I don't need a parachute to... land in Europe!

About Spark

Founded in 1994, SPARK is an independent, dynamic international development organisation with 80 staff members in offices in Amsterdam (Head Office), Southeast Europe, the Palestinian Territories and Africa. 

SPARK field offices are established in regions that are grappling with the complex effects of recent conflicts, including high levels of unemployment and limited educational opportunities for their people.

Many of these people do not have resources to contribute to effective and sustainable economic growth of their fragile societies. Out of work, idle, with little invested in the future, are common socio-economic conditions that risk pushing people toward criminal activity, and re-invoking social unrest.

SPARK is determined to increase the number of sustainable job opportunities and economic prospects for people in these societies, through development of higher education and the local private sector.

With special attention to marginalised groups, including youth, women and returning refugees, SPARK works closely with local partners to equip these populations with knowledge, tools and motivation to lead their post-conflict societies into prosperity. 

SPARK works closely with a range of local partners - including chambers of commerce, universities, vocational schools, governments (both local and foreign), business institutions and civil society organisations - to build cooperative, locally-sustainable networks of support for promising entrepreneurs.

In collaborating with local partners:

• SPARK listens directly to the demands of the community to pinpoint the needs and priorities of local beneficiaries;
• SPARK promotes local ownership of projects, which is essential for continuing support beyond SPARK's presence in that region;
• SPARK focuses on wide impact, linking local, regional and international partners to build strong networks of support, resources and services for members of various societies.

Contact Addresses
De Ruyterkade 107 - II
1011 AB Amsterdam
www.spark-online.org
Phone: +31 20 7530311
Fax: +31 20 7530376
E-mail: spark@spark-online.org