Hands with Hands - about us

The HandswithHands initiative has emerged from the collaboration of several friends, primarily Kira Kay, and Dipendra KC., and more recently, Rafael Ebner, Coen Völker, Egon Castlunger and Claudia van Acken. The intention of the HwH platform and website is to provide the opportunity for many hands to join together creating synergy and support – together Building Better Futures.

Short-term objectives:

To support, encourage and educate individuals and organisations that then, in turn, create, initiate and put into action projects that help others.
To promote and help fund projects that support empowerment and include the human elements (e.g. when we work with an indigenous community, rather than imposing an ideal, we develop together a solution, being sensitive to cultural issues and encouraging eco-friendly and sustainable options).
To create opportunities where people can volunteer and learn, and facilitate supportive communication (e.g. inspiring talks, discussion forums and work groups) to encourage you to find your own way of contributing to others’ hands in need.

Current Organisation:

Until July 2007, there was no formal organisation, all funds that had so far been collected in the name of HandswithHands had been given directly to Kira Kay who distributed them directly to projects in Nepal. No part of the money was used in administration or personal costs. As this project has grown and evolved we needed to implement structure for accountability.

Since July 2007 we have a simple Not-for-Profit Organisation, based in Vienna, Austria, formed with a minimum of administration and accounting as required to satisfy standards for International Not For Profit Organisation (INGO) standards.
A registered NGO partner in Nepal also named HandswithHands that administers the various projects on the ground in Nepal.
Since Feb 2009 a simple Not-for-Profit Organisation in Netherlands.
During 2009 there will be sister INGOs set up, Germany and Switzerland to facilitate donations and communication.
(all details can be found on the Contact us page)

All funds collected are benefiting those projects that our team has investigated and considers in integrity. It is envisioned that additional people and projects in various parts of the world will get involved and be supported under the HwH initiative, however they will be sincerely explored for their integrity and humanitarian approach before being accepted.

Additional information & Volunteer opportunities:

HwH is not only about monetary contributions, although money is indeed helpful to facilitate various projects and programs. The main intent is to support and encourage each person to realise that they have the capacity within themselves to contribute, to give of themselves to their community and the whole world in which we live.

Kira and Dipendra, along with the help of various Nepali friends and communities, have developed a transparent volunteer program operating in Nepal. There is comprehensive information on this website and a private chat can be arrange with Coen Völker ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) our Volunteer coordinator, to discuss your personal situation before you leave for Nepal.

Basically, we connect you with one or several projects and explain to you the costs involved and where your donations will be used. We also offer you orientation and training in local customs and language and help you find your way around and to the projects. For any questions Dipendra is a direct contact person in Nepal and for any problems while volunteering. Volunteers in the past have both contributed and received in children homes, village schools and environmental projects.

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