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The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund's target beneficiaries are children and youth from birth to 22 years of age who come from impoverished backgrounds. To maximise the positive impact of our resources, the Fund works closely with fellow development organisations, government, the private sector and other interested parties. The following values and principles guide the establishment of our partnerships: -Position the ultimate goal as poverty eradication and not just the amelioration of the difficult circumstances that the targeted beneficiaries find themselves in; -Possess holistic and integrated approaches to the challenges confronting children. These strategies should recognise that children are an integral part of families and communities. The well-being of children cannot be isolated from that of their environment; -Facilitate the participation of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund's target group in the planning and implementation of projects and programmes. This means finding cost effective methods of involving children, youth and their communities in decision-making. Empowering such communities to take responsibility for their decisions should be a primary requisite; -Facilitate change through the work of societal norms and practices that force children to focus only on their basic needs. The absence of hunger, abuse, exploitation and homelessness are basic conditions that all children should enjoy. The programmes of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund's partners should enhance the rights of children to reach their full potential; and promote best practice, encourage professionalism and be oriented towards achieving measurable results.
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