Transformative change
Our vision is to contribute to the development of strong civil societies and locally embedded structures that provide high-quality services. By working together, we ensure that our initiatives are sustainable, impactful, and led by those closest to the challenges we aim to address. At Woord en Daad, we believe that transformative change happens through strong, long-term partnerships. Our approach is rooted in collaboration with southern partners who lead the way in their local contexts, ensuring that our initiatives are grounded in the needs and realities of the communities we serve. Alongside our southern partners, we work with governments, NGOs, donors, and private sector actors to create sustainable solutions that address the root causes of poverty and exclusion.
Holistic approach
Together, we tackle complex challenges—such as systemic poverty, social injustice, and the effects of climate change—while working towards inclusive agribusiness, food security, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Our holistic approach emphasizes local leadership, shared responsibility, and mutual learning, ensuring that the solutions we create are both locally driven and globally connected.
Sustainable systemic impact
Guided by our commitment to Reaching the Unreached, Value-based Systemic Change, and Pro-Poor Climate Resilience, we work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders to create sustainable, systemic impact. We believe that lasting change happens when we co-create solutions with partners who share our values and vision. Our approach to partnerships is rooted in:
- Southern leadership: Empowering southern partners to take the lead in their local contexts, ensuring solutions are grounded in the needs and realities of the communities we serve.
- Co-creation: Developing strategies, programs, and interventions together with our partners—combining local expertise with global insights to achieve shared ambitions.
- Collaboration across sectors: Partnering with faith-based organisations, knowledge institutions, private sector actors, governments, and grassroots organisations to leverage diverse strengths and perspectives.
- Shared responsibility: Building partnerships based on trust, transparency, and mutual accountability to achieve our common goals.
Co-creation solutions
Our partnerships are built on mutual respect and the understanding that each partner brings unique strengths to the table—whether they are knowledge institutions, private sector actors, public agencies, civic organizations, or grassroots and member-based organizations. Together, we focus on co-creating solutions that address complex challenges, rather than simply funding projects. We are not a traditional ‘donor’ where partners submit proposals; instead, we co-develop strategies, facilitate access to finance, and work toward realizing shared ambitions.
Adaptive programming
As part of our collaborative approach, we encourage partners to challenge conventional ways of thinking. “We encourage partners to unthink in projects”, because at Woord en Daad, our aim is to transcend short-term fixes and work towards long-lasting, systemic solutions. Our commitment to adaptive programming means that we “are married to the mission, not to the method,” allowing us to remain flexible and responsive to changing realities while always keeping our end goal in sight: sustainable, dignified change for vulnerable communities.