Schmitz-Stiftungen

The Schmitz-Stiftungen have been a driving force in the fight against poverty and for the promotion of development in selected regions worldwide for over 25 years.

The founder, a great humanitarian and friend of the poor, established the foundations with the desire to extend a "Helping Hand" to those in need. This desire led to the establishment of the W.P. Schmitz-Stiftung in Düsseldorf (1985) and the Schmitz-Hille-Stiftung in Thun (1996)[2].

The main mission of the Schmitz-Stiftungen is to empower poor people so that they can take control of their lives and improve their situation through their own efforts. This is achieved through various projects tailored to the specific needs of the target groups.

• Promotion of Employment and Small Businesses: Through microloans and other support programs, the incomes of poor small farmers and rural families are increased. These initiatives help improve access to financial services and protect against unscrupulous moneylenders[2].
• Education and Training: The Schmitz-Stiftungen promote quality education and training, especially in rural areas, to improve the poverty situation of future generations. The establishment of community and training centers plays a central role[2].
• Health Promotion: In regions where Western medicine is unaffordable, the foundations promote the dissemination of knowledge about treatment with natural remedies and the sustainable cultivation and processing of medicinal plants[2].
• Self-Help Initiatives: The foundations support self-help initiatives, such as women-led community kitchens in Lima, to promote the independence and initiative of those affected[2].

The Schmitz-Stiftungen focus on sustainable development and long-term impact. This includes:

• Combined Support Approaches: In infrastructure-poor regions, education, training, and community work are interconnected to provide comprehensive support[2].