50 years

"I Change the World" - 50 years Kindernothilfe

German chancellor Angela Merkel in a project supported by KNH. Picture: Bundesregierung/Bergmann

The story of Kindernothilfe starts with a simple idea: Connecting people on the northern and the southern hemisphere via sponsorships - and that way allow a better future for children in India. 50 years later, Kindernothilfe is one of the most important relief organisations in Europe, representing confidence, transparency and quality. Since 1959, more than one million children have benefited from the support. This is possible only thanks to the overwhelming commitment of many people, that strive to change the world. Here you can get an insight into the development of Kindernothilfe.

In 1959, committed Christians founded Kindernothilfe in Duisburg-Buchholz. What started off with five foster children, has now grown up and became a global network of solidarity. Foster parents and foster children, partner organisations in 28 countries worldwide as well as volunteers in Germany: all of them contribute to 50 years work of Kindernothilfe, which is an occasion to celebrate, to pause for a moment and also to look ahead.

The foster parent, who - with his support - changes a child´s world for the better. The foster child, who itself can influence its environment positively - thanks to that support. Together, they can make a difference. And that is the reason for the motto of this anniversary: "I Change the World".

The anniversary year is kicked-off with a celebration at the Mercatorhalle in Duisburg on March 27. The German chancellor Angela Merkel will give the commemorative speech to 1700 guests from Germany and abroad, that will look back on the history of Kindernothilfe and its partners.

The anniversary year will reach its completion with visits to all of those, Kindernothilfe owes a lot to: In the course of 50 foster meeting throughout the republic, employees and partners from Duisburg and abroad will meet potential foster parents and spread the spirit of Kindernothilfe: Each foster parent is asked to bring along a friend or relative, who could become a new supporter for girls and boys in Africa, Asia, Latin America or Eastern Europe.

Upcoming events 2009:

Anniversary Edition Kindernothilfe-Magazine, available from March 23

ZDF-TV Church Service, March 29
9:30 a.m., Jesus Christ Church, Duisburg-Buchholz.

Benefit Concert of the Gospel Chorus Essen in favour of Kindernothilfe, May 3rd
17:00 p.m. Jesus Christ Church, Duisburg-Buchholz.

32nd Protestant Church Day in Bremen, May 20 - 24
Kindernothilfe stand at the Market of Opportunities and concert of the Wise Guys

Action day against child labour, June 12
In Gießen, Gütersloh, Jena, Regensburg and Wolfsburg, overseen by the respective mayor.

Action day against child labour, June 19
in Ulm, overseen by the mayor.

Advent Church Service, Dezember 6
HKM-Hüttenwerk, Duisburg.

Conference on child rights, December
in cooperation with National Coalition; Duisburg

Annual Report