The celebrations moved beyond the university gates as the MUST Guild Ministry of Gender and Guidance, in collaboration with the Office of the Dean of Students, took a hands-on approach to community service. Recognizing that empowerment starts with health and dignity, the team visited St. Mary’s Primary School, Katete to support the next generation of women.
The outreach focused on education as a tool for empowerment. Guild leaders and university staff conducted an interactive session on menstrual hygiene management, providing the young girls at St. Mary’s with:
- Scientific knowledge to dispel myths and taboos surrounding menstruation.
- Practical tips on maintaining health and hygiene during their cycles.
- Confidence-building discussions to ensure that no girl misses school due to her period.
In a commitment to long-term impact, the MUST team distributed reusable sanitary pads to the pupils. This initiative addresses the “period poverty” that often hinders education in local communities:
- Eco-friendly: Reducing waste compared to disposable products.
- Cost-effective: Providing a solution that lasts for years, easing the financial burden on families.
- Educational Continuity: Ensuring girls stay in the classroom and remain focused on their dreams.
The leadership shown by the MUST Guild Ministry of Gender reflects the university's goal of nurturing holistic professionals. These student leaders are not just learning within classroom walls; they are becoming the "Trailblazers" of tomorrow by solving real-world challenges through empathy and advocacy. At Mbarara University of Science and Technology, our excellence is not measured solely by the degrees we confer, but by the dignity we restore in our communities. By empowering the girl child at Katete, we are ensuring that the scientists, doctors, and leaders of tomorrow do not have their dreams cut short by preventable barriers. We don't just teach for the future; we build it one girl, one school, and one community at a time.
Photography and Media Consent: All photographs featuring pupils from St. Mary’s Primary School, Katete, were captured with the explicit consent of the school administration. These images are used in accordance with the Data Protection and Privacy Act and the University Communications Policy to document the impact of our community outreach while ensuring the dignity and protection of the minors involved.
