who we are

[qodef_section_title type=”standard” position=”center” title_tag=”h4″ disable_break_words=”no” title=”how we work”][qodef_workflow animate=”yes”][qodef_workflow_item title=”we improve lives” text=”our focus is on improving the lives of people: improving their health, furthering their education and giving them more opportunities to lead happy and meaningful lives. everything we do is aimed at driving positive change in individuals and communities.” image=”6021″][qodef_workflow_item title=”we empower people” text=”we empower people by giving them information, mechanisms and tools to assess their own circumstances, take relevant action and hold their leaders accountable. we trust people to make their own educated choices based on information and knowledge.” image=”6023″][qodef_workflow_item title=”we focus on long-term impact” text=”we pursue lasting, long-term impact in our work. we are motivated by real change and deep impact, not by superficial results that don’t mean much for ordinary people. we pursue this impact primarily through capacity-building, training and communication.” image=”6025″][qodef_workflow_item title=”we analyze and use evidence” text=”we are driven by thoughtful analysis. whenever possible, we strive to base our program activities on evidence, and we seek to generate data and evidence that can help us on a path of continuous improvement and towards greater impact.” image=”6027″][qodef_workflow_item title=”we collaborate” text=”our organizations are designed to collaborate with each other and with others. we build partnerships and construct networks and firmly believe that we can achieve more when we work together towards shared goals than if we work in isolation.” image=”6028″][qodef_workflow_item title=”we exercise ownership” text=”we take full ownership of our work, our projects and our lives. we don’t run away from responsibility by passing it over to someone else or blaming others for our failures. every member of the team is in charge of his/her area. we are our own bosses.” image=”6030″][qodef_workflow_item title=”we take initiative” text=”we are proactive, take initiative and do not wait to be told what to do because we have a profound understanding of what it is that we are trying to achieve and what we are working for. we always move things forward.” image=”6031″][qodef_workflow_item title=”we act with speed” text=”we will never do something slowly if we can do it fast. We think and reflect on the consequences of our actions, but we don’t postpone things just because we are afraid to be wrong or that someone will criticize us. moving things forward with speed is essential.” image=”6032″][qodef_workflow_item title=”we learn constantly” text=”we are all on a learning path and set learning goals for ourselves and the people around us. we are defined by a growth mindset. we are curious and open to new impulses and welcome input from all sources, regardless of who, where or what.” image=”6034″][qodef_workflow_item title=”we communicate effectively” text=”our programs are defined and linked together by communication. we interact openly and directly with each other and engage closely with the people we work with and for. we are proactive in our communication and share information freely.” image=”6037″][qodef_workflow_item title=”we give and receive feedback” text=”we are open to giving and receiving feedback with the aim to grow individually and as organizations. feedback is a valuable gift that one gives in a spirit of friendship and with a desire to improve our organizational performance. withholding feedback is a selfish act.” image=”6039″][qodef_workflow_item title=”we promote transparency” text=”our programs are based on transparency. we believe that transparency is necessary to solve problems and remove obstacles to change. transparency builds trust and helps create an environment that is focused on continuous improvement.” image=”6040″][qodef_workflow_item title=”we build capacity” text=”as a team our goal is to make a significant addition to the pool of talent. we are committed to professional training and internal promotions wherever possible, and we are actively looking for team members who have the capacity and desire to grow.” image=”6041″][qodef_workflow_item title=”we defend our position” text=”if we believe in something, we defend our position, calmly and politely. we respect the viewpoints of others, but we don’t remain quiet when issues are discussed. we think about the issues, take a stance and defend our position if we have to.” image=”6043″][qodef_workflow_item title=”we pursue self-reliance” text=”we are relentless in our pursuit of self-reliance. gradually but persistently, we look for ways of becoming more independent. we will never again subordinate ourselves to an international organization but will rather disband before doing so.” image=”6045″][/qodef_workflow]