Economic and Human Resource Impacts of Rotary Club Intervention on Youth Wellbeing in Africa: A Diary Study Approach

17-28

Abstract

Purpose: African youth, who make up more than 60% of the continent’s population, continue to face persistent challenges such as limited access to healthcare, educational disparities, gender inequities, and high unemployment, all of which undermine their overall well-being. This study aims to examine the contributions of Rotary Clubs to the well-being of African youth by identifying key community-based initiatives and assessing stakeholder perceptions of their impact.

Methodology: The study employed a qualitative diary research design using thematic analysis of 486 public X (formerly Twitter) posts published between 2020 and 2025 by Rotary and Rotaract accounts in Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and South Africa. Data triangulation with web-based reports was conducted to ensure validity, focusing on Rotary initiatives related to health, education, gender equity, water and sanitation, and peacebuilding.

Result: Findings revealed that health and disease prevention initiatives accounted for the largest proportion of activities (38.7%), followed by menstrual health and girls’ empowerment (19.8%), education and vocational training (15.8%), water, sanitation, and hygiene (13%), and peacebuilding (12.8%). Stakeholder sentiments were predominantly positive, emphasizing the perceived impact of Rotary’s interventions on youth well-being.

Novelty and contribution: The study provides a novel digital ethnographic perspective on how Rotary Clubs contribute to youth development across Africa, highlighting their localized, community-driven approach as a more adaptable and effective model compared to conventional top-down NGO strategies.

Practical and social implications: The findings underscore the importance of expanding Rotary’s digital engagement, strengthening partnerships, promoting gender-focused programs, and establishing systematic evaluation frameworks to ensure sustainable and scalable impact on African youth well-being.