Restoring Hope by Building Hands: How an EMBA Cohort Is Empowering The Hand Project

Every year, the ESG projects carried out by the ESSEC & Mannheim Executive MBA (Europe Track) participants bring to life ideas that blend business vision with human purpose. Among them, one project stands out for its heart and impact - a collaboration with The Hand Project, a global initiative that designs and delivers affordable, 3D-printed prosthetic hands to people in developing countries who have lost theirs due to war, disease, or accidents.

For the Class of 2026, this was not about starting something new, but about amplifying something extraordinary: helping The Hand Project reach further, inspire deeper, and change more lives.

We spoke to the cohort to find out more about the project, the victories and the challenges they faced throughout the journey.

A Story That Sparked Action

The Hand Project was founded by Chris Gulley, a New Zealander who designed an affordable mechanical prosthetic hand for people who have lost upper limbs to war, disease, or accidents. Working through local fitting camps in countries such as Ethiopia, Ghana, Nepal, and India, the initiative partners with NGOs to deliver not only prosthetic hands, but also renewed hope to those who need it most.

As the cohort began exploring ideas for their ESG project, the conversation shifted when one participant recounted a previous encounter with The Hand Project. It led the group to pause, reflect on their own privilege, and consider the impact they hoped to create. That moment of realisation became the spark that ultimately set their ESG project in motion.

“That story deeply resonated with us,” recalls one team member. “We realized how privileged we are [...] and felt a strong desire to give something back to those in need.”

Globally, over 3 million people live with upper-limb amputations, and yet fewer than 5% in developing countries have access to prosthetic rehabilitation. Behind every number is a story of lost livelihoods and resilience waiting to be restored.

That realization became the driving force behind the cohort’s ESG project - a collective effort to raise awareness, funds, and empathy for The Hand Project.

Building Hands, Building Awareness

In partnership with The Hand Project, the EMBA cohort decided to raise funds for new prosthetic hand kits and involve young people in the initiative through interactive workshops in schools around Paris and Mannheim. In each session, students are invited to assemble a prosthetic hand using only one hand themselves, wearing a simulated stump to mirror the experience of an amputee. The activity is both humbling and empowering, transforming an engineering exercise into a moment of empathy.

“By involving schools in building the prosthetic hands, we aimed to make kids smile and ignite their curiosity for STEM” another team member explains. “This is also to help them understand how their skills can make a difference in the world”

Classrooms quickly become spaces where compassion and creativity meet, where learning quite literally gives someone a hand. Every completed prosthetic is then carefully packaged and sent to its future owner somewhere in the world, carrying not only functionality but also a message of solidarity and hope.

The project is built on a simple idea: sometimes the most meaningful impact comes from supporting what already works, instead of reinventing the wheel.

Two beneficiaires of the 'Hand Project' prosthetic hands

Turning Challenges into Collective Strength

Supporting and amplifying The Hand Project was no small feat. Coordinating an international group of busy professionals demanded organization, innovation, and unwavering commitment.

To fund their mission, the cohort launched multiple crowdfunding initiatives - while adapting their educational workshops to fit two very different school systems in France and Germany. And since The Hand Project is not a registered nonprofit, traditional fundraising options like tax-deductible donations weren’t possible, adding another layer of complexity.

Yet, what could have been obstacles quickly became opportunities to learn and grow. The team’s greatest asset was its diversity: professionals from different countries, industries, and backgrounds, each bringing unique skills and perspectives. Managing time zones, languages, and demanding schedules wasn’t always easy, but it strengthened their collaboration.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

For the ESSEC & Mannheim EMBA participants, this ESG initiative was not just another assignment but a real-world lesson in leadership, empathy, and impact.

“Unlike traditional coursework focused on business strategy or finance, this project brings group dynamics and soft skills to the forefront” the team reflects. “It exposes participants to new perspectives, diverse cultures, and shared values, while making a tangible, positive impact on society.”

By stepping into unfamiliar roles - from crowdfunding and communication to outreach and logistics - participants strengthened soft skills that are essential in today’s complex business world.

The project brought lessons in teamwork, leadership and empathy.

A Journey of Growth

As the project unfolded, the impact extended beyond its beneficiaries. It transformed the team itself.

“This project pushed many of us out of our comfort zones” they admit. “We’ve built a strong sense of togetherness and mutual respect, while practising skills that are not part of our daily work (...) It has been an important experience in personal growth and applied leadership.”

One message remains clear: business can be a force for good.

“We are thankful to ESSEC and Mannheim Business Schools for their support and for giving us the opportunity to apply our learnings in such a meaningful way. The ESG Project has not only enriched our EMBA experience but also reminds us of the profound impact that collaboration, compassion, and purpose can create.”

Want to get involved?
Discover The Hand Project and contribute to their global mission: https://handproject.org/en/home-2/

Follow and support the cohort’s ESG Project journey on LinkedIn:
ESSEC & Mannheim EMBA MOD 2026 – The Hand Project Collaboration