Pauline Ampeire, the Miss Tourism Kigezi 2023/2024, returned to her roots by giving back to Karweru Primary School in Ndorwa East of Kabale District, where she was once a pupil, as a way of celebrating her birthday. During her visit, Ampeire expressed concern over the growing disparity between rural and urban schools and emphasized the need for increased awareness and motivation towards education, especially in rural communities.
Ampeire also raised concerns about the declining number of learners as they progress through school, highlighting that class sizes are large in the lower primary levels from Primary 1 to Primary 3, but there is a significant and gradual drop in student numbers by the time they reach Primary 7. She noted that this decline is a worrying trend and called for immediate action to ensure children remain in school until they complete their final year.
Addressing the students, teachers, and community members, Ampeire urged for collective efforts to combat early marriages, which often contribute to high dropout rates. She called on parents to prioritize their children’s education by consistently paying school fees and ensuring they complete their studies, which will secure their future.
Ampeire’s visit to Kabweru Primary School was more than just a gesture of goodwill; it was also a celebration of her birthday. As part of her community outreach, she donated essential items to hundreds of pupils, including books, sanitary pads, pens, and geometry sets for the candidates.
In a bid to promote environmental protection, Ampeire joined the pupils and school staff in planting trees around the school compound. She emphasized the importance of tree planting in addressing climate change and urged the community to play its part in protecting the environment.
Ampeire also announced a partnership with Q Pads to provide sanitary towels to young girls who have started their menstrual cycles, helping to improve their hygiene. She acknowledged that menstrual hygiene management remains a significant challenge in rural schools and can lead to increased school dropouts among girls.
The school’s head teacher, Ruth Mugabirwe, expressed gratitude to Pauline Ampeire and the Miss Tourism Kigezi team for their generous contributions. She particularly appreciated the focus on menstrual hygiene, noting that it is a critical issue affecting the education of young girls in rural areas.
Ampeire’s initiative has sparked hope in the Karweru Primary School community, serving as a reminder that small acts of giving can have a profound impact on children’s lives and their futures.
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