Mission, Vision, Values

Our Mission (Focus)

BARKA empowers communities in Africa to thrive.

BARKA FOUNDATION’S AREAS OF FOCUS:

Provide sustainable access to clean water, improved sanitation and hygiene education (WASH)
Help communities achieve gender equality
Develop community resilience through food security programs
Utilize media and the cultural arts to strengthen the capacities of local populations
Educate US students and communities about Africa

Our Vision (Direction)

BARKA envisions a world where vulnerable communities in Africa are empowered to improve their livelihoods and build resilience.

Our Values (Behavior)

We promote sustainable solutions that respect the cultural context of local communities. Our operating principles are grounded in the following approaches:

1. RIGHTS-BASED

Practice Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) before undertaking any intervention
Advocate for indigenous people to protect their rights
Mainstream gender throughout the organization and all its program

2. DEEP LISTENING

Partner with vulnerable communities to address their needs
Utilize sensitization and education to facilitate autonomy, self-reliance and empowerment
Foster relationships with community partners to better know, understand and assist them, and to achieve a more lasting impact
Encourage the use of an integrated, holistic approach to reduce poverty

3. CULTURAL COMPETENCE

Promote appropriate technologies
Collaborate with local/traditional authorities as well as regional and national government
Employ theatre, radio, and the cultural arts to change behavior and impart complex social messages
Promote reciprocity and a culture of peace between people in the US and Africa

4. ACCOUNTABILITY

Accompany local partners over the long-term to monitor and evaluate the sustainability of past investments
Provide an inclusive work environment, a high level of transparency, and rigorous financial oversight