A Room of Dignity: HADEO Gives Ngora High School Girls a New Reason to Stay in School

 October 5, 2026   |    34 views

By Our Reporter |

NGORA:For many girls, menstruation can mean more than a few uncomfortable days each month. It can mean anxiety, embarrassment, missed lessons and, in some cases, staying away from school altogether.

But at Ngora High School, a new facility is changing that story—one girl at a time.

On 1st October 2026, Hope Again Development Organization (HADEO) Uganda officially handed over a modern Girls’ Dignity Facility designed to give more than 1,000 girls a private, safe and dignified space to manage their menstrual hygiene while at school.

The facility, funded by HADEFO Netherlands and implemented by HADEO Uganda in partnership with Ngora High School, comes with a flush toilet, bathroom and changing room equipped with a mirror, wardrobe and changing seat among others.

HADEO says the facility is the first of its kind among schools in Eastern Uganda and a model for other schools.

Beyond a Toilet: A Space for Dignity

The handover was witnessed by Ngora district leaders, including the RDC, DEO, DCDO, CAO, District Engineer and HADEFO Netherlands donor representative.

The RDC, Ms Josephine Imat Omara, officially handed over the facility to the Headteacher, Senior Woman Teacher, Head Prefect and Head Girl.

Ngora DEO Ademun Petua welcomed the intervention, saying proper menstrual hygiene facilities are important in creating a school environment where girls can learn with confidence and dignity.

The Headteacher, Opolot Eliphaz, thanked HADEO for choosing Ngora High School as the first beneficiary among the 12 schools it is supporting across Soroti City, Soroti District and Ngora District.

Turning Hygiene Into Opportunity

HADEO Country Director, Okello Engungot Vincent, said the organisation’s approach goes beyond constructing facilities; it also focuses on skills and community ownership.

“We don’t want to build facilities and leave them behind. We want the schools and communities to own these interventions, maintain them and ensure they continue serving the girls for many years,” Okello said.

The school embraced HADEO’s cost-sharing model, a community ownership approach designed to promote sustainability. With this approach, the facilities established will surely serve the purpose more sustainably.

HADEO has also trained teachers as Trainers of Trainers, who have established HADEO Clubs at the schools. Learners are being trained in making liquid soap, bar soap and reusable sanitary pads.

This will be upgraded into a vocational business unit in line with the government competency-based Curriculum for the school to generate income as well.

When Boys Become Dignity Champions

The school’s HADEO Club entertained and educated guests through a drama encouraging boys to support girls during menstruation and help end period stigma that is currently consuming most girls in school.

Through the involvement of boys as Dignity Champions, the rest of the boys get educated and embrace supporting girls during menstrual management.

The intervention is expected to strengthen menstrual hygiene management, promote girls’ retention in school and equip learners with practical skills that can support them economically beyond the classroom.