FIRELIGHT FOUND ATION

Firelight’s values are the underlying principles by which we operate. They are the core beliefs and assumptions that
guide and characterize our work.
Belief in the Resilience and Strength of Children
Children are the future. We believe that children are resilient and are able to rise above many challenges. We believe that children should
be treated as partners, future leaders, and important community members worth listening to, rather than as mere recipients of services.
We encourage others to value children in this way. We believe that children are experts in their own lives and that we should take seriously
what children are saying.
Belief in the Importance of Family and Community
We believe that children grow best in families. A child’s developmental and long-term needs are best met within a family, rather than an
institution such as an orphanage. Strengthening the capacity of families and communities is the most effective way to address the needs of
children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS.
Belief in the Power of the Grassroots
In areas of few resources, one of the most effective and powerful means of bringing about social change is through community-based
organizations. We believe that investing in grassroots organizations contributes to the development of civil society and is essential to
lasting change.
Respect for Community Ownership and Local Leadership
As outside donors, we are careful not to undermine community ownership. A community’s ownership and investment in finding its own
solutions to local problems is essential to sustainability. We seek to learn from and to work in partnership with local leadership. Our
philosophies and strategies are informed by practical experience in the field. We listen to our grantee-partners and we adapt our strategies
accordingly to become more effective.
Being a Learning Organization
To say that we are a learning organization is to acknowledge that we are continually developing and evolving. We learn by doing, and we
extend our learning through data collection, analysis, documentation, and reflection. We strive to stay informed through observing what is
happening on the ground, participating in relevant networks, keeping abreast of research and developments in the field, and maintaining
good communication with key partners.