SWRI International Projects

An international project is identified biennially by the Education and International Committee. In the past members have raised money to send livestock to Uganda, support a self-help horticultural project in the Gambia, to dig wells, to demonstrate patchwork to Romanian women, for the prevention of River Blindness in Sierra Leone, raising funds to purchase livestock for village communities in South West Tanzania and for school feeding projects in communities where poverty and hunger prevent children from gaining a education.

The next international project is the Mary’s Meals Backpack Project, which asks for backpacks filled with basic educational materials to send to children receiving Mary’s Meals.    The project will run until 31 May 2013.

The Scottish Women's Rural Institutes and ACWW

SWRI is a member society of the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW), the largest international organisation for rural women. Active in over 70 countries, ACWW works worldwide, offering support, friendship and practical help. It has consultative status with several UN agencies.

ACWW's practical support is through projects, which are assessed and monitored to ensure successful outcomes. Funds from Pennies for Friendship, donated by members worldwide, are the main source of income, supporting all activities. Thus SWRI members have the opportunity to provide support and educational opportunities for women and families in less developed areas of the world.

ACWW holds a Triennial World Conference at which matters of common interest and concern are discussed. SWRI is represented by five voting delegates; other individual members of ACWW may attend.

The 2013 Conference will be held in Chennai, India from 26 September – 2 October 2013.  The theme of the conference is Empowering Women Worldwide, Encourage, Educate, Enrich.

Information on ACWW and application forms for individual membership (annual subscription £20) can be obtained from SWRI Headquarters.