EN-Fitram

Content

On behalf of the Fitram (International Federation of Therapies and Assistance through Mediation; NGO participative of the Council of Europe), I would like to share with you my thoughts on the question

« Wie sag´ich´s meinem Kinde ? »

I think we all know that it is not easy to explain to outsiders - who sometimes express their amazement at our results - what, exactly, we do with an animal.

This is particularly true in the case of therapy with horses and this misunderstanding seems an obstacle to the official recognition of our practices, with recognized status and remuneration.

This means that in the present situation anything goes : some equestrian centres in France do «horse-riding for disabled » in their off-peak hours and the trainings proposed vary from two days to 700 hours.

The Fitram was created in order to find a solution to this problem:. Being an organization which is present in seven European countries we decided to turn to the European institutions in the hope of introducing a minimum of recognition and order.

To say the least, we have introduced the animal, especially the horse, in the Council of Europe .Until then, it was only known as object of mistreat, and not as subject of mediation.

« Europe » is composed of at least two different bodies:

the European Union in Brussels and the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. As the saying goes in Strasbourg : « Brussels has the money, we have the brains ! »

In Brussels the so-called Social Protection Committee is in charge of the implementation of the « white paper on services of general interests » which controls the « quality of services defining quality principles » and promotes academic research.

The « General directorate for education and culture» is working since April 2008 on a « European Qualification Framework » (EQF) of which the outlines will be presented for signature, before 2010, to all the member States who will have the possibility to adapt the contents to their local contingencies. We sincerely hope that in this context there will be a possibility to include a law on therapy with horses. Through which canals can we proceed in this direction ?…

Through the Council of Europe

This body has adopted a « partial agreement in the social and public health field » with an executive called the « committee for the readaptation and integration of the disabled » which has set up an action-plan called « Disability Action », leading from 2006 to 2015,. This plan recommends member States to lean on habilitated non- government organisations .to follow up the « good practices » in this field and to report them, via an ad hoc working group moderated by an international NGO, to the Council.

Thus the Fitram, which has been accepted in 2008 as a full participative member of the Coalition of international NGO´s of the Council , is invited to provide films, real-life stories, reflections etc, which we hope to do with the help of you all !

Through the E.U.

In Brussels there is a very active

« European association of service providers for persons with disabilities » (EASPD)

this huge federation has adapted the EQF to the persons with disabilities( EQPF) and created the EUROPEAN CARE CERTIFICATE ( ECC) based on the comprehension of the life-quality of the concerned persons, taking in account their dignity, equality of opportunities, independence of life, participation in social life, physical and psychological well-being,the development of their personality and self-consciousness. It´s ambition is to become the « basic entry certificate in the care sector to be recognized across Europe. It hopes to promote a common EU wide understanding of the values and quality we should find in social services ».

The Fitram as a partner of the EASPD has received precious help from them in order to find our way through the maze of European institutions.

We hope too that you will be convinced by our approach and join our efforts.