The Rwanda Development Organisation (RDO) held a two-day annual retreat bringing together staff, board members, experts, beneficiaries, donor representatives and government officials. The retreat was held from 20 – 21 February 2020 at Dereva Hotel in Rwamagana.
During the event, RDO staff had an opportunity to interact between themselves and different partners discussing strategies to position the organisation strategically and maximise ways of delivering better services.
The Governor of the Eastern Province, Fred Mufulukye commended RDO for what the organisation is doing in his province which is impactful to communities and changing people’s lives for the better.
Governor Mufulukye observed that RDO is significant to the Eastern Province and he requested for the organisation to scale up its interventions and continue to touch more lives.
He said that they were also committed to continue working with Rwanda Development Organisation.
Angelo Semwaga, the Vice-Chair of RDO Board of Director applauded the work that all staff is doing in improving the welfare of Rwandans and to thanked partners for their commitments to ensure that RDO delivers.
He maintained that RDO is best local non-governmental organisation in Rwanda and its partners should feel proud to be part of the organisation. He echoed a change in the usual way of working, calling for doing things better.
“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.
Dony Mazungaizo, Trocaire Country Director while discussing RDO sustainability in the wake of global economic issues and decline in donor funding said that capacity building was an important component to empower organisations with skills set.
Other partners highlighted the shifting of mindsets, positioning the organisation strategically and always be on the look for emerging opportunities.
The Executive Secretary of RDO, Eugene Rwibasira underlined that 2020 is a special year for the organisation. RDO having been established in 1995 will be celebrating silver anniversary in November this year.
Rwibasira welcomed the insightful discussions and ideas crafted during the course of two days that will help draft yet another strategic plan to guide the organisation in the years ahead.
He applauded the participation of everyone during the 2020 annual retreat and called for rejuvenated efforts as everyone goes back to their work.
The second day of the retreat focused on looking at the strategic plans of the organisation which was kicked off by expert review, reporting on the implementation of the strategic plan, identifying gaps and new ideas for the upcoming strategic plan.
Group discussions were conducted focusing on bridging gaps identified and new ideas for the new strategy as the organisation’s three-year strategic plan expires by the end of this year. After the discussions, presentations were made from respective groups.
The retreat is held once every year and is conducted to help Rwanda Development Organisation to have time to reflect, account and to collectively strategize for the future.
