Our Motivation

Why do we “do” Help for a Smile?

RABEA

“I have always believed that if you have the opportunity to do something good and support others, you shouldn’t hesitate. I was deeply moved and impressed when Ines told me about the idea of founding ‘Help for a Smile.’ Since I entirely share her vision of helping children in need in Uganda, I desperately wanted to be part of this organization and signed up as a member immediately.

The wonderful thing is that I know the people behind ‘Help for a Smile’ personally, so I have great trust in the organization. The founders know the situation on the ground, maintain close contact with the children and caregivers, and let us members share in all the milestones. The most moving moment for me was Ines and Bettina’s presentation after their trip to Uganda. At that moment, I wanted to travel to the kids immediately to spoil them with hugs and play with them. It’s great to know that the donations are used directly on-site: a roof over their heads, food, care, medicine, schooling, materials, clothing, toys, and transport. When you receive letters and drawings from Paddy, Phiona, Favour, and all the children, you know you are supporting the right cause. My big wish is to one day travel to the kids with a suitcase full of gifts. THANK YOU, ‘Help for a Smile!'”

BETTINA

“The laughter of the children in Uganda was the most beautiful thing I experienced there. They are satisfied with the simplest things and rejoice from the bottom of their hearts over everything they are taught (EDUCATION), a piece of fruit on the weekend (NUTRITION), or a game played and a song sung together (ATTENTION and LOVE). They have no access to clean drinking water, no doctor nearby, and endure a great deal of pain and illness. Usually, parents are responsible for basic care—parents our children lack.

I am committed to ‘Help for a Smile’ because these children currently have no parents to provide for them. Irene N. gives them a life and a chance to learn.

Without financial support, Irene could not provide adequate care. In Germany, there is so much volunteerism and willingness to donate.

Let’s carry that together to Uganda!”

INES

“I want to offer the children reliability and continuity—something that was likely missing in their lives until now.

My work for the association is very important to me because I have met the children; they are all wonderful, each with their own lovable character. Through our work and personal contact—including letters and emails—we can show them they are loved.

Personally, it is important to me to support a project long-term rather than just once, accompanying the children over many years and sharing in their development.

Through our support, we can help their childhoods become happier so that in a few years, they can stand on their own feet through vocational training or university. That would be a beautiful outcome!”

ANETTE

“During my five-month stay in Uganda in 2010, I experienced the local situation firsthand. For families with little education and limited financial means, it is incredibly difficult to build a decent life in Uganda. It is nearly impossible for children whose parents have passed away or cannot care for them. Through no fault of their own, these children have no perspective in life.

Giving these children a future is my motivation for being involved. Showing them they are loved and opening up opportunities is what I see as our most important task. Therefore, promoting education is very close to my heart. They should have a better life than their parents and, as well-educated young people, help Uganda move forward so that one day the country can provide a contented life for its citizens democratically and without outside support.

This is a grand goal that ‘Help for a Smile’ cannot achieve alone, but every small contribution is a huge support for the children and a step in the right direction for the country.”

THOMAS

“I had been thinking for a long time about what kind of volunteer work I could do. When Ines first approached me about founding the association, I was immediately curious. It was exactly what I was looking for: two people I know and like, both committed and enthusiastic, with different yet perfectly complementary skills. They are empathetic, passionate, full of ideas, and highly motivating. This was the perfect prerequisite for getting involved.

Previously, we donated regularly to various organizations with a leap of faith. With ‘Help for a Smile,’ I know for certain THAT the money arrives exactly where it is needed and exactly which person it helps. It’s great.”

BRIGITTE

“As a citizen in a safe country without financial worries, I feel over-privileged. I try to create a balance—at least financially—by donating to various organizations. ‘Help for a Smile’ is one of the few aid organizations where personal contacts have created a very vivid picture of the recipients and the association’s goals.

The donations benefit children who, for me, represent the most helpless part of society and who, in this case, have suffered heartbreaking fates. Knowing that their lives are concretely improved makes me very satisfied. Because of the personal ties, it is guaranteed that the vast majority of donations reach the site and are put to use. This is also important to me because it allows me to advocate for donations among family and friends with full conviction.”

RALF

“I support ‘Help for a Smile’ because I want a few children in need somewhere in the world to have a better life. These children will also shape the future of our world, and I believe that education is the best gift we can give them for their future. This is a core goal of the association. I also support it because I want to actively play a small part in shaping something positive in this world. At ‘Help for a Smile,’ I know that 100% of my donation reaches where it is needed: with the children.”