Rwanda Development Organisation (RDO) held a two-day annual retreat bringing together staff, board members, experts and other partners to strategize
in order to propel the organization to greater heights. Held under the theme, “Positioning RDO in the current national and international development discourse,” the retreat was held at Best View Hotel in Musanze District on 2nd and 3rd, March 2023.
Angelo Semwaga, the Chairman of RDO Board of Directors said that the meeting comes at the right time to rethink how to do things better because of global challenges like the effects of Covid-19 and Ukraine - Russia war.
“You should think big,” Semwaga emphasized, adding that doing things should not be as usual rather take RDO to another level delivering the best services in Rwanda and think of going beyond.
He applauded staff and leadership of the organisation for good performance. The Chairman advised staff to be guided by values (integrity, dignity, professionalism and discipline) and be part of the success of the institution.
The Executive Secretary of RDO, Eugene Rwibasira highlighted the journey that the organisation has traveled from the time it was established in 1995. The organisation started with a single project and only three staff members, over the years this has grown to 10 running projects and 42 permanent staff members.
Rwibasira appreciated the board, leadership and staff members for their performance and continue to deliver exceptional services to various communities across the country.
RDO has affiliated itself with different organisations nationally and internationally, among those is becoming a member of ECOSSOC, CPDE, PELUM, RoA, EAGC and is looking forward to be an observer in the African Union (AU).
Discussions during the retreat focussed on how the organisation can strategically position itself both nationally and regionally while enhancing service delivery. The retreat provided an opportunity for RDO staff to interact between themselves and different partners.
Discussants emphasized the need for sustainable thinking for RDO in the wake of global challenges and decline in donor funding. Ideas for innovative activities that can be provided for self financing were suggested and discussed.
The Executive Secretary presented some services the organisation is soon introducing that will improve service delivery while bringing income to RDO. Initially, plans are to at least raise 30% of the budget from digital services.
RDO should be a citizen centered for social-economic transformation Build a culture of excellency, professionalism and quality service, the meeting heard.
Held every year, Rwanda Development Organisation last held a retreat in February 2020, but was not able to convene for the last two years because of Covid-19 restrictions. The retreat is a time to reflect, account and to collectively strategize for the organisation’s future.
