ANDHERI HILFE e.V.

Can a single act of kindness ignite a movement? At ANDHERI HILFE e.V. in Bonn, the answer is a resounding yes. ANDHERI HILFE, which translates to “Andheri Help,” began with a simple newspaper article. In 1959, a Bonn religion teacher, Rosi Gollmann, read about the plight of orphaned children in Andheri, India. Moved by their story, she and her students sent care packages filled with essential supplies. This seemingly small act marked the beginning of ANDHERI HILFE’s incredible journey. ANDHERI HILFE e.V. officially became a registered association in 1967, solidifying its commitment to helping those in need. ANDHERI HILFE’s initial focus was providing basic necessities, like rice, to the children at St. Catherine’s Home orphanage in Andheri. Over time, the organization’s approach evolved from addressing immediate needs to tackling the root causes of poverty. ANDHERI HILFE shifted its focus towards sustainable development and empowering communities through self-help initiatives. This meant working directly with local partners to develop projects in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. Today, ANDHERI HILFE supports around 70 projects in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The organization has helped over 700,000 people in more than 7,000 villages and slums. Their achievements include over 1.4 million eye surgeries, bringing sight and hope to countless individuals. In 2017, ANDHERI HILFE celebrated its 50th anniversary with a campaign titled “Your Point Against Poverty and Oppression.” This campaign rallied support and raised awareness for the organization’s critical work. ANDHERI HILFE holds the DZI Spenden-Siegel, a German donation seal, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and responsible use of funds. Located on Mackestraße in Bonn, ANDHERI HILFE remains dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable communities in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Their story reminds us that even the smallest act of compassion can create a ripple effect of positive change.