HELP – the help for self-help registered association 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 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 who had fled to Pakistan. After the early years of its existence HELP continuously expanded 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.

With the help of public funds and private donations, HELP implemented 72 projects in 15 countries worldwide in 2007. The HELP headquarters in Bonn currently has 15 employees, 39 expatriates are working abroad. In addition, hundreds of local staff members are employed in the project countries.

In 2007 the total HELP budget was 17,181,854.51 euro. Only 423,583 euro (2.5%) was spent on general administration, the expenditures for fundraising and public relations amounted to 460,942.84 euro (2.7%). Altogether this is only 5.2% of the total budget.

It means that 94 cents out of each euro acquired by HELP directly reach the beneficiaries in our project countries.

Some project examples

* Rehabilitation and reconstruction projects in the sectors of health, private houses, water and sanitation and other public infrastructures in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Pakistan, southeast Europe and the tsunami-affected countries in southern Asia
* Reconstruction of schools and reintegration of children and adolescents affected by war in Afghanistan
* Humanitarian mine clearance and drinking water networks in Iraq
* Distribution of non-food items to the victims of war in Chechnya
* Income generation activities in southeast Europe, in Sri Lanka and Chechnya
* Agricultural rehabilitation and aid for the homeless in Zimbabwe
* Emergency aid and water distribution to refugees from Darfur in the bordering area in Chad
* Medical aid for women and infants in Niger