Uwe Kraus, Präsident von HIFA - Hilfe für alle, sitzt auf einem Stuhl und lächelt in die Kamera.
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Farewell of Dipl.-Ing. Uwe Kraus from the HIFA Board

With great gratitude, HIFA Austria bid farewell to the long-serving president Dipl.-Ing. Uwe Kraus at the General Assembly on August 9, 2025 in Prottes. After over 16 years of dedicated service, serving as elected president from 2009 to 2025, he now enters HIFA retirement. Under his leadership, the educational projects in Nigeria grew not only in quantity but also in quality, setting standards for strategic association management, leadership, and sustainable development work.

His work inspires not only volunteers but also professionals, executives, and academics who value responsibility, impact, and long-term perspectives in nonprofit projects.

About Uwe Kraus
Born in 1949 in Klagenfurt, Uwe Kraus began his professional career as a communications technician and studied technical physics. He then taught for 25 years at TGM Vienna, educating young people in electronics and technology. In parallel, he worked as an educational consultant and consistently pursued the vision of using education as a key to sustainable development.

His involvement with HIFA began in 2008 with the ARGE Fraternity-HIFA-Inwo seminar, where he recognized that his values – faith, education, sustainable collaboration – perfectly aligned with HIFA. From March 2009, he was actively involved in the board, initially as project officer, later as president. Under his leadership, numerous projects were implemented, including the Calabar Vocational Training Center, Skill Acquisition Center, and other sustainable educational and training programs.

Milestones of Uwe Kraus at HIFA

  • 1949 – Born in Klagenfurt
  • 2008 – Participated in the ARGE Fraternity-HIFA-Inwo seminar
  • March 2009 – Began work on the HIFA board
  • 2009–2013 – Project officer, focused on skill development and educational projects in Nigeria
  • 2009–2025 – President of HIFA Austria, initiator of numerous educational and development projects
  • August 9, 2025 – Farewell at the General Assembly in Prottes, host: Dipl.-Ing. Festus Imarhiagbe
  • 2025 – Entered HIFA retirement

Outstanding Achievements and International Collaboration

  • Award of Excellence 2020 from the HIFA Board Cross River for his exceptional leadership and project promotion.
  • Development and supervision of the Calabar Vocational Training Center, including metalworking, automotive, sheet metal, and electrical engineering.
  • Numerous missions in Nigeria alongside experts such as Johann Schill, Armin Zeugswetter, and Festus Imarhiagbe, ensuring high-quality training and skill development.
  • Collaborations with prominent figures: Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, Archbishop Josef Effiong Ekuwem, Rev. Sr. Joyce Ezeugo – strengthening bridges between Austria and Nigeria.
  • Engagement in Austria: lectures for ÖVP Women Gerasdorf, coverage on ORF2, benefit events, and readings supporting HIFA projects.
  • Active participation in the Volunteer Fair to raise awareness for development work and attract new supporters.

Uwe Kraus demonstrates that vision, leadership, and responsibility go hand in hand. For readers in executive positions, academia, or professional fields, his example is particularly relevant: it shows how strategic management, clear goals, and personal dedication can generate sustainable impact.

His work combines local expertise in Austria with international development efforts in Nigeria – a model for leaders who want to leverage their skills and resources for global impact.

Final Thought
Dipl.-Ing. Uwe Kraus has shown through his dedication that leading association work, strategic project management, and international educational initiatives can go hand in hand. His guiding principle remains an inspiration for all involved:

“Together for a better future.”