Beyond our Vision and Mission, our work is underpinned by a set of core values:
We are respectful – this means that we respect every person’s human dignity; understand and recognize the validity of the views of others, even when we disagree; and we see people as humans first, not as victims or inferiors.
We are cooperative – this means that we seek sustainable partnerships with all people while considering their diversity in everything we do, including government authorities, civil society members and representatives of various groups.
We are a wisdom organization – always prepared to listen, learn and reevaluate; and we seek to work compassionately with others for finding adequate solutions to common challenges.
We are creative – this means that we take a critical approach towards vulnerabilities and human rights issues. Similarly, we are prepared to challenge the status quo; and seek innovative and inclusive approaches at work.
We are accountable – this means that we positively answer people in need, provide broader right to vulnerable community members, involve other organizations when setting our goals and evaluating our work; and seek to include people with vulnerabilities in our staff teams and board of directors.
We are professional – this means that we ensure high standards in our activities, particularly when we are representing clients; we are committed to providing opportunities for development to our staff, trustees, volunteers and partners; and we are open to all forms of feedback, both positive and critical, to constantly improve what we do and how we do it.
We are “rights-focused”– all of Validity’s work is grounded in the rights set out in the Universal Conventions on the Rights of every person as a human being who needs respect and protection.
We work as a team – this is important for the advancement of OHED programs, especially in areas affected by acute poverty, famine, illiteracy, community conflicts and diseases. Studies conducted recently by OHED researchers in both urban and rural areas show that courageous members have got the best common innovations, see mistakes together more quickly, find sustainable solutions to problems, and attain higher productivity in their education and development activities. In fact, improving teamwork at OHED aims to increase efficiency and performance for the benefit of the organization and community groups in need.
The more OHED members work together, the more they learn to live with each other’s likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses. When they work together, they naturally become more collaborative, and this leads to a more enjoyable work environment for everyone.
We contribute to peace building and stability maintenance programs-The situation in the DR Congo shows that it is impossible to achieve permanent and sustainable development in the conditions of wars and armed conflicts. External aid for such a country is first and foremost humanitarian aid. Although such aid is necessary and helps save human lives, it does not eliminate the reasons for insecurity and is unable to ensure stable development. Also, in this country with situational challenges, humanitarian aid does not have a significant influence on reducing migration trends. OHED members believe that before permanent development occurs, conflicts have to be efficiently resolved and their reasons should be peacefully eliminated or radically limited through peace building programs.
Conflict is a common and inevitable part of life. It exists because people don’t always get along or agree. Because conflict is a normal part of everyone’s life, conflict resolution, or the ability to resolve conflicts effectively, is a crucial skill for every OHED member to have. This is especially important in the area of bullying prevention. Being able to resolve a conflict before it turns into horrible violence is the most effective way to reduce the incidence in OHED operational zones.
Everyone experiences conflict and has a choice about whether or not to resolve it effectively. When conflict is resolved through OHED contribution, it leads to many benefits, such as accomplishing goals and strengthening relationships with target communities. That is why OHED members continue to sensitize Congolese people on maintenance of social cohesion, pacific cohabitation and calmness in their areas.