Project Helping Hands

Core Values

Cultural Awareness & Sensitivity

PHH believes cultural awareness leads to greater empathy and compassion and personal growth. We strive to learn the cultures of the people we serve in order to integrate our work with that of those we work with and provide care that is culturally-sensitive.

Responsibility

We actively seek the opportunity to become aware of the needs of the world around us and accept the responsibility to share our abundant resources with those most in need.

Volunteerism

PHH believes in empowering individuals who wish to use and volunteer their skills and talents to provide services for people who are vulnerable and economically disadvantaged.

Access to Primary Health Care and Preventive Education

PHH believes everyone has a right to access to health care and education on how to prevent illness. A strong foundation of primary and preventive care and education is critical to successfully treating people with chronic and endemic diseases. People seek care because they feel sick, not because they have a particular disease. When quality primary health care is accessible, the community develops new faith in the health system, which results in increased use of general medical services as well as services for more complex diseases. PHH continues its service to the community by strengthening and improving existing healthcare systems or to establish healthcare systems where there are none.

Free or Affordable Health Care and Health Education for Economically Disadvantaged Populations

PHH believes both health and education are fundamental routes to economic and community development. PHH ensures that cost does not prevent access to primary health care and health education.

Community Support & Involvement

PHH believes that we learn what communities need by listening to the communities themselves. Health programs should involve community members at all levels of assessment, design, implementation, and evaluation. Local citizens can be trained to be community health workers and clinical providers.

Serving Economically Disadvantaged Populations through the Public and Private Sector

PHH also believes successful models must be implemented and expanded through the public sector to assure universal and sustained access. Rather than establish parallel systems, PHH desires to work to strengthen and complement existing public and private health infrastructure.

Fun, Joy and Adventure

PHH believes that fun, joy and adventure are also an important part of life, service, international experience, and personal growth. Each volunteer trip includes an element of adventure along with the opportunity for service and cultural awareness. All volunteers are given an opportunity to experience the local environment and the best each country has to offer.

(Some of these core values are also espoused by Partners In Health in their 5 principles.)