Our mission
Strengthen the capacities of individuals and communities so they become the principal actors in their own development.
Welcome to OLIFE
Who We Are
Leadership. Innovation. Lasting empowerment.
OLIFE is an independent, nonpolitical, nonreligious organization with a nonprofit social and humanitarian purpose. We strengthen individuals and communities through leadership, innovation and lasting empowerment.
Who we stand alongside
Women, children, young people, refugees, internally displaced people, older people, people with disabilities and communities facing poverty, conflict, exclusion or humanitarian crises.
Our values
Human dignity, solidarity, inclusion, equal opportunity, social justice, integrity, transparency, accountability and community participation.
Our governance framework
The statutes provide for a General Assembly, a Board of Directors, an Executive Bureau and an independent financial control body. Collective decisions, inclusive participation and financial accountability guide this framework.
Three connected pillars
Our name expresses how we work.
Leadership
Responsible, ethical and visionary leadership helps communities organize, participate in decisions and advance good governance and peace.
Innovation
Creative and inclusive solutions address social, economic, humanitarian and environmental challenges. Responsible technology helps communities participate in a changing world.
Future Empowerment
Education, practical skills, vocational learning and entrepreneurship help people access opportunity and build lasting autonomy.
Our beginning · 2019
Born from lived experience.
OLIFE began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with a conviction that even a small, well-led opportunity can restore hope and become the beginning of lasting change.
Why we exist
Opportunity should reach every community.
We work alongside young people in rural and underserved communities so they can participate fully and confidently in a rapidly changing world.
Who we serve
Dignity, safety and a stronger future.
We envision children who are safe and educated, women empowered to thrive, young people becoming leaders and innovators, refugees rebuilding their lives with dignity, and rural communities included in global progress.
How we work
With communities, not only for them.
We value the knowledge, creativity, experience and leadership already present among the people we serve. We strengthen local capacity, expand access to essential services and support community-led solutions.
Where we are going
Communities should shape tomorrow.
OLIFE believes lasting change becomes possible when people have the knowledge, tools, support and freedom to build the future they envision.
Our mission, vision & values
People leading their own development.
OLIFE strengthens the capacities of individuals and communities so they can become the principal actors in their own development.
OLIFE priorities
How we turn purpose into action
Peace, dignity, social justice and prosperity
We envision a world where every community thrives through responsible leadership, innovation and lasting empowerment. Inclusive, resilient and self-reliant communities identify their challenges, develop sustainable solutions and participate in their own development.
Responsible, ethical and visionary leaders
We strengthen leadership that advances good governance, peace, civic participation and community development.
Creative solutions to shared challenges
We promote inclusive and sustainable responses to poverty, health, education, the environment, employment, technology, humanitarian needs and economic development.
Skills and opportunities for lasting autonomy
Education, vocational training, entrepreneurship and practical skills help women, young people, children, refugees, displaced people and other vulnerable groups access opportunities and build a more secure future.
Dignity, solidarity and equal opportunity
Integrity, transparency, accountability, community participation, social justice, inclusion and good governance guide our work. OLIFE is independent, nonpolitical, nonreligious and nonprofit in purpose.
Community-led. Dignity-centered. Built for lasting change.