Our story
In December 1972, following a newspaper appeal, the first interested parties met to establish their own Terre des Hommes working group in Ludwigsburg. The impetus was the Vietnam War and the desire of Karl and Rose Herrigel to support war-disabled children in Vietnam.
The initial activities were not particularly spectacular: information booths on Wilhelmstrasse and Kirchstrasse, rose sales, a booth at the market square festival and a flea market, and a Vietnam film screening at the cultural center. However, a Christmas bazaar in the Bärensaal (Bear Hall) raised 4,000 DM right away, which was used to support a rehabilitation center in Vietnam.
In addition to raising money for projects in developing countries, the working group was always committed to providing assistance locally. For example, they organized play afternoons between children with and without intellectual disabilities through the Lebenshilfe association, and after a residence for asylum-seeking families was established in Ludwigsburg's Friedrichstrasse in 1980, a playgroup for young children was set up there, followed later by a youth group with homework support for older children.
Over the years, the work evolved. In addition to supporting projects, the focus increasingly shifted to the root causes of poverty and global economic interrelationships. The group addressed social issues and campaigned for change on the ground through its own initiatives.
Even today, our motto remains: "Much achieved – much to do." We want to make a difference together, raise awareness of injustices, and work towards a more just world. It's important to us that engagement is not only meaningful but also enjoyable: through collaborative planning, personal exchange, and working together to create something.
