RDMC’s objective is to develop a solid, long-term relationship and development strategy with stakeholders based on trust, respect, transparency and partnership. It is this primacy of partnership that is central to our community development initiatives, focused on five sustainable development pillars:
In accordance with our philosophy to partner, our community development initiatives are decided upon and implemented through Community Development Committees (CDCs). The role of the CDCs is to allocate the community development and investment budget to those initiatives most desired by the local community and improve living standards of local communities through access to quality education, health, clean drinking water and income generation opportunities.
The CDCs are advisory groups comprised of 95% elected community members. The CDCs provide a forum for two-way dialogue and to foster broad community support. The CDCs are self-directed but are guided by core development principles.
The CDC process follows the following steps:
RDMC is committed to improving local community services and is working in partnership with the CDCs to install potable water treatment systems in these communities. The community water supplies around the Project are generally sourced from discrete, relatively shallow, and typically brackish groundwater units and for some communities this is the first time they have had access to reliable, potable quality water.
Potable water treatment plants have been installed in Humai, Mashki Chah and Nok Chah villages, with additional treatments planned for installation in the coming months.
RDMC, in partnership with the CDCs and the not-for-profit educational service provider Progressive Education Network (PEN) have a clear aim to uplift educational services in District Chagai.
To date, seven primary schools have been reestablished, and all schools have fully qualified teachers with additional training and support provided by PEN in the areas of classroom management and lesson planning.
Schools are also provided with all of the necessary equipment including furniture, stationery, textbooks, school bags, uniforms and teaching material. Currently more than 403 students are enrolled in these RDMC supported schools.
The RDMC Scholarship Program has recently been launched to support students from seven RDMC-funded primary schools in District Chagai as they transition to middle school. In collaboration with the Progressive Education Network (PEN), this initiative is designed to provide deserving students from underprivileged backgrounds with continued access to quality education. By easing the financial burden on families, the program aims to create meaningful opportunities for academic growth and a brighter, more empowered future for the children of Chagai.
RDMC, in partnership with the Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN), has embarked on delivering healthcare services across district Chagai, where access to healthcare and laboratory services is severely limited. The idea is to enhance the access to healthcare services and improve the quality of life of these communities through timely provision of free healthcare services and preventive care education programs. Community health centers have been established Humai and Nok Kundi and a Mobile Health Unit has also been established to provide services to some of the smaller settlements.
Currently these health facilities are providing primary healthcare services including general medical care, maternal, neonatal and child health, and sexual and reproductive health services as well as laboratory services. In Nok Kundi, 24/7 emergency and midwifery services are also available to minimize accidental and maternal morbidity and mortality outcomes. In addition to the curative services, IHHN is also focusing on preventive care through its regular community education program to improve the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the communities.