Abbreviation AWS Founder Lothar Kreyssig | Formation 1957 | |
Type Political development non-government organization Purpose Sponsoring projects in India, Africa and Brazil | ||
The Action for World Solidarity organization is a German political development non-government organization sponsoring projects in India, Africa and Brazil. Founded in 1957, it is one of the oldest political development organizations in Germany.
Background
The Action for World Solidarity (AWS) has its roots in the 1957 Aufruf für die Hungernden ("Appeal for the Hungry"), initiated by Lothar Kreyssig and signed by important public figures in Germany, such as Heinrich Albertz, Willy Brandt, Heinz Galinski, Kurt Scharf and Otto Suhr. It called for people in postwar Germany to give up one meal a week and donate the money saved to feed the hungry in poor countries.
In contrast to other organizations, since its inception, the AWS has sent no "development workers" or "experts", rather it sponsors projects that are implemented and supported by locals. The goal of the AWS is to support disadvantaged groups financially and encourage them so they can foster their own long-term, independent change in their countries. The AWS seeks to promote human rights, empower women and protect the environment in the southern hemisphere.
The AWS has sponsored over 60 projects in Brazil, India and Africa, financed primarily by donations.