On 18 April, we – represented by Ines – attended the Georg Kraus Foundation’s network meeting in Hagen. This annual gathering provides an important forum for discussion, networking amongst initiatives run predominantly by volunteers, and joint reflection on project work.The focus was on:- Project presentations from Uganda, Kenya and Cambodia, amongst others- Issues of participation, understanding of roles and responsibility-...
On Sunday, 12 April, the general meeting of Help for a smile e.V. took place. Over delicious coffee and cake, we updated our members—both in person and online—on our activities, finances, future ideas and projects.
The travel reports from Bettina, Anette and Petra were particularly inspiring. 🌎
This year also saw the election of the board. Bettina, Ines, Thomas and Anette were unanimously re-elected. We thank you very much for your...
Sometimes things don’t go to plan: on Petra and Ines’s trip to Uganda, this happened on more than one occasion. Ines was unable to set off on her trip at the beginning of January for family reasons. Petra, for her part, was initially stranded in Brussels due to heavy snow – and then, in Uganda, the vehicle sent to pick them up broke down with engine trouble.
But they overcame every obstacle. The trip proved to be extremely inspiring:...
Dear members and supporters,
We would like to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts – for every form of support, for every commitment, and for the trust placed in our work. Together, we have made a great impact again this year, giving children and young people in Uganda hope, education, and a piece of their childhood.
We wish you and your families a peaceful Christmas, a relaxing holiday season, and a great start to a happy and healthy...
Every Wednesday, 20–30 women gather at the community shelter supported by Help for a smile. They discuss challenges, exchange ideas, and plan small projects for their families and the community. Some have even purchased their own sewing machines and are now sewing professionally—a major step toward independence!
"During our visit, the women at the community shelter thanked us and sang for us," Anette shares. "It was deeply moving."
These...
The past few days with Irene, Dickson, and the children and teenagers have been so intense and moving—filled with wonderful experiences and unforgettable encounters!
For Bettina, it felt like a homecoming—an emotional reunion with familiar faces and places in Uganda. For Anette, it was her first time in Mbale, and she was deeply impressed by the loving work Irene and Dickson do. It quickly became clear that Anette and Irene share a very...
Something that impresses us every time we are in Uganda: after the holidays, the children are genuinely excited to go back to school—to see their friends and to start learning again.
Dickson asked Anisha (5th grade) and Allan (1st grade) what they enjoy most about the holidays versus school. Anisha loves playing netball, singing in the choir, and swimming during the break—but at school, she loves the sense of community and the learning...
Holiday time is the best time! That’s when all the children and teenagers return from their boarding schools, and Irene and Dickson’s house fills with laughter, games, and a sense of togetherness. This photo was taken during the May holidays in 2025. We are family!
A Visit with Irene and Dickson!
At the Georg Kraus Foundation networking meeting in March, Ralf and Ines met Annette and Ralf Bender from Nepal-Hilfe Inzlingen. In addition to their commitment to Nepal, the two are currently supporting a health center in Uganda as Senior Experts.
Since they were close to Mbale, it was a wonderful opportunity to visit Irene and Dickson and to exchange insights about their respective projects. It was an inspiring...
Bernies' Education Center
Education Creates Futures – Our Vocational Training Center in Uganda!
In Uganda, approximately 70% of young people and women have no access to vocational training—with grave consequences: unemployment, poverty, and a lack of prospects. We want to change this!
Together with Irene and Dickson in Uganda, and thanks to the wonderful initiative of the Osterwald family—in memory of Bernie—the vision for a vocational...
