Values are basic and fundamental beliefs that guide or motivate attitudes or actions. They help us to determine what is important to us. Values describes the personal qualities we choose to embody to guide our actions; the sort of persons we want to be; the manner in which we treat ourselves and others and our interaction with the world around us. They provide the general guidelines for conduct. Vuka Africa Foundation, in a Strategic Planning Session that took place on the 26th January 2020, decided to adopt the following values to determine the conduct and behaviour of the organization and its people towards one another and the external world around it.
Core Values
Integrity
This speaks to self-evaluation and assessment of ones behaviour when everyone else is not there. It is the quality of being honest with a consistent character and having strong moral principles and uprightness as well as aligning our choices with our highest most authentic self and destiny.
Fear of God
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” Proverbs 1:7. We do not fear God out of threat or negative motivation, but out of a gesture indicative of deep respect, honor and profound adoration. Whatever we do is done for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31. Therefore our fear of God is out of reverence. The fear of the Lord opens up the spirit of wisdom, understanding, and strong counsel knowledge.
Love
Our understanding is premised on Gods’ love towards mankind- Agape love. This is unconditional love which is an embodiment of Gods’ very nature and character. It does seek for itself and mainly is based on giving. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Excellence
The ability to deliver or do everything with greatness, distinction and highest standard of quality. Does not have room for mediocrity and average standard performance. The work of the cross was done with distinction.
Mercy
Mercy is closely linked with compassion: personal characteristic of caring for the needs of others which leads to sacrificial services and benevolence [Roman 12:1] 2Corinthians 1:3]. Mercy is a deep sense of love that responds to human needs in an unexpected or unmerited way at its core.
Truth
It is the embodiment of the character of Jesus Christ “I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 . So if we live by this value, we actualise the character of Christ and in so doing we become like Him and are set free. The truth shall set you free. “Then you will know the truth, and the truth shall set you free”. John 8:32. The truth is also linked to Honesty, Sincerity, Righteousness and Geniuness.
Pioneering
This has to do with breaking new ground, starting something new. It is willingness to endure hardship in order to explore new places or try out new things. We take our cue from Jesus who declared that He is doing a new thing through the cross to Calvary. He is going to bring a new life for all who believe in Him. The old shall pass and the new shall be come.” If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature, old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new”. 2 Corinthians 5:17. Christ had to endure the agony of the cross and crucifixion in order for the new to come. He was an example of true pioneering. Other traits that relates to pioneering are faith, patience and courage commitment and motivation.
