anthillShovels broke the ground as young mothers, pupils, teachers, health workers and local leaders gathered in Bubuubi Parish, Luwero District, carrying fruit tree seedlings in an effort to promote environmental conservation and inspire hope.
By the end of the exercise, at least 500 fruit trees had been planted across four schools and two health centres in Ziroobwe Subcounty.
The initiative aimed to promote environmental conservation while supporting girls’ education and the return of adolescent mothers to school.
The tree-planting activity was organised by Girls Not Brides Uganda in partnership with Anthill Foundation Uganda, Touch the Heart Uganda and Roofings Group Uganda. It brought together adolescent mothers enrolled in the school re-entry and vocational skilling programme at Central Girls Vocational School.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of challenges affecting girls’ education in Luwero, where Anthill Foundation Uganda says the district continues to grapple with teenage pregnancy, child marriage and barriers that prevent some girls from continuing their education.
Keeping girls in school
Elizabeth Kalemera, executive director of Anthill Foundation Uganda, said the Power Her Up programme was established to support young mothers and out-of-school girls through school re-entry and skills development opportunities.
She said the programme aims to strengthen efforts around girls’ education, child protection and creating safer environments for young people.
According to her, Anthill Foundation’s Keep Girls Safe and Powered Up initiative has reached 1,258 adolescent girls and young women affected by teenage pregnancy and child marriage.
Ian Kikomeko, the central region coordinator for Girls Not Brides Uganda, said the initiative aligns with efforts to protect girls’ rights and create opportunities for them to pursue education.