The first seven different ways we help the earth

The Riyo Raac Foundation (RRF) is a nonprofit organization, connected through the kindness of Ms. Anab Ali, dedicated to supporting those in need. RRF works to provide food, water, shelter, and education to orphans and poor families globally. Ms. Ali has been a financially supportive member of our club and led the massive African contingent to the Rotary Banquet and Dinner in Charlotte, NC, winning the award with our club for the official Outstanding Service Project for Area 4 and the unofficial award of most members in attendance at the convention "from any club." At this convention, her brother, Abdirashid, was awarded the gold medal for Distinguished Service from the USPSC.

RRF also offers sponsorships to help cover the costs of college and high school education for students who may not be able to afford it otherwise. Additionally, they offer micro-financing to those who are poor, destitute, or have disabilities to help them improve their circumstances and achieve excellent financial stability. Learn about our backgrounds, interests, and contributions, and donate at our website.

44121 Harry Byrd Highway

Ste. 180 Ashburn, VA 20147

O: (703) 775-0177

F: (703) 724-9407

info@riyoraacfoundation.org

This is also where our satellite office is in Somaliland, intending to open a Rotaract Club:

Osob Business Center,

Hargeisa, Somaliland

Near Gobanima Market

WhatsApp: +252657254212

Rotarian and Missionary Janita K. Burke, Esquire of Kairos 22 Music Productions, has been visiting and working at the orphanage and collecting donations towards it. She has produced music with the children, showcasing joy and singing. Rotarian Martin CJ Mongiello was happy to donate at the official website. Our Rotarian recently visited Ghana, Janita K. Burke, Esquire, and we are asking other Ghanaians to work with you of Prince Kojo Hilton (Ghana National Gallery of Art and Theater painter, artist, and film producer), Alph Doamkepor (NASA farm satellite specialist for rain, planting, and cultivation), Anthony Osarfo (screenwriter and entertainment journalist), and Amui Quaye (Ghana farmer looking for advanced life opportunities in farming).

As of 2025, we are unsure of how these contacts come together but believe that sustainable farming initiatives and art for the children and HOME are somehow linked. In 2024, we did several WIFI nodes to advance small businesses across Accra with the USPSC KIVA Team and close to one million dollars in funding for True Moringa, Farmerline Ghana, and many other farms and businesses in Ghana. You can see the projects portfolios of the USPSC and Rotary KIVA here.

To contact the orphanage and help:

+233 24 868 8417 (Ghana) +447932826542 (UK)

info@hismajestyshappyhome.com

42H3+JHG, Krobo Odumasi, 

Ghana

We are exploring several more funding opportunities across Sierra Leone. 

We have met with ZOOM meetings to discuss microfinance opportunities via BRAC Sierra Leone ($20M disbursed and 54 model farms), KIVA, and the USPSC and Rotary teams working in KIVA. In one instance, this may also lead to a KIVA Capital Project upwards of $500k like we participated in for:

1. $500k with Babban Gona via the USPSC team into KIVA in Nigeria. This was for 25,000 women chicken farmers.

2. $200k helped increase incomes for 600 farmers and plant 1 million trees on the largest solar-irrigation farm in West Africa with Moringa Connect.

3. $300k with Farmerline in Ghana.

4. $300k with Complete Farmer in Ghana.

5. $250K to Nilus in Mexico City, Mexico.

6. $500k to Acceso El Salvador.

7. $200k Ilara Health of Kenya to help 75 medical clinics.

8. $200k for Kuli Kuli across Africa, Asia, & LATAM. Helped stabilize and increase wages for hundreds of farmers in Ghana, Uganda, Mozambique, Namibia, Mexico, and India.

9. $500k to ALTECH for solar lighting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

10. $100k to Someone Somewhere, Inc. in Mexico in the textiles industry. Artists cannot be left behind!

11. $100k for Good Nature Agro in Zambia.

12. $85k in Zimbabwe for Kumushu Power on solar devices in thousands of homes.

13. $100k to MPOWER.africa in Cameroon for large-scale solar work.

14. $185k for Heri Solar in Madagascar.

15. $200k helps increase incomes for over 800 spice farmers in Vietnam, Guatemala, India, and Tanzania.

16. $250K helped provide 5,000 rural and indigenous Ecuadorians annually with their first dental care.

17. $150K helped purchase organic coffee from 320 families of small coffee growers in Peru, aiming to improve their income.

18. $100K in Namibia for solar with d.light.

19. $200K in Liberia for cocoa farms.

Rotary Club of: Accra-Roman Ridge 

Rotary Club of: Coimbatore Industrial City

Identified Needs:

Vulnerable, distressed, and abused individuals, especially women and children, face significant challenges in escaping environments of violence and oppression. They require safe spaces where they can receive compassionate care and support, regain their strength and dignity, and rebuild their lives with hope and empowerment. At least one member of RCOGI has pledged to this Global Grant and can be viewed as more come in at the Matching Grants website.

Project Overview

Our project aims to establish a comprehensive support centre that provides both immediate and long-term assistance to women and children who are victims of abuse and violence. The centre will offer a safe, nurturing environment where individuals can receive the care and resources they need to recover and thrive.

