ICA-Africa June 2024 Newsletter
Naija CooperativeNews |
| ICA-Africa June 2024 Newsletter |
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| In celebration of the International Day of Cooperatives, on July 6, 2024, this edition of the newsletter showcases the pivotal role that cooperatives play in building a sustainable future for all. |
| Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All |
| Empowering Communities: Awach Foundation’s Commitment to Social Responsibility |
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| Awach Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (Awach SACCOS) has demonstrated a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility by establishing the Awach Foundation. This foundation, which was licensed in 2022, receives 5% of Awach SACCOS’ annual surplus to support various community initiatives. The foundation’s mission is to support and uplift vulnerable groups within the community. Currently operating in Addis Ababa’s Yeka Sub City and Oromia Region’s Chancho City, it provides six main services, including education, feeding programs for children living in poverty, healthcare, and support for the elderly. In the Oromia region, the foundation is currently supporting the education of 205 students by covering the cost of uniforms, stationery, and teacher salaries. In Addis Ababa, the foundation collaborates with Marry Joy Ethiopia to support 68 children, and also provides monthly sponsorship to an additional 80 children, covering their educational and food needs. Each sponsored child receives 600 birr, which helps cover stationery and food expenses. The foundation also works closely with the families of these children, ensuring holistic support. Through the establishment of the Awach Foundation, Awach SACCOS has shown a deep commitment to building a better future for all, by leveraging its financial resources to empower and uplift the communities it serves. |
| Oaziz Energy Cooperative: Pioneering Sustainable Solutions for Moroccan Oases |
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| Oaziz Energy Cooperative is at the forefront of sustainable innovation in Morocco’s Tafilalet region, focusing on the agricultural, energy, and environmental sectors. Founded in 2020 by Mohamed Amine Mamouni Alaoui and eight young co-founders, the cooperative aims to combat the decline of oasis areas by valorizing palm waste, transforming it into biochar to enhance agricultural soils and green charcoal for cooking. These high-value products are part of the cooperative’s mission to preserve oasis biodiversity and contribute to local tourism. By addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development, Oaziz Energy Cooperative exemplifies how cooperatives can build a better future for all. Learn more about Oaziz Energy Cooperative and their sustainable initiatives here. |
| Shorobe Basketry Multipurpose Co-operative Society Limited Weaves a Path to Sustainable Livelihoods for Women in Botswana |
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| The Shorobe Basketry Multipurpose Cooperative Society, based in Shorobe Village in Botswana’s North-West District, is a women-oriented cooperative comprised of skilled basket weavers and wood carvers. Since its registration in 2010, the cooperative has been dedicated to achieving sustainable livelihoods and improving the socio-economic status of its members, most of whom are single parents providing for their families. Through the cooperative, these women are able to sell their beautifully crafted baskets and earn income to support their families, thereby achieving financial freedom, self-reliance, and dignity. The cooperative’s efforts not only empower women economically but also help preserve the traditional art of basket weaving, which is passed down through generations. |
| Nahla Al Hamra Cooperative: A Women-Led Cooperative Cultivating Sustainable Beekeeping Practices |
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| Nahla Al Hamra Cooperative, founded on May 21, 2013, is a women-led cooperative that excels in agriculture and beekeeping. Specializing in the cultivation of bees and the production and marketing of honey, royal jelly, and propolis, the cooperative is committed to sustainable practices and quality, ensuring that each product reflects the rich natural resources of the Casablanca-Settat Region in Morocco. |
| Upcoming Events |
| ICA to Host Global Cooperative Conference 2024 in New Delhi, to Kick Off the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 |
 The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) is set to host its Global Cooperative Conference in New Delhi, India, from November 25-30, 2024, to kick-start the International Year of Cooperatives 2025. This event will unite leaders, colleagues, academics, and changemakers from the world’s 3 million cooperative businesses to explore the theme “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All”. For further details and registration, visit their conference website. |
| 24th SACCA Congress |
 The 2024 SACCA Congress, Africa’s largest annual financial cooperative event, will be hosted in Naivasha, Kenya from October 6-12, 2024. Organized by the Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (KUSCCO), African Confederation of Cooperative Savings and Credit Associations (ACCOSCA), and Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, the Congress aims to unite the SACCO sector to explore opportunities, address challenges, and showcase cooperatives’ role in sustainable development. To register, click here: GTR (gtrnow.com) |
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