Our vision
A Malawi where communities lead their own development.
Rural communities are self-sustaining; people are healthy, fully empowered and equal; everyone knows their rights; and communities take their own development initiatives.
Vision, mission & values
A clear purpose for community-led and sustainable development.
SURCOD's vision describes the Malawi it works towards, its mission defines how it contributes, and its values govern every relationship, decision and programme.
Shared learning, opportunity and collaboration
Our mission
Empowerment that reaches the whole community.
To improve rural livelihoods through economic, agricultural, educational and cultural empowerment, while promoting health and gender equality through mobilisation, training, education and inclusive engagement.
Strategic principles
Five principles shape how programmes are designed and delivered.
These principles come directly from SURCOD's Strategic Direction and provide a practical test for whether development work is locally grounded, inclusive and sustainable.
Community participation
Programmes depend on active community involvement in planning, implementation, evaluation and sustainability.
Open-mindedness
SURCOD welcomes external ideas and combines expertise with government, volunteers, NGOs and other development actors.
Local ownership
Programmes are created with and for communities, with benefits and responsibility understood as locally owned.
Gender empowerment
Women and men are equal, and programmes actively challenge inequalities experienced by women and girls.
Perseverance
Long-term change requires optimism, commitment and sustained belief in the organisation's principles.
Ethical foundation
Trust is protected through clear organisational values.
SURCOD's current policies reinforce five ethical values that guide stewardship of resources, relationships with communities and accountability to partners.
Sustainability
Decisions consider long-term community benefit, local capacity and environmental responsibility.
Honesty
Information, commitments and representations are communicated truthfully.
Integrity
People and resources are managed according to strong professional and ethical standards.
Transparency
Relevant decisions, resources and progress are communicated openly to stakeholders.
Accountability
SURCOD accepts responsibility for its decisions, conduct, results and use of entrusted resources.
Values in practice
What these values require from SURCOD.
01
Respect for rights
Operate within Malawian law, promote human rights and respect the dignity and identity of every person.
02
Self-reliance
Strengthen the spirit of self-help so communities can own and direct their development.
03
People-centred action
Place people above material considerations and respect traditional and local knowledge.
04
Equitable partnership
Collaborate around shared values, mutual benefit and a two-way exchange of ideas and experience.
05
Gender equity
Promote equal participation and integrate gender awareness into programmes and organisational practice.
06
Environmental stewardship
Protect ecosystems and promote sustainable practices that serve present and future generations.
See these principles in action.
Explore SURCOD's programme areas and how community ownership connects the organisation's purpose to practical work.