrual hygiene campaigns, please reach out via our contact page. Together, let’s keep building a period-friendly world!
Written by the Kirunda Joy Charity
