Gisela Wirtgen hands over the chairmanship after 40 years of dedicated work for children in need

At the general meeting of the Aktionsgruppe “Kinder in Not” e.V. on 18 November 2025, the association underwent a historic change. After more than 40 years of successful and passionate work, Gisela Wirtgen hands over her chairmanship at the age of 81.

Walter Eberz, who has been on the board for nine years, was unanimously elected as the new chairman. Together with his experienced colleagues on the board and the operational team, he will continue the work of the association and the life's work of Gisela Wirtgen. At the meeting, the board thanked Gisela Wirtgen for her decades of commitment, her clear stance and her tireless dedication, which have made the Aktionsgruppe a reliable and effective organization.

Gisela Wirtgen – Founder who turned an encounter into a movement

The Aktionsgruppe “Kinder in Not” e.V. was founded in 1983 on the initiative of Gisela Wirtgen. The catalyst was a call for help from a priest in the Philippines. His school on the island of Cebu had been destroyed by fire. He urgently needed support. His approximately 260 pupils came from very poor backgrounds.

In March 1983, Gisela Wirtgen travelled to Cebu with one of her sons to get an idea of the situation on the ground. Back in Germany, she officially founded the Aktionsgruppe “Kinder in Not” e.V. on 12 September 1983 together with six fellow campaigners. From the outset, the aim of the association was to provide
protection, education and future prospects for children in need.

A particularly remarkable aspect of the association's history is the personal commitment of the Wirtgen family. Since its foundation, the family has covered all of the association's administrative costs, so that all donations received can be used in full for local projects.

Gisela Wirtgen has been awarded the Federal Cross of Merit and the Order of Merit of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate, among other honors, for her extraordinary social commitment. After decades of service, she is now retiring. However, as an honorary member, she remains closely associated with the Aktionsgruppe and continues to advise the new board.

41 million euros for children in need

Since its foundation, the Aktionsgruppe “Kinder in Not” e.V. has been able to channel over 41 million euros into long-term aid projects in India, the Philippines and Brazil. This has been made possible by a stable base of sponsorships and donations, but also by foundations and legacies, which secure a reliable financial foundation for the association.

Looking to the future – continuity and growth

With a new board at the helm, experienced staff and strong support from donors and members, the Aktionsgruppe “Kinder in Not” e.V. is looking to the future with confidence.

The challenges in the project countries – poverty, violence and lack of education – remain considerable. But the association is well equipped to tackle them. The Wirtgen family has agreed to continue to cover all administrative costs so that 100% of all donations can continue to go towards the projects. Together with its dedicated team and many donors, the Aktionsgruppe will continue to support disadvantaged children, enable education and create long-term prospects.
At the same time, new projects are to be initiated to support future generations of young people in need.