Based in Maryland. Rooted in Cameroon.
The Legacy Action and Royal Development Initiatives is an international nonprofit advancing equitable, healthy, resilient and sustainable communities.
Who we are
Organizational status
- Registered
- U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Maryland
- Accredited
- United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
- Founded
- 2021
- Works in
- Cameroon and the United States
- Governed by
- A Board of Directors, with advisory support
Our mission
LARDIN empowers individuals and communities to build equitable, healthy, resilient and sustainable futures.
We advance opportunities for women and girls, youth and underserved communities through quality education, leadership and skills development, economic empowerment, food security, health equity, environmental protection, climate resilience and community-led action.
Our vision
A world where every person, especially women, girls, youth and underserved communities, has the opportunity to learn, lead, thrive, and live in a healthy, equitable and sustainable environment.
Local action. Global partnerships. Lasting impact.
Why we exist, and why Cameroon
Across underserved communities, people face connected challenges: limited access to education and skills, economic exclusion, preventable health inequities and environmental degradation. Each one reinforces the others.
Cameroon is LARDIN’s impact and innovation hub. Its social, economic and environmental contexts reflect challenges faced by many communities across Africa and beyond. By working there, LARDIN:
- Designs and pilots inclusive development models
- Strengthens local institutions and leadership
- Develops approaches that can be adapted and scaled internationally
Five principles guide our work
Equity & inclusion
Gender equality and disability inclusion are embedded across all programs.
Community leadership
We work with communities, not for them, prioritizing local ownership and voice.
Practical solutions
Skills, stronger systems and locally appropriate strategies, not short-term aid.
Sustainability
Environmental protection and climate resilience are central to long-term impact.
Scalability & learning
Programs are designed to generate evidence and models that can be replicated.
Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals
A word from our founder
“Born and raised in Cameroon, I witnessed firsthand the challenges communities face, from limited access to education and healthcare to economic hardship and environmental threats. These experiences inspired me to create LARDIN.”
Geraldine D. MusiFounder, President and Chief Executive Officer
LARDIN was founded in 2021 with a commitment to turning community needs into meaningful action. From its roots in Cameroon it is now expanding from its Maryland base while continuing community-led work in Cameroon and beyond.
Leadership and governance
Ethical leadership, transparency and accountability, written down and enforced.
Board of Directors
The Board provides strategic oversight, fiduciary responsibility and policy guidance.
Policies we maintain
- Conflict of interest policy
- Financial oversight and internal controls
- Safeguarding and ethical conduct policies
- Gender equality and disability inclusion commitments
Advisory support
Advisors in education, environmental sustainability, public health, gender equality, disability inclusion, and monitoring and evaluation guide program design and learning.
Development starts with action. Yours can start today.
Give once, give monthly, or give your time.