CARE International’s history in Germany
After the Second World War, Germany lay in ruins. Millions of people faced hunger and hardship.
At the time, CARE had recently been founded in the United States to provide post-war aid. The organization began sending emergency relief in the form of CARE Packages.
In 1946, the first aid kits arrived in Germany through the port of Bremerhaven, providing food and basic supplies to families in need. Around ten million CARE Packages were delivered to Germany during the post-war years, becoming a symbol of international solidarity and reconstruction.
Thanks to the communities’ hard work and international support, Germany gradually recovered, its people became hopeful again, and a strong economy was built. In time, the country was in a position to help others facing challenges around the world.
In 1980, CARE Germany was founded in Bonn to support communities going through crises, driven by a strong sense of solidarity that was also rooted in its own experience of receiving aid and support.
CARE Germany’s work today
Today, CARE Germany works with partners globally to fight poverty and inequality, as part of the CARE International Confederation. It supports projects in nearly 50 countries, helping implement programs and support development led by communities, with a focus on women and girls.
Our work focuses on:
- Crisis response
- Food security
- Health
- Gender equality
- Climate
Work in Germany
Alongside its international projects, CARE Germany also runs national initiatives.
The organization supports people who have fled to Germany from crises and conflicts, particularly refugees from Ukraine. Activities include:
- Providing school kits to help children continue their education
- Supporting partner organizations that offer counselling and social assistance
- Training volunteers and professionals to work with people who have faced traumatic experiences
CARE Germany also runs programs to help raise awareness on diversity and critical thinking. A key example is KIWI – Critical, Inclusive, Appreciative, Active. Through workshops, teaching materials, and training for educators, KIWI helps schools address topics such as identity, culture, discrimination, and migration. In this way, it aims to foster inclusive school cultures.
Learn more about CARE Germany’s work here.
