Reported By: Richard Mbachundu (TRCDA Programs Coordinator)
ABOUT THE ORGANISATION
1.1 Introduction The Titukuke Rural Community Development Association (TRCDA) was formed in 2001 and is an Umbrella Organisation for Community Based groups with interest in or supportive of socioeconomic empowerment programmes for women, Youth, Children and Other Vulnerable groups of people who are based in Petauke. The Titukuke Rural Community Development Association herein after referred to as (TRCDA), is registered as a Not for profit nonpartisan Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) under the Societies’ Act, Chapter 119 of the Laws of Zambia. It is also registered as a public benefit organisation under section 41 of the Income Tax Act chapter 323 of the laws of Zambia. The vision and mission of TRCDA are presented below; Vision: An improved rural community in Petauke and surrounding areas where OVC’s, Widows, Youth, Women, Terminally ill, Small Scale Farmers and under privileged People sustain themselves. Mission Statement: Devoted to uplifting livelihoods, reducing illiteracy, poverty and HIV/AIDS/health problems among the communities in Petauke and surrounding areas through programmes aimed at building local democracy, socio-economic emancipation and environmental sustainability. Overall Goal: To improve the quality of life for women, youth, children and vulnerable families.
OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRESS REPORT
The Titukuke Rural Community Development Association (TRCDA), had for a vision of a vibrant community based organisation in the Eastern region of Zambia. This vision is coming to fruition as evidenced by the development in the period under review i.e. January to June, 2014. It started as a small organisation yet now it has become one of the most promising in the recent years. We are highlighting the key progressive developments in this report that should prove to any would be partner that we have taken the right path towards becoming a big local NGO able to provide effective and efficient service delivery. The first step TRCDA has taken is to train both board and management in organisational development that saw it develop robust governance, financial management, operational systems as well as develop a business plan worth winning donor support for the sustainability of its programs. The realisation that funding partners always wants to partner with credible organisations with well-defined governance and operational systems, and the seeking of solutions to effect the same was achieved. TRCDA now has a Board Charter, financial management manual, operational systems manual with all related policies in place, an Entreprenuership manual, asmall oil processing plant with a marketing plan, as well as service delivery models for outreach and socio welfare activities. We thank the United States African Development Foundation for providing the start up support and technical funds to enable TRCDA reach where we area at present. The organisation has continued to provide education to the less privileged at it School which is the only school in the district providing adult education and tuition to exam sitting students.We have also continued provision of orphan school support services as wellk as basic care and support through our trained caregivers. Here are some of the key activities conducted during the period under review;
TRAINING IN GOVERNANCE AND BOARD CHARTER DEVELOPMENT FOR BOARD AND MANAGEMENT
Members of The Board and Management with Consultant during Governance training. Purpose of the Charter The purpose of the Charter is to provide the Board with a tool to guide them in Titukuke Rural Development Association Governance. The Charter outlines the specific roles and responsibilities of the Board, its committees and the Executive Director. The Charter also defines the performance monitoring mechanisms including financial performance to be used by the Board. This Governance Charter (Charter) establishes a governance structure and defines key organizational elements of the TRCDA, a multistakeholder initiative comprised of Community based groups, Management and Staff, and other stakeholders in the quest to empower vulnerable rural citizens and enhance Gender Equality and equity. This Charter describes how the TRCDA will be governed in order to ensure integrity, accountability, relevance, effectiveness, sustainability, and impact. Alongside the TRCDA Vision, Mission and Values, and the Governance, accountability, this Charter is one of the TRCDA’s foundational core documents. Additional documents such as bylaws, Constitution, and other foundational documents may be added to the core TRCDA documents in order to further define and fulfil our vision. The contents of this Charter and the other core documents may evolve over time to reflect a greater diversity of Board members views, experience, and learning. 1.4 How the Charter should be used This Charter is to be used by the members of the Board of Titukuke Rural Community Development Association and each member of the Board assumes the responsibility of adapting it fully and updating it regularly as need arises. This Charter is meant to guide Titukuke Rural Development Association governance
ENTERPRENEURSHIP TRAINING , MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND MANUAL DEVELOPMENT
The Board Treasurer, Florence Njobvu making a group work presentation during entrepreneurship training This Manual is designed to provide the Board and Management of Titukuke RCD Association with Guidelines and procedures on how they will manage the Groundnuts oil business profitably. It is to the best interest of the user as well as the reader to find this document helpful in one way or another. The use of this document is strictly for Titukuke unless permission will have been granted to you by the Board aforementioned.
TRAINING IN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT
BOARD AND MANAGEMENT DURING GROUP WORK AT THE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT TRAINING
The training was targeted at Titukuke Development Association Management & staff, the Board and field staff and field level volunteers. It was divided into two parts; the first part was for field level volunteers as they also handle funds to some extent and the second was for the district staff and the Board. A combination of methodologies were employed during the training, presentations by the facilitator, group discussions and group exercises to determine the understanding of concepts by the participants.
