The Beginning of HIFA: Together for a Better Future
HIFA was not born at a desk, but in the midst of one of the greatest humanitarian catastrophes of the 20th century: the Biafra War in Nigeria. What began in 1969 as aid for starving people became an organization in 1971 that continues to give hope to this day.
How It All Began: The Founding History of HIFA
HIFA was founded in 1971 by Rev. Fr. Dr. Aaron Ekwu († 1989) and Adolf Paster († 2022). The two men had already begun in 1969 to jointly support the starving population of the Biafra region during the civil war in Nigeria. From this modest beginning emerged one of the leading organizations for development cooperation and aid projects.
Aaron Ekwu – “Father of the Poor”
Aaron Ekwu was known in his homeland as the “Father of the Poor” – a man with extraordinary compassion and dedication. His humanitarian work for the Biafra region contributed significantly to the survival of thousands of people. Despite difficult conditions and setbacks, Ekwu and Paster did not become discouraged and fought together for a better future for people in need.
Adolf Paster – the man who lived for HIFA
Adolf Paster was founder, president (1971–2013), and later honorary president of HIFA. Born in 1930, died in 2022. In 1971, he decided together with his family to give up his profession as a publishing manager and devote himself entirely to HIFA.
His legacy lives on and continues to inspire people around the world to work for a better world.
55 Years of HIFA: What We Have Achieved So Far
Over all these years, thanks to the dedication of countless people, we have been able to achieve significant milestones: 25,500 annual school sponsorships made possible, 600 commercial and agricultural vocational trainings completed, and 6 hospitals built – to name just a few examples.
From a Vision to Reality: Our Foundings at a Glance
Up Close with Martha and Adolf Paster – Interview as Video
🎥 Exclusive Interview from Rabenstein an der Pielach
Adolf and Martha Paster tell the background story of HIFA’s founding. The video was filmed by students of the Technologisches Gewerbemuseum (Department of Information Technology, Multimedia Technology focus) as part of a diploma thesis – recorded in Rabenstein an der Pielach, an important place for the Paster family.
Martha Paster – the Woman Behind HIFA
Dedication Despite Her Own Limitations
Martha Paster was not only present at the founding of HIFA, but also dedicated herself strongly to the Fraternity of Austria – especially for people with disabilities, even though she herself depends on a wheelchair. Despite her physical limitation, she still actively works with HIFA. Together with her husband, she dedicated herself strongly to people living in poverty. Rabenstein an der Pielach in Lower Austria and Vienna were important places for the Paster couple and their work at HIFA.
