Policy Statement

ARA is committed to achieving long-term development, not short -terms solutions in its quest of improving the living of the rural folks. We believe that the human resource activities in our projects have the greatest long-term impact. We respect the needs, values, traditions and mentality of the communities in which we work, while encouraging their capacity to advance their own development.In realizing these objectives ARA undertakes projects in the areas of environmental protection, agricultural development, rural infrastructure, renewable energies, health, education, youth mobilization/ international youth work camps and internship placements. ARA has established partnerships with a number of Africa-based and abroad NGOs to promote the vision of sustainable development in rural communities.

Aims and Objectives

ARA has the following aims and objectives for achieving sustainable development in rural communities in Ghana. Among which are:

1. To create the public awareness and interest for the need to improve the ecological, social and economic welfare of the rural settlements.

2. To develop and implement grassroots campaigns on agricultural and environmental issues.

3. To initiate sustainable rural self-help projects, with the aim of food security and income generating.

4. To promote long term employment opportunities for young people in the rural areas.

5. To create vocational training for youth and especially women.

6. To organise international youth work camps and internship placements during vacations for rural development activities.

7. To develop links with national and international NGO`s and community-based organisation to galvanize efforts for effective collaborations in rural development.

Founder

ARA was founded by Mr.Kingsley Nii-Addy, a Ghanaian who studied at the faculty of International Agricultural Development at the Technical University of Berlin. He graduated and specialised in international rural development. Motivated through his working experience in both, national and international development organisations, and his interest and competence in organising international cultural exchange among youths he and other qualified Ghanaians in the field of rural development projects founded ARA in 1995.


Membership

We are women and men, mostly between the ages of 20 and 30, who are of different social backgrounds, skills and qualification. In our quest to realize the aims and objectives of ARA the members contribute immensely by way of participating in ARA work camps and its various projects. Membership is open to all adults who have the development of our rural areas at hearts and are prepared to work voluntarily. Currently ARA strives on the dedication and devotion of its approximately 150 active volunteers in Ghana. Also European volunteers have the opportunity to contribute administratively and practically to the welfare of the organisation. One staff is employed by ARA in Ghana.