From Classroom to Community

Empowering Youth Through Health Education

Last year, we were to sit down with Shaban, a dedicated nurse at the Ndegeya Community Clinic (NCC), to discuss the important work that is done at the local schools and to plan the expansion of community prevention services. With a clear goal set for 2026, we agreed that proactive school outreach would be a cornerstone of our approach. Shaban has coordinated these school visits and is organising interactive sessions with the students. He is partnering for this with Miriam, the midwife from the Mother and Childcare Centre (MCC). Together, they have already reached students at Christ the King School and Trust High School, where they work to strengthen awareness around hygiene, disease prevention, and reproductive health. Their commitment has turned vision into action, placing children and young people at the heart of the change we want to see.

Shaban's Hygiene Initiative

During his sessions, Shaban addresses the fundamentals of good hygiene — what it looks like, how to practise it, and what the warning signs of poor hygiene are. He explains which diseases can result from neglecting hygiene and walks students through practical, accessible preventive measures. In addition to hygiene, Shaban covers contact diseases: how they spread, common examples, and how students can protect themselves and those around them. His sessions are grounded in everyday realities, offering tips and advice that students can apply immediately, both at school and at home

Miriam's Empowering Sessions for Girls

Miriam facilitates dedicated sessions for girls, creating a safe space to discuss topics that are often left unspoken. She addresses the physical and emotional challenges that can accompany menstruation and shares practical guidance on managing these with confidence. Her sessions also cover topics such as unplanned pregnancy, informed decision-making, and STI prevention — all tailored to the realities young girls face in their communities. Miriam's approach encourages honest, open dialogue, and the girls respond with remarkable engagement: asking questions, sharing experiences, and making personal commitments to their own wellbeing. During these sessions, girls have also opened up about real challenges they face, including the inability of some families to afford sanitary pads and poor sanitation conditions both at home and at school. These conversations are a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

Prevention at the Heart of Our Mission

The Ndegeya Community Clinic, the school medical care programme, and the Mother and Childcare Centre together provide vital healthcare services to the community. But treatment alone is not enough. Prevention is equally important — and often more powerful. By reaching young people before problems arise, we can equip them with the knowledge and confidence to make healthier choices and avoid unnecessary illness.

The time and effort invested in this outreach is not something the communities we serve are able to fund themselves. That is why the Laudara Foundation is committed to supporting this work. Through better hygiene practices, open conversations, and increased health literacy, we believe we can help reduce preventable diseases and build a generation of young people who are informed, empowered, and ready to take charge of their own health.