Pautas

(Spanish translation needed)

1. Purpose

apia supports children and adolescents in Latin America that live in difficult conditions that endanger their development.

2. Concept of human kind

apia projects are based on the belief that the dignity of people is a basic human right and should be respected, independent of which life situation they are currently in.
The project work follows educational and social principles, which have been designed in conjunction with our project partners.

3. Principles of our activities

apia supports projects that prepare both children and adolescents for an independent life, as is understood by their culture and tradition through schooling, upbringing, and education.

Respect of the rights of children, as well as the social and economic environments all play a central role. The work that is done by apia, is achieved through 3 steps:

PREVENTION

apia supports initiatives that help improve the living condition of children.

Support is especially necessary with children and adolescents from the poorest areas as well as handicapped children from the poorest levels of society.

DIRECT HELP

apia supports projects that try to improve the social environments of street children and working children. Children that live in impoverished, inhumane conditions should be targeted and given hope of living a dignified life.

TRAINING

The training for carers and teachers as well as for mothers and fathers is important. Prevention and direct support is only possible when there is professional staff available. So the training of employees locally, a “teach the teachers” approach, with appropriate educational concepts, is an integral part of the apia’s projects.


4. Project Goals

apia projects are completely committed to sustainability. This means that once apia withdraws its financial support, which is usually after a previously agreed time period, the project should continue with local support. The project coordinator will continue to assist and to evaluate, so as to continuously ensure that quality of the project is assessed and improved.
 

5. Project Partners

apia’s project partners are local organisations (NGO’s) in Latin America. Contact is always maintained to ensure a clear overview of the project work. The project partners, wherever possible, also involve local government and other organisations.
 

6. apia as an Organisation

apia keeps the amount of people involved in the day to day running of the organisation to a minimum, so as to keep expenses down. Transparency is maintained for both our members and the general public. apia is run by a voluntary executive committee, who ensure professionalism and that the cost / benefit relationship is optimal.
 
As agreed at the General Meeting on 22 June 2001.