VISION The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund strives to change the way society treats its children and youth. This long-term vision captures the central role society plays in shaping children’s lives. MISSION To give voice and dignity to the African child by building a rights-based movement ORGANISATIONAL VALUES The absolute belief that all children should enjoy the absence of hunger, abuse, exploitation and homelessness, underpinned by a clear notion that the eradication of poverty and its systemic causes are the ultimate desired change as opposed to ameliorating difficult circumstances in which targeted beneficiaries find themselves. The belief that it is possible to have a world where children live with dignity, are safe, nurtured and their voices heard and that the transformation needed to create such a world needs every part of society to play its role. A commitment to applying holistic and integrated approaches that recognise and treat children as part of families and communities, with institutional placements applied as the exception. Children, youth and communities must participate in making decisions that affect their lives. The viable application of service delivery approaches that are informed by children’s constitutional rights and, specifically with reference to the notion that all children have dreams and aspirations and should thus be afforded the opportunity to reach their full potential. The promotion of a culture of best practices, innovation and openness to new learning and professionalism in achieving targeted, measurable results.