RUCNET – Ghana   

In 1999, the efforts of a few concerned individuals gave way to a local organization in Ghana that would address poor living conditions in rural communities. The Rural Care Network, or RUCNET as it is known, provides sustainable interventions that improve the lives of children and women in such deprived areas of the country.  As is true in many impoverished regions, children and women suffer most from hours of physical labor working outdoors and searching for safe, clean water; from lack of education; and from other necessities of daily living.

The Western Union Foundation was pleased to support RUCNET with a $50,000 grant to help improve basic conditions in several rural areas of Ghana.  A large portion of the donation supported the Rural Mountain Water Project, which placed large water tanks in villages with little or no water, therefore making clean drinking water available to everyone.  The program contributes to the overall health of the village and allows young girls to attend school rather than walking hours to retrieve water. 

The gift also allowed RUCNET to build rooms to two existing schools in the villages of Abasua and Bonkwasa, allowing school children to learn in an environment protected from harsh sun and rain.  Finally, funds also provided protein supplements for malnourished children at the Children’s Welfare Clinic in Kumasi.