Who is The Hand Project?
Vision: To build and develop a global network and system that provides fit-for-purpose upper-limb prostheses to every person who can’t afford one.
Mission: To build, fund and implement a system so that dignity is restored and more opportunities are available to upper-limb amputees in low-income countries through free prosthetic solutions.
We have been and are...
…operating since 2016
…headquartered in Germany
…manufacturing and consolidating all of the parts and devices needed to serve all levels of limb difference
… partnering with local NGOs in Africa and the sub-continent
…training qualified orthopaedic technicians so they can fit and distribute hands sustainably in their own countries
…funding ALL of this through impactful corporate team events
The Hand Project Team - from top to bottom
For us, the beneficiary is at the top of our organisation. It is they that we serve, they that need the most care and respect. We can’t add in photos of thousands of beneficiaries, but we can acknowledge their place in the hierarchy.
AMBASSADORS
Our Ambassadors are past recipients of our hands who now help us to promote the
project, to help mobilise beneficiaries, train them and also provide counselling.
Veronica Kidemi
A survivor of domestic violence, Veronica is our first Hand Project Ambassador. Her tragic story prompted her to start an NGO called Voice of Women Africa – dedicated to promoting the equality of women in Tanzania and beyond. She is an absolute inspiration!
Kamanzi Blesse
Kamanzi was bitten by a snake when he was 9 years old resulting in the amputation of his right arm. He puts his mechanical elbow and hand to amazing use in his profession as an engineer. His commitment to ensuring all beneficiaries are well trained has earned him the nickname ‘Kommander Kamanzi’.
Born without his right forearm, Ayu champions the Hand Project in Ethiopia. He combines his IT and social media management skills to enhance digital outreach and share powerful stories.
ORTHOPAEDIC TECHNICIANS & SUPPORT
OUR TEAM
Rijk Crolla
Rijk joined The Hand Project in 2023. Having experienced what a difference the project made in Uganda and Ethiopia, he is now fully committed to the growth and branding efforts of the project.
He also loves to facilitate our large international events. His creative approach to storytelling helps connect teams to the real purpose of the events.
Chris Gulley
Chris founded The Hand Project in 2019 after recognising the need for an holistic approach to supporting upper limb amputees in low-income countries. Originally from New Zealand, he travels extensively and has personally fitted over 1,200 prosthetic hands across Africa and the sub-continent. He is also responsible for product development and distribution. He is known as ‘Papa’ to the team – more due to respect than age (he thinks).
Dörthe (Dori) joined The Hand Project in 2022. Besides organising and facilitating events all over the world, she takes great care that all of the event logistics happen seamlessly. Having experienced fitting hands in Ghana, India and Uganda, she knows exactly what is needed to ensure that the project runs as smoothly as possible and how to bring the project to life on events.