AKLHÜ is a public-benefit association with 30 member organisations operating in the fields of personnel development cooperation, international volunteer services and development-related education. The AKHLÜ has its registered office in Bonn. Under a commission from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) it advises people who want to make a social commitment, particularly in developing countries. Assisted by its member organisations, AKLHÜ organises specialist meetings and discussion groups to advance the idea of a development and volunteer service as a social and peace service. We offer a forum for public discussion, and promote networking of national and international actors. The Association "Learning and Helping Overseas" was formed in 1963. It was the first association of initiatives and organisations with practical relevance to personnel development cooperation. Founder members included active development and volunteer services, student groups, foundations and educational institutions. Within the system of German development cooperation, AKLHÜ is a central body for advising on personal commitment abroad, on exchanges on issues and technical topics between national and international actors in development cooperation, and on networking. It supports members in their efforts to achieve goals formulated jointly with their partners in various countries throughout the world, as a way of contributing to development. Since its formation, AKLHÜ’s activities have been promoted by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).