Our core values

Local Knowledge and Capacity

The SAKO Foundation bases its projects on people's own strength. We work together with local partners, and learn from their insights into what is important in their context and environment. Self-determination is important to us for both the project holders and the people who make use of the facilities and services that a project offers. Programmes must provide an answer to actual problems and priorities as formulated by the people who it concerns. It is our believe that this approach benefits the sustainability of projects.

Cooperation

 We value equal and reciprocal contact between SAKO, donors, and local partners. In practice, this means the incorporation of information provision, brainstorming together about possible initiatives, evaluation of methods and progress, and openness about results. It also means that SAKO Foundation encourages local partner organizations to seek contact with each other. On the one hand to enable knowledge exchange, on the other hand to make use of one another's facilities.

A realistic vision on sustainability

Where people live together, there are structures and connections that shape society. SAKO values these existing initiatives and government facilities. We consider it important that these structures are not ignored, but aim to make optimal use of these structures, complement them where necessary, and strengthen their accessibility and quality. At the same time, SAKO is realistic about the extent to which projects can be expected to become self-sufficient. Education and health care are not profit-making activities, they are not even cost-neutral. That is why SAKO Foundation does not hesitate to make long-term commitments and often invests in 'people instead of stones'. After all, it is the motivation and skills of teachers, and the expertise of doctors and nurses that can make the difference.

Accountability and Transparency

The SAKO Foundation has the obligation to spend all funds obtained from donations, inheritances, and legacies on project activities. This means that the foundation’s overhead costs are covered by the financial contributions of its own members and volunteers. We believe it is important that donors are well informed about how their contributions are spent. It is our responsibility to collect and disseminate information about the supported projects and to monitor its progress.