Rural Community Development Society - RCDS

Rural Community Development Society - RCDS RCDS is working across the Punjab for over 27 years. The energetic youth group under the leadership of Mr.

Rural Community Development Society (RCDS) was established in 1995 and formally registered in 1998 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 as an integrated development organization. History of the organization
Rural Community Development Society (RCDS) started its journey of socio-economic development in 1995 with group of young professionals at small town, Mandi Faizabad (65Km distant from pro

vincial capital of Punjab province). Muhammad Murtaza envisioned an organization that would help the ultra-poor households to organize and work collectively to break the poverty cycle through provision of opportunities in Human & Institutional Development, Social Mobilization, Livelihood & Employment and Physical Infrastructure Development. The collective efforts started with the support of local philanthropists and initial years spent by the founding members for carrying out planning activities including community organization, area profiling, multi-dimensional social & development study and poverty assessment. After the successful profiling of the target area, clear goals and objectives were defined by the team and RCDS registered itself as a Society under Societies Registration Act, 1860 on July 3, 1998, at district Nankana Sahib of Punjab province with the mandate of working at provincial level in Punjab, Pakistan. Organizational policies and procedures documented and management approached different donor organization working for the socio-economic development of marginalized communities. During initial 2-3 years, RCDS established its partnership with South Asia Partnership-Pakistan and Trust for Voluntary Organization for social mobilization, rights awareness, establishment of non-formal schools, community based social enterprises and micro-loans for livelihood opportunities. However, the journey of transformational development started in 2001 after partnership with Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF). Multi-dimensional area development program including poverty scorecard, microfinance, community physical infrastructure, education and health projects initiated in district Sheikhupura and Nankana Sahib. This longstanding institutional partnership with PPAF opens up the new horizons for RCDS management and its outreach increased to 20 districts of Punjab province at the moment. So far, 765,666 households have benefitted from the services of RCDS through multi-sectoral development programs.

Empowering Champions, Inspiring Informed ChoicesUnder the Punjab Family Planning Program (PFPP), Rural Community Develop...
24/08/2026

Empowering Champions, Inspiring Informed Choices
Under the Punjab Family Planning Program (PFPP), Rural Community Development Society (RCDS), in partnership with the Punjab Population Innovation Fund (PPIF), is engaging Family Planning Champions in Kasur to strengthen community awareness by promoting informed choices about family planning.
Through community outreach and meaningful engagement, these champions help to share accurate information, address misconceptions, and connect BISP Beneficiaries with the Private Services Providers for available family planning information and services. Their efforts are helping create open, informed conversations around family planning, birth spacing, maternal health, and healthier families.
By empowering community champions with knowledge and awareness, the initiative aims to bring reliable information closer to communities and encourage individuals and couples to make informed decisions according to their needs and choices.
Together, we can promote informed choices, support healthier families, and create lasting change in communities.

RCDS' staff participated in a two-day Capacity Building Workshop on Policy Research and Advocacy, held on 12–13 August 2...
22/08/2026

RCDS' staff participated in a two-day Capacity Building Workshop on Policy Research and Advocacy, held on 12–13 August 2026 at Luxus Grand Hotel, Lahore.
The workshop was organized by Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) in collaboration with Pakistan Development Alliance (PDA), Peace and Justice Network (PJN), and National Humanitarian Network (NHN).
The initiative was supported by GIZ Participatory Local Governance Programme (PLG), co-funded by the European Union and the Federal Republic of Germany. The workshop focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of policy processes, policy analysis, advocacy objectives, evidence-based advocacy, and policy brief development.
Through practical group exercises, policy brief preparation, presentations, and peer reflection, RCDS staff enhanced their capacity to connect research, evidence, advocacy, and policy engagement. The learning will contribute to strengthening RCDS’ capacity for evidence-based policy engagement, advocacy, and meaningful participation in policy processes.

Responding to Heatwave Emergencies: Reaching the Most VulnerableUnder the Towards Greater Effectiveness & Timeliness in ...
22/08/2026

