Focus Areas
Health
According to the World Health Organization, health is defined as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. The twelve determinants of health are composed of personal, social, economic and environmental factors that determine individual and population health. The HCF is committed to supporting initiatives, especially for women and children, that meet the standard set by the World Health Organization.
Human Development
The human development concept was developed by economist Mahbub ul Haq. “Human development is defined as the process of enlarging people’s freedoms and opportunities and improving their well-being. Human development is about the real freedom ordinary people have to decide who to be, what to do, and how to live.” The HCF is committed to working with communities and people to ensure they have optimal opportunities to reach their full potential.
Education
There are many different definitions of education. The one that speaks most strongly to the HCF board is the definition provided by John Dewey. He stated that “Education is the development of all those capacities in the individual which will enable him to control his environment and fulfil his responsibilities.” We believe that education is one of the most important ways for individuals to do this for themselves and for the communities in which they live. We have supported, and will continue to support, educational initiatives both nationally and internationally.