How the Project Will Meet These Needs

1. Safe Shelter: The center will provide temporary housing for those in immediate danger, ensuring they have a secure place to stay away from their abusers.

2. Counselling Services: Professional counselors will offer psychological support to help individuals process their trauma and begin healing.

3. Legal Assistance: Access to legal services will empower victims to pursue justice and secure protective orders if necessary.

4. Educational Programs: Workshops on self-defense, financial independence, and personal development will be available to help individuals build confidence and essential life skills.

5. Childcare Services: On-site childcare will be provided to support mothers as they attend counselling and educational programs.

6. Community Outreach: The project will include outreach efforts to educate the community about domestic violence and the resources available to victims.

Timeline

- Months 1-2: Finalize partnerships with local organizations, secure a location, and begin the renovation of the space to meet the needs of the shelter and support center.

- Months 3-4: Recruit and train staff, including counselors, legal advisors, and childcare providers. Develop educational program curriculums and materials.

- Months 5-6: Launch a community awareness campaign to inform the public about the center's services and start accepting referrals and walk-ins.

- Months 7-12: Full operational phase, providing comprehensive services to women and children in need. Regular assessments and adjustments will be made to improve services continually.

Involvement of Club Members

Club members will play a crucial role in the success of this project by:

- Volunteering: Assisting with the renovation and setup of the facility and participating in community outreach efforts.

- Fundraising: Organizing fundraising events to supplement the grant and ensure the sustainability of the project.

- Mentorship: Providing mentorship and support to program participants, sharing their skills and experiences to empower women and children.

- Advocacy: Promoting awareness about the center and advocating for policies that protect and support vulnerable individuals.

By partnering with us, you will help create a compassionate and empowering space that enables women and children to escape violence, find hope, and rebuild their lives.

 The purpose of this grant is to:

-Harden critical infrastructure in the City of Chernihiv by supporting the installation of solar on Maternity House KNP, a 200-bed hospital. The Rotary Clubs of Kyiv-Capital (Ukraine) and Babcock Ranch (Florida, USA) are working with the Net Zero World Initiative (NZW), a flagship international initiative of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), implemented by DOE's national laboratories, led by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). At least one individual of RCOGI has pledged money to this project at the Matching Grants website.

NREL has conducted engineering studies to determine the required size of the solar system and its associated costs. We are using NREL templates to structure a tender, and will make the project available to bidders who are members of the Ukraine Solar Energy Association. Our team's solar professionals will join Ukrainian solar experts to review and select the bid winner.

-Increase career pathways for Ukrainians by promoting solar job training and certification with Atmosfera Academy, a leading Ukrainian solar installation training school, and several solar businesses. 

We encourage Rotarians to donate to future projects through contributions to the Rotary Annual Fund for Paul Harris credits; please notify pat.strong.rotaryclub@gmail.com of your contribution to ensure proper credit. 

All others: thank you for visiting our GoFundMe site: https://gofund.me/fd84f5a7. For more information, please visit our project website: https://sites.google.com/view/solar4ukraine/home

UPDATE OF APRIL 2025: During the hosting of the bi-weekly meeting, it was announced that this project was 100% approved! They will soon announce a new 600-bed project in Ukraine.

Recent shipments of games and coats in 2024 were spearheaded by members Aaron Newman Myers and Patty Freudenberg in New York, going to an orphanage in Ukraine. This project was done with Luvien leading the way (a private non-profit).

The *Dare to Spare* campaign by the **Rotary Club of Global Impact** was a powerful humanitarian effort aimed at supporting children in Ukraine by providing **coats and games** during a time of crisis. Here are the key benefits of this campaign:

1. Providing Warmth in Harsh Conditions**  

Ukraine experiences **severe winters**, and many families, especially those displaced by conflict, lack adequate clothing. By sending **coats**, the campaign ensured that children stayed warm, preventing **cold-related illnesses** and improving overall well-being.

2. Emotional and Psychological Support**  

War and displacement cause **stress and trauma** for children. **Games and toys** help bring **joy, comfort, and a sense of normalcy** amid turmoil. Engaging in play fosters **social interaction, reduces anxiety, and supports mental health**.

3. Demonstrating Global Solidarity**  

The initiative showed that people worldwide, including Rotary members, stand with Ukraine. This act of **compassion and unity** not only helped the recipients but also **raised awareness and inspired others** to contribute to humanitarian efforts.

4. Strengthening Rotary’s Mission of Service**  

Rotary International has long been dedicated to **service above self**. *Dare to Spare* aligned perfectly with its commitment to **humanitarian aid, peace, and conflict resolution**, reinforcing Rotary’s global impact.

5. Encouraging Community Involvement**  

The campaign encouraged people to donate, fostering a **spirit of giving** in local communities. It reminded individuals that even small actions—like donating a coat or a game—can make a **big difference in a child’s life**.

This initiative was a **beacon of hope** for children in Ukraine, showing that even in difficult times, kindness and generosity can bring warmth—both physically and emotionally.