North Korea
Building a partnership
© Dominique Flasson/Handicap International |
Handicap International has been operating in North Korea since 1999 in partnership with the Korean Federation for the Protection of Disabled People (KFPD). The objective is to provide the Federation with technical support, to strengthen it and to enable the improvement of support offered to people with disabilities.
We are continuing our support for orthopaedic services. A sanatorium for elderly and disabled people has also benefited from redevelopment work, technical support and the distribution of walking aids.
A unique special education project was started at the school for children with hearing impairments in Wonsan. Handicap International also provides support for the special schools in Hamhung, and there are now plans to merge the two establishments to increase capacities and to improve the services provided by these schools.
Key facts- North Korea
• Population: 24 million
• Household Consumption: n/a
• Life Expectancy: 68 years
• Human Development: n/a
Source: UNDP HDR 2011
Our projects
 | Improving physical rehabilitation services
A project supporting rehabilitation and orthopaedic centres and hospitals which serve thousands of disabled people in Hamhung, Lake Sijung, Dockchon and Tongrim. The activities include refurbishing buildings, training therapists and providing equipment. |
 | Support to the Wonsan Children School for hearing impaired
Handicap International supported the renovation of the three main buildings of the school, allowing the children to develop in a favourable learning environment. Basic equipment such as mattresses, blankets, buckets and shoes were also provided and new volumes of an upgraded sign language dictionary were printed. In addition to that, 2,500 reference books on sign language were edited and printed for parents and friends of the deaf children. Around 150 children are attending daily classes. |
 | Strengthening the capacity and the impact of our partner association
Handicap International has provided support to the KFPD in a variety of ways including direct support and training, by providing access to information, facilitating contacts with other organisations, and by providing funds for KASD to participate in regional trainings and meetings. The KFPD is now able to run projects on its own although it still needs external support in project cycle management and fundraising. |
