RAINS is dedicated to improving the lives of women, girls, youth, and other vulnerable groups in Northern Ghana. With over 30 years of experience, RAINS has built a strong legacy of working collaboratively with communities, governments, and civil society to address evolving challenges such as advancing girls’ education, combating child exploitation, and providing skills training & employment opportunities.
The Differentiator
RAINS implements a range of programs to improve the livelihoods of marginalized groups. They have pioneered creating employment opportunities in diverse industries and led in the creation of sustainable structures that continue to advance opportunities for all. Projects include the establishment of a Rural Bank for financial inclusion and the establishment of the only All Girls Senior High School in the Northern region of Ghana.
Why Their Work Matters
Northern Ghana lags significantly behind Southern Ghana in terms of development, multidimensional poverty incidence and living standards. RAINS responds to the immediate and long-term needs of marginalized communities, providing tailored and inclusive support mechanisms so that people are able to successfully pursue educational and vocational pathways or use their skills to set themselves on a path to employment and economic empowerment.
- Ghana
- Education and Livelihoods
- 30,000+ plus vulnerable people including women and children have improved access to social services in education, agriculture, safeguarding and child protection, and gender and women empowerment.
- 3,349 youth including women, trained in employable skills through technical vocational education and training (TVET), enabling them to start businesses or gain employment
At the national level, RAINS is actively involved in influencing child-centered teaching and learning methodologies by integrating school gardens into educational outcomes. Additionally, in collaboration with prominent national and development actors, RAINS is working to promote positive health practices and increase the demand for health services.
Hardi Tijani
Hardi Tijani is a seasoned development practitioner with extensive experience, particularly in executive roles. Currently serving as the Executive Director of RAINS, he provides technical and administrative leadership for strategies aimed at enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable groups and communities in Northern Ghana. Leading a team that implements integrated programming, Hardi collaborates with communities, relevant government agencies, and development partners to deliver impactful interventions in education, skills development, food security, livelihoods, health, nutrition, youth, and community resilience.
His expertise extends to local economic development, inclusive development, and addressing climate change and environmental issues. Hardi has engaged with various stakeholders, from grassroots communities to civil society, private sector actors, and development partners. Holding a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management, he has additional qualifications from short-term training, including Facilitation and Training Skills for Community Change from the Coady Institute, St. Francis Xavier University, Canada, and a Danida Fellow on Organizational Development and Management.
Actively involved in civic leadership, Hardi serves on the Board of several CSOs, including SDD and WOSAG. He currently holds the position of Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Tamale Girls Senior High School (TGSS), Ghana.