Rotary gifts Usuk SS with Shs 226m environmental conservation project

Usuk Secondary School and the surrounding community in Katakwi district are set to reap the benefits of a Shs 226 million environmental conservation project, sponsored by Rotary Club International through the Rotary Club of Soroti Central.

As part of the initiative, thousands of trees are being planted across the community to promote environmental preservation while also providing tangible economic and nutritional benefits.

Backyard farming, in particular, is aimed at improving household resilience and ensuring access to nutritious, safe crops. The pilot project focuses on three key pillars including, agroforestry and training in organic and backyard farming, environmental conservation, and economic empowerment through environmentally friendly technologies.

According to Joseph Okiror, headteacher of Usuk SSS, the school has already received and planted at least 4,235 assorted tree seedlings. It has also benefited from the construction of a modern energy-efficient kitchen, fully equipped with energy-saving stoves, and training programs for teachers and students in hands-on skills and entrepreneurship.

Okiror noted that the project will help reduce expenses on firewood, which currently costs the school at least Shs 3 million every three months on firewood alone.

He added that the skills being taught through the project align well with Uganda’s new competence-based curriculum (CBC), which emphasizes practical skills, entrepreneurship, and environmental awareness.

Joshua Opejo, manager of Yield Agric Agro Centre, Soroti, said the organization has partnered with Usuk SS as a pilot school in Katakwi district to promote environmental sustainability.

He revealed that the school will also benefit financially through a “pay-per-tree” model once the trees mature. Among the tree seedlings supplied are 900 pine trees (to cover approximately 2 acres), 235 Indian teak (Tectona grandis) seedlings, and 3,100 eucalyptus trees all selected for their environmental and economic value.

Silvester Ocatum, chairperson of the board of governors at Usuk SS applauded the initiative, stating that the construction of a modern school kitchen is a step forward in infrastructure development, which directly enhances the learning environment.