African capacity-building — preferentially supporting African or Africa-based organizations and individuals whenever feasible, contributing to the establishment of lasting institutions, and strengthening Africa’s ability to find local solutions to resolve its problems;
	Synergy — providing support that embraces the whole child or youth in an integrated fashion, thereby reinforcing and magnifying the value of funded interventions (for example, an education program that addresses nutrition); and
	Inclusiveness — promoting opportunity for disadvantaged children and adolescents, with close attention to valuing girls and young women.

Other ELMA aspirations include fostering youth leadership, confidence, and self-reliance; and supporting parents and other caregivers (such as teachers, daycare and health care providers, employers, and mentors).