1.1 Financial Governance
This topic was facilitated by way of presentation and group discussion; it was explained that this role is played by the Board or the Committee or trustees, whatever the name of the governing body entrusted with the governance of the organisation. There are five main roles and these were presented as:
- Making sure funds are used to help beneficiaries effectively
- Making sure that the organisation has sufficient funds/funding
- Making sure that the organisation has effective senior management
- Making sure that the organisation operates within the law
- Making sure that the board can handle its responsibilities effectively
There is no model finance system which suits all organizations’, but there are some basic building blocks this must be put in place to achieve good practice in financial management, and the facilitator presented them as:
1.2 Accounting Records
Every organisation must keep an accurate record of financial transactions that take place to show how funds have been used. Accounting records also provide valuable information about how the organisation is being managed and whether it is achieving its objectives.
1.3 Financial Planning
This is linked to the organizations’ strategic and operational plans, the budget is the cornerstone of any financial management system and plays an important role in monitoring the use of funds.
1.4 Financial Monitoring
It is possible to produce a financial report for all stakeholders providing the organisation has a set budget and has kept and has reconciled its accounting records in a clear and timely manner. Internal budget monitoring reports help managers to monitor the progress of all projects and annual financial statements as well as provide accountability to external stakeholders.
1.5 Internal Control
This is a system of controls, checks and balances – collectively referred to as internal controls should be put in place to safeguard an organisation’s assets and manage internal risks.
TRAINING IN PRODUCT BRANDING AND MARKET PLAN DEVELOPMENT
THE CONSULTANT DURING TRAINING IN BRANDING AND MARKET PLAN DEVELOPMENT
TRCDA STAFF AND BOARD REPRESENTATIVES WHO DID BRANDING AND MARKET PLAN DEVELOPMENT TRAINING
Mpezeni Business College was engaged by Titukuke Rural Community Development Association to provide three-day training in Brand Development and Market Plan development. At the end of the training, the participants were supposed to be able to:
- Understand what Branding is
- Appreciate the value of branding
- Understand the brand development process
- Apply the brand development process by:
- Establishing the market opportunity
- Understanding their target customers.
- Considering the importance of research throughout the development process
- Determining the Unique Selling Point(s) of their product
- Identifying their brand values and brand personality.
- Naming their product
- Deciding the positioning for their product
- Planning their Brand Marketing Strategy
- Designing their product packaging
- Determining appropriate sales channels to launch their product.
- Developing tools to support the launch of their brand
- Produce a Market Plan for the cooking oil to be produced by their company to be incorporated.
THE BRAND THAT WAS DEVELOPED TO BE SEALED ON THE COOKING OIL CONTAINERS TO BE PRODUCED AT TRCDA PLANT
The organization purchased this oil expeller and an oil filter that have been installed at the plant. The funds raised at the plant shall be channeled towards the support of the office and women’s programs.
SURVEY ON MUNICIPAL PUBLIC TOILET SERVICE DELIVERY IN PETAUKE DISTRICT
TRCDA with support from GIZ Change Project, conducted a survey on public toilet service delivery by the local council whose findings are expected to be used to develop an advocacy strategy to be used to engage the service providers. Twelve (12) groups from different sectors of society were engaged through general questionnaires, structured interviews and focus group discussions 
Two of the groups participating during the focus group discussins faciliated by Titukuke Programs Coordinator. The picture below is part of the Titukuke Trust School Garden whose income helps run the school. It requires face lifting so that its turnover is increased.
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The garden is also used as a skills training centre in agriculture. Above Some youths from TRCDA Youth club practising seed sowing.
CONSTRUCTION WORKS FOR THE PIGGERY UNIT
The project is funded by Firelight Foundation of USA.It is meant to rear pigs and start up a butchery where pork products will be produced for sale to the public.The proceeds shall be channelled towards OVC school support services.
ADULT EDUCATION CLASS AT TITUKUKE TRUST SCHOOL
Adult Education starting from grade one beginners to grade seven primary school level is offered at our school.One hundred and twenty (120)adults are currently enrolled . Adult Education Class in action at Titukuke Trust School and doing very fine. We lack desks and extra classes to meet the school learning demands of youths, adults and children. Our plans are to establish a day care resource and skills center. Construct a library and waterborne ablution block.
[Image blurred to protect identity of minors]
PRE SCHOOL CHILDREN AT TITUKUKE TRUST SCHOOL
We have 60 pre-school pupils who spend the whole day at the school and parents come to get them at 16.00hours.There is high demand in this type of education because children enter into grade one with a lot of basic information and such children do very well. However, we do not have enough room to accommodate them. We require to construct two to three class room blocks just for the kids. Preschool pupils in our overcrowded classroom
CONTACT DETAILS:
We can be contacted at [email protected] Mr. George Masimba Lukwanda cell +260 977 927 884 (Executive Director) Mr. Richard Mbachundu cell +260 976 295 423 (Programs Coordinator)
CONCLUSION
We want to appreciate Village Earth for identifying TRCDA to become a Global Affilliate.It is our hope and trust that a lot of people and funding partners will recognize and support our little efforts as we try to reach out to the underprivileged society. Further appreciation goes to USADF for the start up support funds that have enabled the organization to mature into a fully-fledged civil society organization in the remote part of Eastern Province in Zambia. We cannot forget to appreciate Keepers Zambia Foundation for the technical support they are providing to TRCDA so that we achieve the attainment our goals.TRCDA shall welcome any partner who would want to partner with us in the scope of our work. We welcome both material and financial support, as well as technical support. We stand ready to avail any needed information about our work and organizational background in detail upon request.
