Summary:

• Philanthropists in Mbarara City, operating under PAVE, launched a comprehensive cleanliness campaign, including drainage trench cleaning and school painting, with a focus on empowering students for sustainable development, culminating in the planting of trees and a foundation stone-laying ceremony at Nyakigongo Primary School.

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A philanthropic team based in Mbarara City, operating under the umbrella organization “Philanthropy and Volunteerism in Education and Entrepreneurship” (PAVE), has initiated a comprehensive cleanliness campaign in Mbarara City South Division. This effort extends to the cleaning of drainage trenches connecting to River Rwizi in the western region.

Launched on December 21, the campaign, led by Prof. Bob Hopkins, the Founder and President of the Philanthropists body, Ambrose Ndyamuba, the Executive Director, and supported by organization members and the general public, aimed to enhance the overall cleanliness of the city. Activities included the removal of littered items such as bottles and polythene bags, ensuring a clean and environmentally friendly city for residents and traders. The team also undertook the cleaning of drainage trenches along roads to maintain an efficient and unobstructed drainage system.

As part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) outreach, PAVE members engaged in various activities, including painting Madarasat Hamza Primary School in Mbarara City. PAVE, already integrated into schools as part of clubs, seeks to empower students to become problem solvers, contributing to the creation of self-reliant and sustainable societies—a goal aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In addition to the cleanup efforts, the philanthropic group planted trees in the city, envisioning a green city revolution to contribute to the restoration of the environment.

The day’s activities concluded with Prof. Bob Hopkins laying the foundation stone at Nyakigongo Primary School in Rwamabondo Town Council, Ntungamo District. Prof. Hopkins commended the Government of Uganda and PAVE ED Mr. Ndyamuba Ambrose for their significant achievements in a short period. He pledged to extend PAVE’s reach to various parts of the country and introduce it to more Ugandans.

As a token of appreciation, students who actively participated in the PAVE campaign received certificates recognizing their contributions to creating a sustainable environment in their respective areas.