HOPE Children's Foundation Africa's goal for the care and support of Orphans and Vulnerable Children is:

• To improve the wellbeing and protection of these children, and
• To decrease the burden of HIV/AIDS on the children, their families and the community.

In developing and implementing the programs to accomplish these goals, we subscribe to the Guiding Principles outlined by UNICEF, USAID and UNAIDS.

As such, our programming is based on the following principles:

• Strengthen the protection and care of orphans and other vulnerable children within their extended families and communities.
• Strengthen the economic coping capacities of families and communities.
• Enhance the capacity of families and communities to respond to the psychological and social needs of orphans and vulnerable children, and their caregivers.
• Link HIV/AIDS prevention activities, care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS and efforts to support orphans and other vulnerable children.
• Focus on the most vulnerable children and communities, not only those orphaned by AIDS.
• Give particular attention to the roles of boys and girls, men and women and address gender discrimination.
• Ensure the full involvement of young people as part of the solution.
• Strengthen schools and ensure access to education.
• Reduce stigma and discrimination.
• Accelerate learning and information exchange.
• Strengthen partners and partnerships at all levels and build coalitions among key stakeholders.
• Ensure that external support strengthens and does not undermine community initiative and motivation.