Empower Life - Inclusive quality education

Empower Life Project - Progress Update May-August 2026

Dear Friends,

We are deeply grateful for your continued support of the Empower Life Project in Northern Uganda. Between May and August 2026, our work continued to connect inclusive education with gender equality, community participation and the well-being of children and families. The period also reinforced an important lesson: lasting change grows when schools, families, local leaders and positive role models work together.

Progress Made

• Inclusive learning and community participation: We continued engaging schools and community structures around the barriers that prevent children - particularly girls and children with disabilities - from participating fully in education. This approach keeps local ownership at the centre of the project and links improvements in learning conditions with dignity, safety and inclusion.
• Positive role models for young people: Following the National Champions Advancing Inclusion Award held in April 2026, 24 recognised male champions from 14 districts entered this period with greater visibility and practical advocacy tools. Their examples show children and communities that men and boys can actively promote fairness, non-violence, shared responsibility and respect for women and girls.
• Gender equality through schools and public dialogue: The wider campaign engaged students, teachers and education institutions through school outreach, creative performances, storytelling and public discussion. These methods make difficult topics easier for young people to understand and help create safer spaces for them to express their views.
• Mental health and well-being: During Men's Mental Health Month in June 2026, the work expanded to include discussion of men's emotional well-being. This created a constructive entry point for conversations about positive masculinity, help-seeking and healthier relationships within families and communities.
• Communication for wider reach: Radio, bilingual messaging in English and Luo, social media and creative arts continued to carry messages on inclusion beyond physical meetings. A documentary featuring the recognised champions was also advanced as a reusable resource for future school and community learning sessions.

Challenges Still Ahead

• Teacher accommodation: The shortage of suitable housing continues to make it difficult for rural schools to attract and retain teachers. Support is still needed for the first four housing units at Pajong Primary School. 
• Safe and accessible learning facilities: Schools continue to need reliable solar power, classroom furniture, accessible sanitation and safe washing facilities. These are essential for regular attendance, especially for girls and children with disabilities. 
• From awareness to lasting change: Public dialogue can shift attitudes, but changing long-established gender norms and exclusionary practices requires patient follow-up. The champions, schools and local government partners need continued support to turn new knowledge into sustained behaviour. 

 Community Spirit

Families, teachers, local leaders, civil society partners, media practitioners and community advocates continue to contribute their time, knowledge and locally available materials. Their commitment demonstrates that communities are not waiting passively for change; they are helping to lead it. External support remains vital for the items and technical inputs that communities cannot provide themselves.

How You Can Help

• Donate: Support Empower Life on GlobalGiving (Empower Life - Inclusive Quality Education).
• Fundraise: Organise a small event or online campaign to help provide safer, more inclusive learning environments.
• Volunteer: Share skills in fundraising, grant writing, communications or programme support by contacting info@jlof.net.

Together, we can help children in Kitgum and Mucwini learn in safe, inclusive schools, supported by motivated teachers and communities that value every child's potential.

Thank you for believing in this vision and for being part of the change.

With deep gratitude,

The JLOF Team