ERONet: A Legacy of Community Development

The Enabling Rural Opportunity Network (ERONet) plays a crucial role in rebuilding Northern Uganda's Lamwo and Kitgum districts after years of civil war between the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and the Ugandan government. By focusing on empowering women, girls, and people with disabilities, ERONet addresses pressing regional issues like unemployment, displacement, and educational inequality. Its work builds resilience in these communities, tackling the deep-rooted challenges that continue to affect the region, including chronic unemployment, economic pressure, high levels of HIV/AIDS, and low youth graduation rates.

ERONet's Environmental STEM (E-STEM) programs are central to its mission, providing groups underrepresented in STEM with hands-on learning in science, technology, and environmental conservation. In a region where over 50 percent of its population is currently under the age of 18, these programs equip young people with practical skills that not only strengthen their individual futures but also contribute to the broader recovery and sustainability of their communities. Through these efforts, ERONet fosters a new generation of leaders capable of addressing both local and global environmental challenges.

Grassroots E-STEM Education Projects

ERONet is tackling the lack of resources and infrastructure in the region's education system by spearheading grassroots E-STEM projects. Schools in the area often lack power, piped water, and access to computer technology, but ERONet has found innovative ways to bring STEM education to life using low-cost, accessible materials. The organization also collaborates with online communities and social media groups to effectively crowdsource ideas and adapt them for local use in school and community programs.

One of ERONet’s flagship E-STEM initiatives was an eDNA Sampling Project conducted in collaboration with ETH Zurich. In this program, students collected water samples from two Ugandan lakes on the Nile River System to inform a study on biodiversity and environmental health. In the classroom, students are learning about the cutting-edge molecular techniques used by the team at ETH Zurich and how they are using the data students collected. This project not only sparked students’ interest in science and technology but also raised awareness of the critical role science plays in addressing local and global environmental issues.

Upcoming E-STEM Initiatives

ERONet has a series of new projects underway, all focused on environmental sustainability. Upcoming initiatives include eco-friendly infrastructure projects, recycling workshops, waste management education, and biodiversity modeling. ERONet is also continuing tree planting and monitoring programs to foster environmental stewardship and awareness. Each project is designed to encourage curiosity and problem-solving among students, using low-cost materials and drawing on lessons learned from past successes, such as the eDNA Sampling Project.

ERONet’s long-term goal is to establish Information and Technology Centers (ICTs) that will provide youth and community members with access to computer technology, which is currently available to fewer than 5% of the population. These centers will serve as hubs for learning and development, further enhancing ERONet’s mission to empower the next generation of community advocates.

Your Thoughts

We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, ideas, or experiences in the comments below. Whether it's a project idea, a classroom activity, or how you plan to inspire your students, your input can spark a conversation and inspire others.

• How can you use ERONet’s story to engage students in a multidisciplinary discussion on how STEM can address complex global challenges like those faced in Northern Uganda?
• How can ERONet’s focus on partnerships and affordable programming for underrepresented groups in STEM be replicated in your community or region?
• What are some examples of low-cost materials or partnerships you have used to implement hands-on E-STEM learning practices?

About the Writers

Allison Martin is a dedicated professional whose journey in environmental interpretation began in 2008. With a passion for education, she transitioned to becoming a water and waste education program manager and curriculum specialist. In November 2021, she founded Blueblossom Consulting. Through her venture, Allison is committed to strengthening organizations, municipalities, and school districts to enhance their environmental education programs and services. She is also a co-moderator for the E-STEM Education eePRO Group.

This post was developed using written interview responses generously provided by the team at ERONet, whose staff is excited to partner with domestic and international groups like NAAEE to learn and share their impact with the global community.