Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe e.V. is a German non-governmental relief organisation duly registered with the courts of law in Bonn. In the wake of the war in Afghanistan and the ensuing refugee crises, members of Parliament of all parties represented in the German Parliament and other distinguished personalities founded Help in July 1981. Help started its work by providing humanitarian assistance for Afghan refugees having fled to Pakistan. After the very first years of its existence, Help started to continuously expand its humanitarian work to other countries. Aid is given regardless of race, creed or nationality of the recipients and without adverse distinction of any kind. Aid priorities are considered solely on the basis of need.

Working with refugees throughout the world is a particular responsibility of Help’s humanitarian work. Thereby Help never loses track of the overall policy: “help to self-help”. The persons concerned are empowered to improve their environment self-propelling. Therefore Help is always cooperating with local partner organizations, because locals know their people, their culture and therefore the needs of the people better than any foreign expert.  

Facts and Figures

Thanks to public funds and private donations Help implemented 80 projects in 15 countries worldwide in 2010. At present, Help headquarters in Bonn has 16 employees, 23 expatriates are working abroad. In addition, hundreds of local staff members are being employed in the project countries. 

Where They Work

Afghanistan

Indonesia

Rwanda

Bangladesh

Japan

Serbia

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Kenya

Syria

Burkina Faso

Montenegro

South Sudan

Chad/Sudan

Niger

Zimbabwe

Haiti

Pakistan

 

 

PRINCIPLES AND MANDATE 

Help assists people in need irrespective of origin, philosophy, race or creed

Help is a nondenominational and politically independent organisation. It provides humanitarian assistance worldwide to people facing disastrous situations. Assistance is given irrespective of origin, creed, race or philosophy. Any support is solely based on the needs of those requiring assistance. 

Help's assistance is fast and includes long-term perspectives

Help provides fast and unbureaucratic assistance in case of humanitarian crises. It can usually react within 24 hours. It is Help’s principle not to leave the people on their own after the acute crisis is over, but to contribute to the development of long-term perspectives. In acute situations, Help's relief work generally focuses on short-term assistance, while development work addresses problems of a more chronic nature. Help aims at promoting long-term changes and at improving basic facets of life for people and communities.

For example, Help is one of the few organisations still active in Bosnia and Herzegovina  years after the war and has shifted its focus from emergency to economic recovery in the municipalities. 

Help's assistance is effective and cost-conscious

With only 15 employees at head office level in Bonn more than 70 projects in 15 countries worldwide with a financial volume of about EUR 25.8 million are currently being implemented. This is only possible through a close collaboration with local organisations in the project countries. 

Help is awarded the signet of the Federal Institute for Social Issues

The Federal Institute for Social Issues (DZI) monitors German aid organisations in regard to transparency, general working style and volume of overhead costs. Since years Help has been receiving the certification commending Help for its economic and transparent utilisation of private donations.