Why DHF does development work
In developing countries the vast majority of people with disabilities (PWDs) belongs to the poorest part of the population. Like in Denmark it often only takes few resources to give this group of people the same opportunities as rest of the society. There are many ways to make a positive change: More information about PWDs will minimise stigmatisation. Better accessibility will optimise the possibility for PWDs to get education and jobs. Finally the political struggle for social rights will secure better conditions for PWDs.

Many years of experience as an association of physically disabled in Denmark, has put DHF in a very good position to advise and support organizations in developing countries, which face a lot of the same problems that we know from Denmark.

Experiences
DHF has been active within development work since the late 1980s. In the beginning only with volunteers and focusing on collecting and delivering seconds hand assistives. As we have got more experienced our work has undergone a longer process from mere donations to capacity building of local disability organisations within developing countries.

The first big project that DHF engaged in was in Nicaragua and through all the years, we have been active here. Today we work in Uganda, Ghana, Nicaragua and Honduras with big or middlesize projects. The daily work takes place in the Development Secretariat, based on the guidelines and strategies formulated by the Development Committee. See more in Strategies.

The Development Committee
This committee is political and chosen by the main board. The committee has four yearly meetings where the overall strategies for the development work are decided. The committee also discuss the specific projects and is engaged in the information work. At the meetings also attend the project officers from relevant projects. In between meetings, the committee is informed about activities by email. See members of the Development Committee.

The Development Secretariat
For the time being there are four people working at the secretariat. Three are responsible for projects in Ghana, Uganda, Nicaragua and Honduras and one person is responsible for information. Besides the employees the secretariat has volunteers helping out. See employees at the Secretariat.

Interested?
The development secretariat needs more volunteers. If you like to help or need more information about the DHF development work, please contact consultant Michael Larsen on tel.: +45 39 29 35 55 or send us an email on uland@dhf-net.dk