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 dedication to achieve our goals.
We are a volunteer association and are committed to our mission with great passion. Our members bring different expertise and experiences and work together to make the world a little bit better.
Helping with Heart – We seize every opportunity for the poor.
We want to give you an insight into our work and our team and show what drives us to voluntarily help strangers in need of assistance. With great commitment and passion, we work for a better world and want to support people in need.
Founder 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 profession as a publishing manager and work only for HIFA.
Together for our Neighbor: Adolf Paster and HIFA – because we are all there for each other.
Why I worked for HIFA?
- because my NEIGHBOR is as important to me as I am to myself,
- because nobody gets full from talking alone,
- because HIFA provides a good basis for realizing “ONE for ALL and all for ONE” and
- because HIFA has shown in practice over the 50 years of its existence that this is really the case.
President and Advisor for Agricultural Projects
Dipl. Ing. Festus Imarhiagbe
Born: 1960
President from August 2025, Advisor for Agricultural Projects
Agricultural Economist, Youth Trainer, and Certified Adult Education Trainer, Christian accompanying pastoral care
Together for appreciative and ethical project work.
Why I work on the HIFA board?
My previous appreciative and understanding cooperation with HIFA was the basis for me to work on the board. The basis for HIFA’s project policy and project development is a Christian economic ethic, which also corresponds to my personal attitude.
Advisor for Medical Projects
Dr. Ulrike Schauer
Born: 1958
Advisor for Medical Projects
Public Health Doctor in retirement;
I accompany all medical projects and advise on questions of health prevention and environmental issues.
Because every person counts and we can make a difference together.
Why I work on the HIFA board?
When I am confronted with problems and development needs, it is important to me to work for the well-being of people and provide assistance. I simply think “Nigeria” in my daily life. Through my stay, I have gained friends and met committed and grateful people.
Recording Secretary
Mag. Silvia Rainer
Born: 1948
Recording Secretary
Academic Painter, Mother of 8 children
I have known and accompanied HIFA since 1972, have supported 10 godchildren, and have been working on the board since 1992.
Sponsorships that connect hearts.
Why I work on the HIFA board?
I myself have 8 children and know how important education is. Out of gratitude for having healthy children, I took on one godchild for each of my own children and later two more. Even on the board, the sponsorship program is very important to me.
Advisor for School Projects and Editorial
Christine Tarnai-Hammer, MA
Born: 1949
Advisor for School Projects and Editorial
Mother of three sons, Teacher (which also means educator and entertainer), Art Therapist, Work in Adult Education (Pedagogical University), Studies in Intercultural Competences. I have been on the board since 1992.
For a just world: Help for self-help.
Why I work on the HIFA board?
I want to put my time, my knowledge, my abilities, and my strength into the service of a cause that focuses on human dignity, mutual help, 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, Certified Social Worker, Business Consultant
I have been working with HIFA since its foundation, 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 board?
I am convinced that immersing oneself in foreign worlds and learning from each other, which becomes possible through this, is moving. My task as Managing Director is to ensure that administration and aid projects are organized efficiently and that donation funds and stored data are handled with extreme care and responsibility.
Advisor for Technical Projects
Johann Schill
Born: 1964
Advisor for Technical Projects
Metalworker and Teacher at the State Vocational School Mistelbach
I advise on technical projects and carry out assignments on site.
100% Donations arrive – 100% Feelings of happiness.
Why I work on the HIFA board?
I am involved with HIFA because I can manage a project myself and be active on site, because the project donations arrive 100% where they are needed, and because there is no better feeling than seeing the joy of people when you have taught them something and done good!
Financial Advisor
Martha Paster
Born: 1931
Financial Advisor
I am a founding member and have been working with HIFA since its existence. I am the Financial Advisor and have been doing the accounting free of charge since 1974.
HIFA: A tool of God to help others.
Why I work on the HIFA board?
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 the hands of God, as Aaron Ekwu taught us.