Why we do,
what we do

OUR VISION

Our vision is a world free of poverty and injustice. A world where every child, in every community is valued and loved. A world where every child, regardless of their ability or background has the resources to thrive and reach their full potential.

OUR MISSION

Open Hands is a “not for profit” organisation working to empower children and families from the poorest communities in Romania to overcome the effects of discrimination, poverty and neglect and so reach their full potential.

OUR Motivation

As Christians we want to see lives transformed by the love of Jesus Christ. Our work is based on Christian values but welcomes persons of all beliefs and none.

Our values

I n t e g r i t y

We are committed to work transparently with all resources entrusted to us and strongly believe in accountability to all our supporters. We strive to keep our administration costs to an absolute minimum. Our expenses in Romania are carefully planned and monitored to ensure good stewardship.

R e s p e c t

We respect the human worth and dignity of every person. We believe that every person, regardless of ethnicity, disability, gender, age, sexual orientation, or beliefs is of immense value and uniquely gifted. We promote inclusiveness for all people we work with and challenge discrimination in all its forms.

C o m p a s s i o n

We act with compassion and kindness and strive to bring unconditional love to those we work with. We believe that every child needs to experience a loving and stable family, where their emotional, material and social needs are met.

E m p o w e r -
m e n t

We promote and support people’s right to make their own choices, provided this does not threaten the rights, safety and legitimate interests of others.

C o l l a b o r a -
t i o n

We empower the families to be active participants and become involved in decisions and actions affecting their lives. We build relationships and partnerships to ensure that children and families can access the services that they need. We work together with local authorities to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and families.

H o l i s t i c
A p p r o a c h

We provide support that looks at the whole person, not just their immediate circumstances. We seek to cover all aspects of a child’s life, including their physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing, as well as their family life, community and societal environments.

CHILDREN HAVE A RIGHT TO FAMILY LIFE

We believe that every child deserves a loving and secure home. Many children we work with are at risk of being placed into state care. To prevent this, we intervene and provide intensive Family Support.

CHILDREN HAVE A RIGHT TO AN Education

We believe that education is a way out of poverty. Each child supported by us therefore receives individual educational support.

CHILDREN HAVE A RIGHT TO PLAY

We facilitate creativity and play in all our programs to encourage a healthy development of children’s physical, cognitive and emotional needs.

CHILDREN HAVE A RIGHT TO HEALTH

We provide access to appropriate health services for children who have been forgotten or ignored by the system. We advocate on behalf of children, to ensure that they receive the right treatment at the right time.

Why we do,what we do