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OUR MISSION

The mission of the Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development (RAGCED) is to be a source of knowledge and expertise that helps Rotarians plan, implement, and manage impactful and sustainable economic development projects and create lasting change in poor and underserved communities.

 
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: NOVEMBER 2024

By PDG Carl Treleaven

Celebrating the Rotary Foundation Month

November is a special month when Rotarians and Rotaractors worldwide come together to recognize and celebrate the incredible work of our Rotary Foundation. Over the past twelve months, the Foundation has continued to make remarkable contributions across Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus:

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: OCTOBER 2024
PDG Carl Treleaven
 

October is the month when Rotarians worldwide celebrate the critical focus on Community Economic Development (CED). This celebration might not have the fanfare of other areas of focus like disease prevention, providing clean water, or protecting the environment, but its impact resonates deeply across all these areas.

 

Partnering with Talanton for Impact Investing in East Africa
RAGCED is excited to announce our partnership with the Talanton Impact Fund, a dynamic initiative focused on making strategic investments in East Africa to drive positive social and economic change. Our involvement in this fund reflects our dedication to supporting sustainable development and empowering communities in need.
 
Rotarian Sunny Akuopha: A Journey of Service and Impact
Rotarian Sunny Akuopha’s journey into the Rotary world began in 1983 through a Rotaract Club. His first encounter with Rotary was through a powerful message on a 4-Way Test billboard that stood proudly on the main road of his hometown. This inspiring message ignited his passion for Rotary, and when he and his friends were invited to start a Rotaract Club, Sunny eagerly joined and took on the role of Club Services Manager with great enthusiasm.
 
  
 
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The following projects are illustrative examples based on RAGCED's areas of focus, they reflect the kind of impact RAGCED aims to achieve worldwide:

Microfinance and Microcredit Initiatives

These projects provide small loans to entrepreneurs in developing countries who do not have access to traditional banking services. The goal is to empower individuals to start or expand their businesses, thus creating jobs and fostering economic development within their communities. An example could involve setting up a Microfinance institution in a rural area to offer financial services, including small loans, savings accounts, and financial literacy training.
Vocational Training and Education Programs
 
Vocational training projects focus on equipping people with specific skills needed in the local job market, such as carpentry, sewing, or digital skills. For instance, a project might establish a vocational training centre where unemployed youth can learn trade skills, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, significantly improving their employment prospects and ability to contribute economically to their communities.
Agricultural Development Projects
 
These projects support smallholder farmers by providing them with access to improved seeds, irrigation techniques, and sustainable farming practices. An example project could involve the introduction of a drip irrigation system to a drought-prone area, combined with training sessions on sustainable farming practices and crop management, thereby increasing crop yields and farmers' incomes.
Entrepreneurship Development Programs
 
Entrepreneurship programs aim to foster a culture of innovation and business creation. Such a project might include workshops and mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs, covering business planning, marketing, and access to finance. A specific example could be a startup incubator program that supports women entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and seed funding to launch their businesses.
Community Infrastructure Projects
 
Infrastructure projects focus on building or improving community assets that support economic activities, such as markets, roads, or co-working spaces. An infrastructure project under RAGCED's guidance might involve constructing a community center that doubles as a co-working space for local entrepreneurs, providing them with a venue for business operations and networking events.
Market Access and Value Chain Development 
 
These initiatives help producers and manufacturers improve their products and access wider markets. A project might support artisan groups by facilitating connections with global markets through e-commerce platforms, alongside training in quality control and packaging, thereby increasing their sales and income levels.
 

Projects associated with RAGCED typically embody Rotary's commitment to community service, with a focus on economic empowerment. They leverage the global Rotary network's resources, expertise, and volunteer spirit to make a sustainable impact. For the most recent and detailed examples of RAGCED projects, direct engagement with Rotary International or RAGCED's official communications is recommended, as they continuously update their initiatives and success stories.

The RAGCED Mission in Action
Stay updated on our latest initiatives and global impact, empowering communities worldwide.
 

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As part of our media campaign, we would like to share with you many great stories about how people have progressed, how they are growing their businesses and how they are improving their lives with Microloans and Microcredits.

This is part of how we share great news and you may end up being part of this new wave of empowerment. 

If you are a woman you know how tough it is to raise a family, work and fight for a better future. At RAGCED we know of hundreds who have done just that, and now they are their bosses, with their own business and a bright future for them and their families. 

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