CARE International’s history in Luxembourg
In the aftermath of World War II, Luxembourg – like most of Europe - was facing a devastating crisis. Hunger was widespread. Infrastructure was severely damaged.
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.
These parcels contained essential items such as food and blankets. They also included rare treats during that difficult period, like chocolate and coffee.
Juliette Bast and François Muller were among those who received the packages. They remember the excitement they brought:
“When a new CARE package arrived, it was always a big family celebration. Everyone gathered in the kitchen around it. The funniest part was the chewing gum. We had never seen anything like it. It took us a while to understand that we were supposed to chew it.”
Thanks to the communities’ hard work and international support, Luxembourg gradually recovered from the war’s devastating impact. In time, the country was able to help others facing similar challenges around the world.
CARE Luxembourg was founded in 2008 to support communities facing crises — much like the one Luxembourg experienced in the past.
CARE Luxembourg’s work today
CARE Luxembourg works with partners globally to fight poverty and inequality — as part of the CARE International Confederation — with a specific focus on women and girls.
The organization supports a range of initiatives, with a strong emphasis on maternal and infant health. From pregnancy until the child’s second birthday, we support access to medical care, emotional support, essential nutrients, and reliable information on nutrition and health.
The “Mamans Lumière” (“Mothers of Light” in English) is a key example. The initiative supports women and their children during the first 1, 000 days of their lives. Through trainings and community groups, women gain the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills they need to support young mothers in their communities.
Work in Luxembourg
Alongside its international projects, CARE Luxembourg also runs national initiatives. Since 2019, the Humanitarian Correspondents program has taught high‑school students about global crises and media literacy.
Learn more about CARE Luxembourg’s work here.
