Annual report

Our goal: more human dignity

A future in which the place of birth no longer determines a life in dignity - this is the vision on which Sign of Hope bases its work. Because every human being has the right to lead a self-determined life in dignity. Despite global challenges, Sign of Hope 2023 continued to work towards this goal.

Help for 1.5 million people 

Major challenges we faced last year were armed conflicts, natural disasters and the consequences of climate change. In East Africa in particular, countless people lost their livelihoods due to extreme weather conditions such as droughts or floods and do not have enough to eat. Due to Russian war of aggression, millions of Ukrainians are still dependent on humanitarian aid. The severe earthquake in Turkey and Syria in early 2023 required rapid action. Our emergency aid helped people in their difficult situation.

But despite these hurdles, Sign of Hope reached 1.5 million people with 71 projects (including training projects for disaster relief operations) in 25 countries in the reporting year 2023. Through its 105 employees and around 50 local partner organisations, it was possible to provide emergency relief in acute emergencies, sustainable development cooperation and human rights work. In addition, 23 petitions on the topic of human rights were carried out in 20 countries.

Sincere thanks go to our supporters who have made our efforts possible. A total of 18.6 million euros was raised through donations as well as institutional grants for the work of Sign of Hope 2023. 

Insights into implemented projects

Alla LysenkoRussia's attack on Ukraine, which violates international law, is causing millions of people to suffer. The horrors of war are particularly devastating for children. At one of our summer camps, Milana (6) and her mother received psychological help to come to terms with what they had experienced.

Disadvantaged people can be helped most effectively if they can actively improve their situation themselves - for example through animal husbandry. We therefore supported impoverished households in Armenia by giving them sheep. The animals enable people to look after themselves and earn a small income.

Income and resources are unevenly distributed across Kenya's regions. Poverty is particularly high in the north of the country. People there are suffering from various crises that have hit the country. We brought urgently needed medical aid to remote areas with a "mobile clinic".

RDPYemen collapsed due to years of civil war and millions of people were forced to flee. Our aid, including food vouchers, the construction of latrines and animal breeding projects, helped people in need.

A dire nutritional situation and a lack of medical care characterize the everyday lives of people in the Karamoja region of Uganda. Our health center provides patients with medical aid and food.

AMALRapid action is required in the event of disasters. Sign of Hope assisted earthquake victims in Syria and Turkey with urgently needed emergency aid such as food distributions.

In addition to nutrition and medical care, the education of the South Sudanese population is a major concern for us. School meals, education and nutrition programs were therefore part of our aid.

Climatic changes and the associated extreme weather conditions, conflicts and displacement are the main factors leading to a permanent emergency situation in various parts of Ethiopia. We helped the people with food aid.

In the province of Sud-Ubangi in the DR Congo, the population suffers from malnutrition and poor hygiene conditions. We supported around 4,000 families in the sustainable cultivation and marketing of food. We also provided training on balanced nutrition, water treatment and hygiene.

Important facts at a glance

Of every euro donated, 92 ct benefits our statutory work. More about this on p. 13 of our Annual Report 2023.

All annual reports

Sign of Hope spent a total of 20,5 million euros in 2023. Of this, 18,9 million euros went toward our statutory work.

The independent auditing firm WISTA AG has issued an unqualified audit opinion on the annual financial statements and management report of Sign of Hope e.V. for the reporting year 2023. This opinion can be found in the Annual Report 2023 on pages 34 and 35.

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