I congratulate the Board of HUDO for their hard work in registering as an NGO and putting in place this website. 

Hand Up International (HUI) is an organization that is based on the principles that poverty is not necessary and that the world have plenty of resources to deal with poverty. In particular, the people in each community have unique gifts, talents and resources that they can use to lift themselves out of poverty. When people in communities understand that they have the power to transform their own communities, it empowers them to act to bring about change. 

Poverty is not something that can be attributed to a certain race, geographical area or skin colour. Poverty has a lot to do with how we think and also the circumstances that people find themselves in. Communities cannot do everything they need to do by themselves; they need to work in partnership with others. That is why I have established HUI as an international organization and HUDO in Kenya. 

Integrity is very important in establishing the work of HUI. This will be a key factor in obtaining funding from international funding providers. We know that corruption has been a problem in the past, but I insist that African’s are not corrupt. People are corrupt all around the world. My friends in Africa are among some of the best people you will find anywhere in the world. 

The key part of transformation is the mobilizing of community who identify a project they want to establish. Each one of you who read this, is an important part of bringing transformation to your communities and to your beautiful nation. 

I wish HUDO well for the future, and I assure you that I will always be personally involved in ensuring HUDO is successful and makes a lasting contribution to the future of Kenya. God bless you.

Doug Barnes

Founder and International Director

Hand Up International