FRIEND assists communities in recognising their strength and weaknesses and helps to prepare action plans, encouraging them all the way to achieving their goals. The process attempts to maximize community involvement at all levels.

Food security is included in the program for the communities to acknowledge where and how they get foods and necessities bought from supermarkets. Through training the communities identify health issues contributed to by diet which could lead to major health issues, such as amputation of body parts. Backyard gardens were introduced to lessen dependence on tinned, pre cooked and take away foods.

The program rests on the belief that positive results can only be attained when the communities take ownership of their own development.