Our programs
-
Home
-
Our programs
Explore Our Core Values
At Rural Smiles Foundation, our core values guide every action, decision, and partnership. They reflect our unwavering commitment to dignity, inclusion, justice, and empowerment for rural communities. These values are more than words — they are the foundation of our programs, the spirit of our advocacy, and the heart of every smile we help create.
Community-Driven Action
We listen to, learn from, and work alongside the communities we serve to ensure every project is owned, inclusive, and sustainable.
Learn More
Rights-Based Approach
Human dignity is the foundation of our work. We recognize that access to healthcare, education, technology, and justice are not privileges — they are rights. Through a rights-based lens, we center the voices of the marginalized and advocate for equitable service delivery and protection of fundamental freedoms.
Learn More
Innovation for Impact
We embrace creativity and bold thinking to address rural development challenges with fresh eyes. From introducing digital literacy programs in remote schools to leveraging mobile platforms for advocacy, we seek out scalable solutions that are responsive to the evolving needs of the communities we serve.
Learn More
Transparency & Accountability
Trust is earned through consistency, honesty, and openness. We are committed to transparent financial management, responsible governance, and regular community reporting. Our accountability practices ensure that donors, partners, and community members can trust how we operate and how resources are used.
Learn More
Our Thematic Areas
Each focus area is designed to drive sustainable change, empower marginalized voices, and build a future where health, digital access, economic opportunity, and social inclusion are realities for all.
Health and Health Rights
At Rural Smiles Foundation, we believe that health is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. Our Health and Health Rights program works to ensure that rural and marginalized communities have access to quality, affordable, and rights-based healthcare services. We focus on: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR): Providing education, counseling, and referrals for youth, women, and vulnerable groups. Cancer Awareness and Early Detection: Mobilizing rural women for cervical and breast cancer screening through community campaigns and mobile clinics. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support: Offering counseling services and creating safe spaces for survivors of gender-based violence and trauma. Health Rights Advocacy: Empowering communities to know and claim their rights to health, and engaging policymakers to improve healthcare access and infrastructure. Our approach strengthens local health systems, challenges stigma, and uplifts voices demanding better healthcare outcomes.
Digital Rights and Internet Freedom
Access to technology and information is vital in today’s world. Through our Digital Rights and Internet Freedom program, we empower rural communities with the skills, knowledge, and protections needed to thrive in the digital age. We focus on: Digital Literacy and Education: Providing ICT training to students, teachers, and community members in underserved areas. Internet Safety and Freedom Advocacy: Educating youth and human rights defenders about online safety, digital rights, privacy, and freedom of expression. Bridging the Digital Divide: Setting up community ICT hubs and initiatives that bring affordable technology access to rural areas. Digital Storytelling for Advocacy: Training communities to use digital tools for civic participation, advocacy, and human rights defense. We ensure that rural voices are not left behind in the digital revolution — protecting their rights and amplifying their impact.
Economic Rights and Empowerment
Poverty reduction and sustainable growth start with empowerment. Our Economic Rights and Empowerment program builds pathways for vulnerable individuals and communities to achieve financial independence and dignity. We focus on: Vocational and Skills Training: Equipping women, youth, and marginalized groups with hands-on skills to create sustainable livelihoods. Microfinance and Rural Enterprise Support: Providing small loans, seed grants, and financial literacy training through initiatives like the Rural Smiles Fund. Entrepreneurship Development: Supporting the creation of small businesses and cooperatives that are community-owned and community-driven. Advocating for Economic Justice: Promoting policies and practices that protect rural entrepreneurs, workers, and informal sector players. We envision economically resilient communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
What people say
Hear directly from the voices that matter most — the women, youth, leaders, and advocates whose lives have been transformed through our programs. These stories reflect the heart of our impact and the strength of our community partnerships. 💬✨
Before Rural Smiles Foundation came to our village, cancer was a silent killer. Women didn’t talk about it, and we had no idea where to go for help. Today, I’m one of the trained cancer ambassadors. I’ve helped five women get screened and referred — one of them told me I saved her life. I’m proud to be part of the change.
I was on the verge of losing my land after my husband died. Local leaders were not listening. But Rural Smiles Foundation trained us, mobilized our voices, and helped us access legal help. Today I stand tall, land title in hand, and I now support other widows to know their rights.
As a local council leader, I’ve seen many NGOs come and go. But Rural Smiles Foundation is different — they involve the community in everything they do. From planning to implementation, they respect us. We don’t just receive help; we’re part of the solution.
The Rural Smiles Foundation has been a game-changer for our district. Their commitment to improving health services, empowering our youth economically, and bridging the digital divide has transformed countless lives in our communities. Through their innovative programs, they have brought hope and opportunity to those who need it most. We are proud to partner with such a dedicated organization that truly understands the needs of rural communities and delivers impactful solutions.
I've had the pleasure of volunteering with Rural Smiles Foundation for the past year, and I've seen firsthand the incredible impact they have on rural communities. Their dedication to providing access to education and healthcare is truly inspiring. The team is passionate, friendly, and always goes above and beyond to make a difference. If you're looking for a trustworthy organization to support, look no further! Rural Smiles Foundation is doing vital work and deserves our support. Keep shining!
Social Inclusion
We are committed to building a society where every individual — regardless of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background — can live with dignity, respect, and equal opportunity. Through our Social Inclusion efforts, we: Promote basic Rights and Safety: Advocating for inclusive spaces and protections for marginalized groups such as people living with disabilities. Champion the Rights of Widows and Single Mothers: Defending land rights, inheritance rights, and economic inclusion for women left vulnerable by discriminatory practices. Support Youth and People with Disabilities: Ensuring that young people and persons with disabilities have access to education, skills training, leadership opportunities, and services. Combat Stigma and Discrimination: Running awareness campaigns and dialogues that break down barriers to inclusion across all aspects of community life. At Rural Smiles Foundation, inclusion is not an add-on — it is the foundation of everything we do.