What makes Caleb's Hope different than most NGOs and charities is that we genuinely want to go out of business. If we are doing our jobs right in the area of humanitarian aid then we should effectively, in time, become redundant.

Many charities and NGOs unintentionally create co-dependant relationships with their beneficiaries and within the regions they work. For example: a job-creation program with a village bank is great, but if those jobs rely on the charity to sell their goods and raise funds for their salaries, then it’s a bust. It never ends.

Co-dependency is creating an unnecessary crutch. It is neither realistic for true economic development and sustainability nor is it ethically responsible. It further perpetuates a negative stereotype of developing nations – particularly in Africa – that they couldn’t possibly exist without us first world folk helping them out. The people of Uganda - and all of Africa - are more than capable to run their own businesses and succeed in life on all levels. But because some really horrific things happened to them, people presume they are incapable. This is simply not true. It is an ignorant and arrogant mindset.

No one needs a saviour. No one needs pity. Practical and compassionate solutions with tangible results are the answer.

We believe NGOs and humanitarian aid play an important part of world development. We wouldn’t exist if we didn’t believe this. We just believe there’s a new way to do things. We also believe in ethical businesses doing their part and investing responsibly in developing nations; seeing these troubled nations as equals and not lesser beings to exploit at their whim like many gas, mining and pharmaceutical companies currently do. We have yet to see ethical business being the standard across the board, but we believe that if more people become educated on the importance of seeing ‘foreign aid and development’ in a new light and tossing out the archaic, colonialistic pity party view on charitable work, the mold will begin to change not only for aid but for business development.

Meaningful and practical rehabilitation programs to deal with the personal development and healing of the individual and her children are key. Our focus is survivors of war, rape, and other forms of gender based violence as well as HIV/AIDS widows and orphans, former sex slaves and abductees. You can give an individual a job, but if they are depressed, living with AIDS and lacking proper nutrition, or suffering from PTSD and other traumas, they will not successfully be able to manage the income-generating aspect of their life. This is true for anyone, regardless of country of origin.

Physically Rebuilding the Survivors’ Community and Economy: Homes, farmlands, schools, businesses, and community resource centers are some examples of our focus based on the community's needs. We use only sustainable and ecological methods that are in line with local building practices. Our livestock practices adhere to WSPA guidelines for the ethical treatment of animals. We also believe in building an arts centre for genocide survivors as it creates a special place to celebrate and preserve one’s culture and identity.

Within our job-creation program, Nyara, we focus on training women to be self-sufficient successful entrepreneurs. When a woman’s business is built and sufficient training is provided for long-term growth, we then guide her through the process of becoming registered in her country as a for-profit business venture. She is no longer dependant on Caleb’s Hope to generate funds. We will always have local fellow Acholi coordinators on the ground to act as their colleagues and peers. If a new business owner needs to reach out to her Acholi peers for consultation on her business, she can do that easily.