Networking to promote synergy

The networking section has three essential functions allowing the association to expand and diversify:
Institutional and private financial resources. In 2004, Handicap International has recorded contributions of $4,000,000 from its international branches;

Human resources: recruitment of volunteers and expatriate employees;

Technical skills: providing knowledge that is still emergent or not highly developed in Canada.

This structure enables us to maintain the values and assist in the struggles of Handicap International’s main participants in the world and increases our work towards political cooperation and influence on policy makers and public opinion.

In 1982 two French doctors established Operation Handicap International in Thailand. The first prosthetic centres can be found in Cambodian, Laotian and Burmese refugee camps. The materials used are locally available la plus which enables the association to provide both immediate assistance as well as the practical and effective training of competent local staff. Subsequently, the association is extending its mission to different countries ...

In 1986 the European network of Handicap International laid its foundation with the creation of the Belgian section, a network section (outside of France) that has established its own programs in developing countries. Handicap International Belgium directly heads up over 60 projects in 16 countries. To symbolize the fight against landmines, Handicap International Belgium developed the Blue Laces campaign, symbolizing victims of mines who must learn how to walk and tie their shoelaces again. The laces are now worn by many Belgians, in solidarity with all persons with disabilities. The association is under the patronage of Princess Mathilde, wife of the Crown Prince of Belgium.

The Luxembourg sector of Handicap International was founded in 1997. Handicap International is conducting numerous awareness activities through public exhibitions, media campaigns, advocacy, providing information ...

A highly active section, Handicap International Germany organizes numerous events and awareness-raising events (exhibitions, conferences, public events), especially against mines and cluster bombs. Based in Munich, the association has a strong network of branches across the country. In terms of technical support programs, Handicap International Germany specializes in capacity-building (support to local partners in the mission countries). The "com'in" project, is a platform for use by persons with disabilities, with the goal of finding of solutions or piloting initiatives in less explored areas.

The English section is working closely on behalf of the network, with professional associations and universities involved in the themes of disability and development activities. Handicap International UK is responsible for providing technical support to development projects in the area of inclusive education (which aims to give children with disabilities educational opportunities similar to those of other children). The association is very active in the Source, an international information support centre designed to strengthen the management, use and impact of information on health and disability.

On behalf of the entire network, Handicap International Switzerland fosters relations with the international bodies based in Geneva. The section coordinates the discussion assistance to conflict victims and disabled persons (participation in international working groups, workshops on the subject). A Swiss section employee has been made available to France’s program-management group in France, and is responsible for the coordination of rehabilitation activities carried out by Handicap International, particularly in crisis and emergency situations.

The United States section plays an intermediary role by representing the interests and Handicap International’s work with participants on the international scene based in the USA (UN, World Bank). It also organizes awareness activities aimed at alerting the American public about Handicap International’s programs.