The heart of HIFA: Committed, versatile, and together for a better world!
We at HIFA (Help for All) would like to introduce ourselves and give you an insight into our work and our team. As a Christian-oriented association for development cooperation and aid projects, we are committed to a better world and want to help people in need. We are proud of our team of experts for various projects and areas, who work with passion and commitment to achieve our goals.
We are a volunteer association and are committed to our mission with great dedication. Our members bring different expertise and experiences and work together to make the world a little bit better.
Helping with heart – Every chance for the poor is seized by us.
We would like to give you an insight into our work and our team and show what drives us to voluntarily help strangers in need. With great commitment and passion, we are dedicated to a better world and want to support people in need.
Founders of HIFA
Adolf Paster +
Born: 1930 Died: 2022
Founder of HIFA and President from 1971 – 2013 Honorary President from 2014 – 2022
In 1971, I decided together with my family to give up my job as a publishing manager and only work for HIFA.
Together for our neighbor: Adolf Paster and HIFA – because we are all there for each other.
Why I was active with HIFA?
- because my NEIGHBOR is as important to me as I am to myself,
- because talk alone doesn’t feed anyone,
- because HIFA provides a good basis for realizing “ONE for ALL and all for One” and
- because HIFA showed in practice over its 50 years of existence that this is indeed the case.
President and Officer for Agricultural Projects
Dipl. Ing. Festus Imarhiagbe
Born: 1960
President from August 2025, Officer for Agricultural Projects
Agricultural economist, youth trainer and certified trainer in adult education, Christian accompanying pastoral care
Together for appreciative and ethical project work.
Why I work on the HIFA Presidium?
My previous appreciative and understanding collaboration with HIFA was the basis for me to work on the Presidium. The basis for HIFA’s project policy and project development is a Christian economic ethic, which also corresponds to my personal attitude.
Officer for Project Controlling
Dr. Ulrike Schauer
Born: 1958
Officer for Project Controlling
Retired public health officer;
I evaluate projects and pay attention to sustainability and environmental issues in concepts and implementation.
Because every person counts and we can make a difference together.
Why I work on the HIFA Presidium?
When confronted with problems and development needs, it is important to me to advocate for the well-being of people and to provide assistance. I simply think “Nigeria” along in daily life. Through my stay, I have gained friends and got to know committed and grateful people.
Officer for Medical Projects
Christoph Maunz
Born: 2000
Officer for Medical Projects
I accompany HIFA’s medical projects and advise on the development of measures for healthcare and prevention.
Support with respect and appreciation.
Why I work on the HIFA Presidium?
It is a great honor for me to complement my medical work through voluntary engagement in this area. Working in hospitals in countries with more limited resources has given me valuable insights into medical needs and challenges on the ground.
A particular concern for me is to approach every form of support with respect and appreciation and to follow the principle of helping people to help themselves, in order to promote sustainable development and local self-reliance.
Minutes Secretary
Mag. Erni Eigner
Born: 1939
Minutes Secretary
Retired high school teacher for mathematics
I have known and accompanied HIFA since the 1980s, have supported countless sponsor children since 1994, was a representative of Fraternität on the Presidium and took over the minutes in 2025.
Sponsorships connect hearts.
Why I work on the HIFA Presidium?
As a professor, I know how crucial education is for the future of young people. That’s why I have been involved in the sponsorship program for many years and have already been able to support numerous children on their educational path. This opens up new perspectives and opportunities for a better life for them. This focus is particularly close to my heart in my work on the Presidium as well.
Officer for School Projects and Editing
Christine Tarnai-Hammer, MA
Born: 1949
Officer for School Projects and Editing
Mother of three sons, teacher (meaning also educator and entertainer), art therapist, activity in adult education (University of Education), studies in Intercultural Competence. I have been working on the Presidium since 1992.
For a just world: Helping people to help themselves.
Why I work on the HIFA Presidium?
I want to dedicate my time, my knowledge, my skills and my strength to a cause that focuses on human dignity, mutual aid and justice. My trip to Nigeria showed me that people do not need alms, but help in the sense of “help me to do it myself”.
Vice President and Managing Director
Ulrike Mayr, MAS
Born: 1955
Managing Director
Social manager, qualified social worker, management consultant
I have been working with HIFA since its founding, was in Africa for the first time in 1975, and have been Managing Director of HIFA and Vice President since 2003.
Efficient organization for a better world.
Why I work on the HIFA Presidium?
I am convinced that immersing oneself in foreign worlds and the mutual learning that this makes possible creates a sense of compassion. My task as Managing Director is to ensure that administration and aid projects are organized efficiently and that donations and stored data are handled with extreme care and responsibility.
Officer for Craft Projects
Johann Schill
Born: 1964
Officer for Craft Projects
Coppersmith and teacher at the Mistelbach State Vocational School
I advise on craft projects and carry out assignments on site.
100% of donations arrive – 100% feelings of happiness.
Why I work on the HIFA Presidium?
I am involved with HIFA because I can supervise a project myself and work on site, because project donations arrive 100% where they are needed, and because there is no better feeling than seeing the joy of the people when you have taught them something and done good!
Officer for Finance
Martha Paster
Born: 1931
Finance Officer
I am a founding member and have worked with HIFA since its inception. I am the finance officer and have been doing the accounting voluntarily since 1974.
HIFA: A tool of God to help others.
Why I work on the HIFA Presidium?
For me, it is important that everyone who works in HIFA feels comfortable and that God’s blessing rests on our work. That is why we always place our work in God’s hands, just as Aaron Ekwu exemplified for us.