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Rural Empowerment Fora (REF)

Lusaka, Zambia
Joined April 2023

REF is a rural-based Civil Society focusing on rural community development. Established in 2016, REF seeks to empower the rural community.

Presence in: Zambia
Focus: Children's Rights, Criminal Justice, Health, Livelihoods

Introduction

This statement outlines the profile of REF, highlighting its historical origin, strategic vision, organisational structure, programmatic strategic thrust, funding sources, business portfolio as well as its achievement since its inception in 2016.

Historical Origin

REF is a rural-based Civil Society Organisation (CSO) focusing on rural community development. It was established in 2016 in the rural district of Chongwe in Lusaka Province. It was subsequently registered by the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) through the Registrar of Companies as a non-profit organisation guaranteed by limited in June 2017.

Mission, Vision and Operating Principles

Its mission is ‘to support and promote the development of rural communities and to facilitate community participation in poverty reduction actions. Its vision is that of improved welfare of rural communities through strengthened capacities and community involvement.’ REF achieves its mission through the implementation of different programmes with the support of the donor community and in collaborations with different stakeholders, local communities including minority groups such as women and children, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). The main fields of activities include Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Access to Justice (AtoJ), and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA). REF subscribe to the following operating principles:

  • Supporting community-based solutions;
  • Using economic, health and human rights programming as mutual bridges to improve one another;
  • Supporting community involvement to promote sustainability;
  • Supporting the principle of a comprehensive strategy that feeds into the national strategy for development agenda;
  • Operating in a transparent manner in all matters;
  • Adopt zero tolerance to corruption;
  • Using evaluation, research and science to develop new evidence and knowledge;
  • Use a right-based approach in programming and service delivery