Responding to Heatwave Emergencies: Reaching the Most Vulnerable
Under the Towards Greater Effectiveness & Timeliness in Emergency Humanitarian Response (ToGETHER) Project, through the Humanitarian Operational Innovation Facility (HOIFA) and in partnership with Welthungerhilfe (WHH), Rural Community Development Society (RCDS) is supporting vulnerable communities in District Bahawalpur, Punjab, to strengthen their preparedness and resilience against the growing impacts of extreme heat.
As part of this humanitarian response, RCDS is engaging vulnerable communities, hawkers and brick kiln workers through the provision of Dry Food Ration Packs, Heatwave Survival Kits and protective umbrellas, helping vulnerable communities cope with extreme temperatures while addressing their immediate needs.
From 18–20 August 2026, RCDS conducted Feedback, Complaint and Response Mechanism (FCRM) awareness sessions with these communities in Qila Moj Garh & surrounding Bastis, Kheer Sar, Thandi Khui, Polian Wali Basti, and Basti Baryaran Wali, Tehsil Mandi Yazman, District Bahawalpur.
A total number of six awareness sessions were conducted, engaging 246 community members, including 141 males and 105 females.
The sessions strengthened participants’ understanding of available feedback and complaint channels, enabling community members to raise concerns, share suggestions, provide feedback, and seek appropriate support through established mechanisms. The discussions also emphasized the importance of accountability, safeguarding, dignity, and meaningful community participation in humanitarian interventions.
Participants were also sensitized on essential heatwave preparedness and safety measures, including maintaining adequate hydration, minimizing prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, and seeking shaded or cool environments whenever possible.
Through community-centered engagement and accessible feedback mechanisms, RCDS continues to promote accountable, inclusive, dignified, and responsive humanitarian action, ensuring that vulnerable communities are not only supported but also informed, heard, respected, and empowered to raise their concerns.
Together, we are protecting lives, strengthening accountability, and building resilient communities better prepared for climate-induced emergencies.
Welthungerhilfe
Together
Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund
British Asian Trust
Charity Right UK
Helvetas Pakistan

Strengthening Communication for Greater Impact! Rural Community Development Society (RCDS) participated in a three-day t...
21/08/2026

Strengthening Communication for Greater Impact!
Rural Community Development Society (RCDS) participated in a three-day training on “Excellence in Strategic Communication”, organized by the Center for Communication Programs Pakistan (CCP Pakistan) with the financial support of Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF).
The training focused on strategic communication, audience engagement, storytelling, digital communication, content development, media briefing, communication measurement, and information integrity.
Through interactive sessions, practical activities, case studies and group exercises, participants explored how purpose driven communication can build trust, inspire action and create lasting impact.
Learnings will further strengthen RCDS’ communication, documentation, stakeholders' engagement and project visibility efforts.
From strategy to content. From communication to action.

Building Stronger Community Institutions for Climate ResilienceRural Community Development Society (RCDS), in partnershi...
20/08/2026

Building Stronger Community Institutions for Climate Resilience
Rural Community Development Society (RCDS), in partnership with Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), is implementing the “Community-Led Reforestation Project at Rakh Dhandla, Bhakkar, Punjab.”
Strong and inclusive local institutions are fundamental to the success, ownership, and long-term sustainability of community-led development initiatives. In this context, RCDS team conducted Social Mobilization and Community Awareness Sessions in Basti Jhoke Faqeer, Union Council Rakh Dhandla.
The sessions provided an opportunity for community members to discuss their collective needs, understand the importance of organized community action, and explore their role in the protection and restoration of local natural resources. This will develop local ownership.
Through these mobilization and awareness activities, RCDS is encouraging local communities to actively participate in the planning, implementation forestation protection, activities.
Strong community institutions are the foundation for sustainable change. By fostering local leadership and collective action, the project aims to contribute towards a greener, more resilient, and environmentally responsible future for Rakh Dhandla and its communities.
Together, we can strengthen community institutions, restore our environment, and build a more climate-resilient future.

Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund
Welthungerhilfe
British Asian Trust
Helvetas Pakistan
Charity Right UK

On World Humanitarian Day, we honour the spirit of compassion, courage, and service that inspires people to stand with c...
19/08/2026

On World Humanitarian Day, we honour the spirit of compassion, courage, and service that inspires people to stand with communities in times of need.
At RCDS, we believe humanitarian action is not only about responding to crises it is about empowering communities, restoring dignity, building resilience, and creating hope for a better tomorrow.
Empathy in Action: Uniting Hearts, Transforming Lives.

Responding to Heatwave Emergencies: Reaching the Most VulnerableRural Community Development Society (RCDS) is conducting...
19/08/2026

