There is no doubt that the global pandemic has made 2020 a challenging year for many. However, its effects have been worse felt in developing countries.

Through our focus area of Economic Empowerment, we are enabling people in need to become economically independent.

Marissa, 47, is one of the so-called urban poor who are most strongly affected by the pandemic and its economic consequences. Marissa works as a garbage collector in Payatas, a neighborhood in Metro Manila, Philippines which is home to the country’s largest waste site.

Jahan’s schedule is always busy. He dreams of an international education and a career as an orchestra musician and teacher. A comprehensive, internationally networked music program, supported by the Hilti Foundation, makes this possible.

Mary is a seamstress in a rural community in Kenya. Her husband works as a carpenter in Nairobi. Nevertheless, the money they earn together is not enough to enable even one of their three children to progress beyond elementary school and learn a trade.

The green light for creating the Foundation was given in 1996 to support the research work of underwater archaeologist Franck Goddio. Since then, the work of the Hilti Foundation has expanded considerably.

A devastating explosion ripped through the port of Beirut in August 2020. Just one day after the disaster, the German aid organization @fire, supported by the Hilti Foundation, arrived on site with their rescue team.

The Hilti Foundation has been working with Hand in Hand International for three years in implementing powerful education models to create small enterprises in rural East Africa. The goal is to create sustainable income and long-term jobs for the local people so they can afford a better live by themselves.