How We Work

Important Note (December 29, 2011): It has just come to our attention that a person or group of people is/are falsely claiming to represent the Stephen Lewis Foundation and has issued a call for proposals in East Africa. Please be advised that this call did not originate from the Stephen Lewis Foundation and we are in no way affiliated with the individual(s) who have issued the call. We have referred the matter to our lawyers and we want to immediately inform any African organization that may have seen the call that it is false.

We deeply regret that this has happened, as we know how much time and effort organizations put into formulating proposals. We are taking urgent action to ensure that this matter is resolved as soon as possible. If you have received any suspicious correspondence claiming to be from the Stephen Lewis Foundation, please let us know at proposals@stephenlewisfoundation.org.

For the Stephen Lewis Foundation, it’s not only the substance that matters, it’s the method. It’s not only what we do – it’s how we collaborate.

Our philosophy is firmly rooted in the notion that if anyone is going to turn the tide of AIDS in Africa at the community level, they will be found in the communities themselves. We’ve worked to create a model that is responsive and flexible, and reflects the needs and priorities on the ground. To do this requires flexibility, openness and constant learning.

For example, we are frequently asked how much it would take to send a child to school. It’s not that easy, say the experts at community level. Resources for school fees are wonderful, but don’t go far enough.

Students need uniforms and shoes, paper and pencils. Children need kerosene or candles at home for evening homework. They need to eat, at least once a day, or they won’t be able to concentrate on their studies. Families need additional support so that orphaned girls can be relieved of essential chores and enabled to attend school. The leaky roof on the house has to be repaired so that children can sleep through the night. And if there is one thing around education that we’ve learned from the projects, it is that children orphaned by AIDS, no matter what their age, need grief counselling to overcome the trauma of their loss. All in all, it is a delicate and urgent web of deprivations and responses.

Through regular field visits and frequent contact with programme staff in Africa, we are able to ensure that the resources we invest are being put to the best use possible. This includes resources for operating costs, salaries and stipends for home-based care workers, all of which are critical to ensuring that the day-to-day work can continue.

Learn more about our Areas of Work and Where We Work.