TOOLS FOR LIFE sent again a strong signal for solidarity in 2023

2023 marked the 15^th anniversary of the TOOLS FOR LIFE Foundation, because of this reason it was a very special year. The anniversary represented a return to the roots. For this reason, the concept "by craftspeople for craftspeople" was adopted, which now significantly shaes the foundation's work. The goals set out in the statutes - to provide access to clean water, basic sanitation, renewable energy and education - are now primarily achieved by promoting skills, especially manual skills.

Projects that have already been carried out in the past year to promote the skilled trades include sponsorships for trainees and support for vocational schools in Senegal, the training of solar technicians in three countries in the global South and the training of flasher technicians in Malawi. The foundation also supports the skilled trades in Germany in order to counteract the shortage of skilled workers. The crowning highlight of 2023 was the first TOOLS FOR LIFE craftsmen's gala. And this year, too, the focus will be on promoting the skilled trades, both in developing countries and in Europe.

Apart from this, many other projects were supported last year. Such as water treatment in Kenya, Senegal, Cameroon and Malawi, energy projects in Haiti and Costa Rica and education projects in Tanzania, among others. 

„Integration no separation“

After the coronavirus pandemic was largely overcome worldwide, 2023 was characterized by the ongoing war in Ukraine, the continued high and uncontrolled influx of asylum seekers, persistently high inflation and a weakening economy. Dr. Rothenberger therefore launched the "Integration no separation" initiative in order to give a voice to the weakest members of our society and the most disadvantaged people so that they can live a life of dignity and satisfaction.

The holding company supports integration of all kinds and fights against discrimination based on ethnic origin, religion or ideology, disability, age, gender or sexual orientation. Integration enriches our working lives and opens our minds to new perspectives.

Part of the team at WFL

In 2023, 21 companies and branches of Dr. Helmut Rothenberger Holding supported the "Integration no separation" initiative in 32 different projects, contributing 43,468 working hours. A total of 1,109 people benefited from the initiative.

Among others, WFL Millturn Technologies once again took part in the social initiative. WFL has been cooperating with ARCUS Sozialnetzwerk GmbH, a private non-profit organization, since 2013. In the ARCUS workshops for the disabled in the Linz area, people with disabilities manufacture various items for industrial companies. Wooden boxes for measuring instruments are manufactured for WFL. In April 2023, several ARCUS employees were invited to visit WFL on site. They were very enthusiastic about the machines and proud to be part of the assembly process. 

Impressive figures

Since the foundation was established in 2008 by Dr. Helmut Rothenberger, 187,925 people have been helped, 1.6 million euros have been donated and a total of 108 projects have been supported. TOOLS FOR LIFE has set itself the goal of giving people in all regions of the world access to essential resources that are necessary for a healthy life. This includes the material supply of energy and water as well as the development of intangible resources such as education, training and coaching. The foundation's objectives are implemented with a focus on knowledge transfer and the promotion of manual skills. The foundation is active in developing countries, but also in Germany and other countries around the world.