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Kadiatu

Being non-judgemental and accepting of all who come to Laughter Africa

Whilst on the streets, some children may have committed acts of violence or other crimes. They may have been child soldiers, commercial sex workers, drug users or thieves. They may have even committed murder or sexual assault. At Laughter Africa, we do not pass judgement on the street children’s lives; we offer acceptance and support for their future.

Dignity and respect

All people are of equal worth which is why we place honesty and respect for others at the heart of what we do.  Laughter Africa requires all staff, volunteers and beneficiaries to recognise the innate worth of all people and the value of diversity. Everyone we work with is treated with dignity and respect.

Compassion and solidarity

Laughter Africa promises to stand alongside all those street children who struggle against poverty, powerlessness and injustice. We walk alongside them making their cause our cause. Laughter Africa works with all those excluded by society with compassion, humility, commitment and loyalty.

Justice, equality and inclusivity

We fight injustice and inequality with courage, hope and determination challenging the structures and systems that prevent street children from rising out of poverty. Laughter Africa treats all street children with equity and justice requiring us to work to ensure equal opportunity to everyone irrespective of race, gender, sexual orientation, HIV status, disability, tribe, political affiliation or religious belief.

Accountability, honesty and transparency

Laughter Africa is accountable for how we use the resources entrusted to us ensuring that our decision-making is open and transparent. Laughter Africa acts with integrity, openness and honesty in the way we work with beneficiaries, donors and supporters.

Hope

Hope is crux to all of Laughter Africa’s work and we aspire to give hope to all the beneficiaries with whom we work.

Courage of conviction

Laughter Africa always speaks out for truth and justice. This requires us to be creative and radical, bold and innovative – without fear of failure – in pursuit of having the greatest positive impact on the lives of street children. We will not rest on our laurels; we constantly challenge ourselves to be more effective, creative and innovative and we will challenge others to think and act differently towards street children. We will strive to achieve this by being passionate, enthusiastic and courageous in our beliefs.

Empowerment and participation

Key to Laughter Africa’s work is empowerment. We do not want the street children to become dependent on us. Our aim is to provide the street children with the tools and resources they need in order to facilitate their independence and allow them to become fully functioning members of society. We strive to help street children learn to help themselves. Connected to this is the value of participation. This means that Laughter Africa must respect and promote young people’s rights to make their own decisions and choices, even if we disagree with them e.g. if a child decides to go back and live on the street.