Questions/Answers
Question 1
Please describe the objective of the initiative introduced (200 words maximum)
To be able to support orphans from a young age until they graduate from University, and are able to support themselves and their families by becoming an asset to society
-To provide support to widows in terms of livelihood and other essential needs so that they are empowered
-To continue to be a safe and trusted channel to deliver humanitarian aid and assistance to those who are challenged
Question 2
Please explain how the initiative is linked to the category and criteria selected (100 words maximum)
The Royal Charity Organization embraces working by creativity, integrity, transparency, fairness, proficiency, respect and teamwork; this is manifested in our values. The organization is structured in a way that ensures extending our assistance and support to the less fortunate individuals and entities. We seek providing sustainable solutions that would support our/other community on the long run.
Question 3
Please describe in what ways the initiative is contributing to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the realization of the SDGs. Specify which SDG(s) it is relevant to. (100 words maximum)
Of the 17 SDGs, we are geared towards contributing to 7: No Poverty, No Hunger, Good Health and well being, Quality Education, Decent work and Economic Growth, Partnership for the Goals
We always aim to continually provide sustainable means of living for families of widows and orphans, we make sure that we are not only providing food on their table for a few days. We help them to become equipped with skills and knowledge in order to make their own way into becoming a better part of society. Starting with education and knowledge sharing, these goals are collectively reached.
Question 4
The initiative must have positive impact on a group or groups of the population, especially the vulnerable (i.e. children, women, older persons, people with disabilities, etc.) within the context of your country or region. Please explain how the initiative has addressed a significant shortfall in governance, public administration or public service within the context of a given country or region. (200 words maximum)
The Royal Charity Organization (RCO) focuses on being a provider for the families of orphans and widows. In certain areas of the MENA region, these individuals are neglected and not given the aid/ relief in terms of providing their basic needs.
Through the RCO, we have become parents to these orphans, by supporting their needs as well as their lifelong dreams. They study and graduate from Universities, and work to become the supporters of their families. As a result, the community benefits as a whole.
As for the widows, they are taught to study, work and develop their skillful talents to sustain a decent living for themselves and their families. We empower and rehabilitate them psychologically in order to move on from a difficult phase of life, to the beginning of another.
On an international level, RCO shares and provides humanitarian aid to all nations when needed; men, women and children alike.
Question 5
a. Please explain in which way the initiative is innovative in the context of your country or region (100 words maximum)
The initiative is innovative, as we are the only organization focused on widows and orphans precisely. Even though the resources may be limited, we come up with solutions that are both sustainable and practical to resolve problems.
As an example, we have development projects implemented with different corporations in Bahrain to support our individuals. We hold many fundraising events and projects, that provide a constant source of income to the less fortunate groups.
On the international level, in Pakistan, instead of sending them water bottles during the relief operation, we established water purifying units.
b. Please describe if the innovation is original or if it is an adaptation from other contexts (100 words maximum)
The benevolent path is a route for everyone, however, our specialization factor is new to Bahrain.
Question 6
Has the initiative been transferred and adapted to in other contexts (e.g. other cities, countries or regions) to your organization’s knowledge? If yes, please explain (100 words maximum)
Yes, the initiative has been transferred differently in several countries for instance Egypt. It now has an organization known as “Bait Al Zakaat”. Their organization is different, but it is based on using donations to support a wider sector of the general population
Question 7
a. What resources (i.e. financial, human or others) were used to implement the initiative? (100 words maximum)
- We fully engage the members of the organization as volunteers to various fundraising activities. They invest time and effort towards any activity that we do for the benefit of those in need
- We establish different fund raising activities, donation drives, knowledge sharing in order for our objectives become known and widespread to the society
b. Please describe whether and how the initiative is sustainable (covering the social, economic and environmental aspects) (200 words maximum)
The initiative is sustainable because as mentioned, there are resources put in place in order to continue to support the orphans and widows. Apart from this, a culture of giving is being disseminated to the society so that the community, as one unit, will work towards a goal of being charitable to one another.
Question 8
a. Has the initiative been formally evaluated either through internal or external evaluation?
Yes
RCO has regular internal evaluations in order to check on the systems in place. We have been evaluated externally by Bureau Veritas Certification
b. Please describe the indicators that were used (100 words maximum)
We were evaluated within the scope of certification of Provision of Sponsorship to Orphans and Widows
c. Please describe the outcome of the evaluation (100 words maximum)
Royal Charity Organization has been awarded with ISO 9001:2015 certification
Question 9
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development puts emphasis on collaboration, engagement, coordination, partnerships, and inclusion. Please describe what and how stakeholders were engaged in designing, implementing and evaluating the initiative. Please also highlight their roles and contributions (200 words maximum)
Several stakeholders assisted in the continuity and successfulness of the initiative:
- Bahraini corporations that supported and funded our fundraising projects and events.
- Hospitals, clinics and doctors that provided free or economic healthcare services to RCO
- Universities and schools that provided free or discounted education to RCO orphans
- Trainers that developed the skills and talents of orphans and widows.
- RCO’s fellow employees who try to help all, without leaving anyone behind.
- Orphans and widows who go through a long journey to become better versions of themselves.
- The public who contribute from all parts of the world to support a cause.
Question 10
Please describe the key lessons learned, and any view you have on how to further improve the initiative (100 words maximum)
We learned that little drops of water make the ocean, there is no small way in reaching out and in being helpful. Every single act counts, whether it is by donating your time, effort and/or money.
Improving the initiative demands constant work to ensure its continuity and sustainability to help those in need. We are committed to rise above all challenges, for a greater good.
We are driven by benevolence, and even though the resources are limited, we leave no one behind.