Since the 1980s, Lev has worked to create positive change for people with developmental disabilities and their families through partnerships with like-minded organizations in the Global South.
This international commitment addresses the challenging conditions faced by many individuals with developmental disabilities worldwide. Decades of experience show that Lev’s presence and support for local organizations make a tangible difference.
For 40 years, with funding from DANIDA, Lev has supported and empowered partners in Africa and Asia to become stronger advocates for inclusion, equality and rights for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
Creating Lasting and Meaningful Change
Societal norms and cultural differences shape the challenges faced by people with developmental disabilities. However, a recurring theme across the Global South is their frequent exposure to systematic discrimination, violence, and violations of their rights.
They and their families often lack access to education, healthcare and support services, and their legal protection is minimal. Social stigma and exclusion further compound these issues, leading to significant mental and emotional struggles.
In these complex circumstances, Lev works with partners to drive meaningful change. Through targeted efforts and deep engagement, Lev and its partners strive to improve lives and build a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone can participate fully.
Building Change from Within
Lev’s approach to international collaboration is straightforward: ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families have access to equal opportunities and rights. This mirrors Lev’s mission on the national level.
Central to this is the belief that everyone has a right to influence decisions affecting their lives. Together with partners, Lev provides training and support to empower individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to advocate for positive change in their communities.
Lev also works to transform broader systems, equipping partners to create local, lasting change. This includes advocating for policies, influencing decision-makers, and ensuring that people with developmental disabilities and their families benefit from a more inclusive society.
Lev’s International Partners
Lev has six active partnerships: three in Africa and three in Asia. Each partner operates within a unique national context, which varies widely across countries. This diversity means Lev’s collaborations address a broad range of activities, from advocacy in Nepal to snail farming in Ghana.
Recognizing that Lev is not an expert in the local conditions of countries like Rwanda or Cambodia, our partnerships rely on the expertise and insights of local partners. Their perspectives, experiences, and goals are central to every stage of our collaboration.
By involving partners actively in decision-making, we ensure that initiatives are both relevant and aligned with their actual needs. Through this inclusive approach, we aim to foster empowerment and contribute to a more equitable society where everyone’s rights are respected and upheld.
Report concerns or irregularities
If you experience or suspect fraud, corruption, misuse of funds, harassment, exploitation, abuse, mismanagement, a serious irregularity, or other misconduct in connection with Lev’s international activities, you can report your concern through DPOD’s reporting mechanism.
