inability and ownership of development progress and results. We mobilize and use volunteerism as one of our most vital delivery mechanisms of social, environmental and economic transformation, ensuring a lasting impact with its ability to change people’s mindsets, attitudes and behaviors. Integrity: we prize honesty, respect, and trust in our relationships. For this reason, we make every decision with integrity and are accountable for our actions and the choices we make. Optimism: we are optimistic that poverty is not natural, it is man made and by our sincere and committed efforts, we can overcome. Courage: we have the courage to take bold actions even in the face of critics; persevere through challenging times, and pursue our vision tirelessly and with enthusiasm in creating environments where initiatives, opportunities, and team works abound. Gender equality: we believe that gender equality is a prerequisite for development. The establishment of equality of opportunities between men and women is fundamental to both achievement of fairness and to poverty elimination. Passion: we are passionate about making differences in communities we serve and cherish the diversity of cultures and nature; and work to embrace and protect them. Respect: respect for people comes first. Poverty, no matter how extreme, reduces people’s choices - not their competence and abilities. We show respect to all people with whom we are engaged; and in particular, we respect the integrity and dignity of the poor with whom we work. Development a process, not a gift: we believe that development is a process that occurs in people and is achieved by them at their pace, either on their own or with outside facilitation. We hold as a fundamental tenet that people living in absolute poverty have, in varying degrees, personal capacities, local resources and external opportunities for their own self-development. It is imperative that our work builds on these resources.