Responding to Heatwave Emergencies: Reaching the Most Vulnerable
Rural Community Development Society (RCDS) is conducting assessment of vulnerable hawkers and brick kiln workers for the distribution of Heatwave Survival Kits and protective umbrellas. The activity is being carried out under the project, Towards Greater Effectiveness & Timeliness in Emergency Humanitarian Response (ToGETHER) Project, through the Humanitarian Operational Innovation Facility (HOIFA), in partnership with Welthungerhilfe (WHH).
The initiative aims to identify and support the most vulnerable outdoor workers who face prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures while pursuing their livelihoods. Hawkers, in particular, often travel between villages, towns, and markets to sell their products, while brick kiln workers remain exposed to intense heat for extended working hours. These working conditions significantly increase their risk of heat-related illness and other health hazards.
RCDS is implementing the intervention in District Bahawalpur. Based on the ongoing assessment, 500 Heatwave Survival Kits and 400 large protective umbrellas will be provided to eligible hawkers and brick kiln workers. The assistance is designed to help reduce their exposure to extreme heat while enabling them to continue their livelihood activities with greater safety and dignity.
The workers in the targeted areas of Bahawalpur, particularly those travelling to far-off villages and working outdoors for prolonged periods, face significant challenges due to extreme temperatures. Limited livelihood alternatives further increase their vulnerability and make timely humanitarian support particularly important.
Through the provision of Heatwave Survival Kits and protective umbrellas, the intervention will contribute to reducing heat-related health risks, strengthening protection for vulnerable workers, and supporting the continuity of their livelihoods.
Through this initiative, RCDS continues to promote timely, dignified, inclusive, and community-centered humanitarian action, while strengthening climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and community resilience in the face of increasing climate-related challenges.
Together, we are protecting lives, strengthening resilience, and helping vulnerable communities adapt to a changing climate.

Responding to Heatwave Emergencies: Reaching the Most VulnerableRural Community Development Society (RCDS) has successfu...
15/08/2026

Responding to Heatwave Emergencies: Reaching the Most Vulnerable
Rural Community Development Society (RCDS) has successfully completed door-to-door household assessments for the distribution of Dry Food Ration Packs under the Heatwave Response in Vulnerable communities of Bahawalpur district. The intervention is being implemented through the Towards Greater Effectiveness & Timeliness in Emergency Humanitarian Response (ToGETHER) Project, under the Humanitarian Operational Innovation Facility (HOIFA) in partnership with Welthungerhilfe.
The initiative aims to identify and support communities most vulnerable to the growing impacts of extreme heat, particularly those facing food insecurity, water scarcity, and limited livelihood opportunities.
RCDS is implementing the project in Union Councils Chanan Peer and Kheer Sar, Tehsil Mandi Yazman, District Bahawalpur. The assessment of 500 vulnerable households for Dry Food Ration Packs has now been successfully completed. Following this, the RCDS field team has commenced the assessment of hawkers, brick kiln workers & etc. who are highly exposed to extreme heat and will be considered for the provision of heatwave survival kits and protective umbrellas.
Communities in the targeted areas of the Cholistan Desert face prolonged periods of extreme temperatures, water scarcity, and limited livelihood opportunities. The recurring heatwave conditions significantly affect their health, productivity, and earning capacity, further increasing their vulnerability to food insecurity and climate-related risks.
Based on the completed assessment, 500 vulnerable households will receive Dry Food Ration Packages to support their immediate food security needs. In parallel, hawkers and brick kiln workers, who spend extended hours working outdoors under extreme temperatures, will receive heatwave survival kits and protective umbrellas to help reduce heat-related health risks while supporting the continuity of their livelihoods.
Through this initiative, RCDS continues to promote timely, dignified, and community-centered humanitarian action, while strengthening climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and resilience among communities facing increasing climate-related challenges.
Together, we are protecting lives, strengthening resilience, and helping vulnerable communities adapt to a changing climate.
Partners & Supporters

Welthungerhilfe
Together
Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund
Provincial Disaster Management Authority, Government of Punjab
British Asian Trust
Charity Right Pakistan

Welthungerhilfe (WHH) | ToGETHER Programme | HOIFA

Celebrating the Spirit of Freedom at Rumi Grammar Girls' High School! 🇵🇰Rumi Grammar Girls' High School, a flagship proj...
13/08/2026

Celebrating the Spirit of Freedom at Rumi Grammar Girls' High School! 🇵🇰

Rumi Grammar Girls' High School, a flagship project of Rural Community Development Society (RCDS), proudly celebrated Pakistan Independence Day 14 August, 2026 with enthusiasm, patriotism, and pride.

The celebration brought together students and teachers to honour the sacrifices of our national heroes and reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive Pakistan.

Let’s continue to learn, grow, and contribute towards a stronger Pakistan.

Pakistan Zindabad! 🇵🇰
Embassy of Japan in Pakistan
Welthungerhilfe
Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund
British Asian Trust
Helvetas Pakistan
Kindernothilfe E.V.
Charity Right UK

Address

Head Office/--/Rural Community Development Society/---/D-4, Phase 2, Al-Rehman Garden, Sharaqpur Road
Lahore

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00
Saturday 09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+924237170280

Website

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