"No one should be left alone"

What motivates you personally to get involved in the field of humanitarian aid?

Above all, I am moved by the deep conviction that no one should be left alone in a crisis. In my work, I see every day how much can be achieved when we work together with local partners to provide rapid and targeted help. I have seen how quickly an earthquake, a conflict or a flood can destroy everything: Homes, livelihoods, security. For me, humanitarian aid is an expression of solidarity and humanity. It fulfills me to be able to provide concrete help - quickly, in a targeted manner and together with the people on the ground.

"It fulfills me to be able to provide concrete help - quickly, specifically and together with the local people"

What is humanitarian aid?

Humanitarian aid is fast and vital support for people who are in crisis situations and suffering acute hardship. This is often as a result of natural disasters or conflicts. It includes essential goods such as food, water, emergency shelters and medical aid. It is not just about material aid, but also about protection, dignity and security in a difficult time. The aim is to alleviate human suffering, save lives and meet basic needs - regardless of political, religious or economic interests. It is based on the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence.

How do you decide which country to start an emergency aid campaign in?

Our decisions are based on actual humanitarian needs and our capacity to add value locally through our donors and partners. We continuously monitor international early warning systems, follow independent situation analyses and are in close contact with our local partners. When a disaster strikes, one of the things we check is How great is the need? Is our aid appropriate and possible? Do we have reliable local partners? This enables us to provide targeted help where it is most urgently needed.

"When a disaster strikes, one of the things we check is: How great is the need? Is our help sensible and possible? Do we have reliable partners on the ground? This enables us to provide targeted help where it is most needed."

How does ena know what the situation is like on the ground and what the local population needs?

Our strength lies in our cooperation with local organizations. They are part of the affected communities and understand the language, culture and needs of the people. They carry out needs assessments, talk to those affected and document what is actually needed. We are in direct contact with the partner organization, accompany the process, provide support with planning and reporting and ensure that projects are implemented in a targeted manner. Whenever possible, we visit projects to obtain feedback from those affected and adapt projects if necessary.

"Our strength lies in our collaboration with local organizations. Collaboration with local organizations is at the heart of our work. "

How important is cooperation with local actors in humanitarian aid?
Cooperation with local organizations is at the heart of our work. They know exactly which routes to take, which authorities to talk to and how to reach particularly vulnerable groups. They act faster, more efficiently - and more sustainably. We firmly believe that humanitarian aid should not be brought in from outside, but should be developed together with the people. This is the only way to achieve real effectiveness.

"Humanitarian aid is not brought in from outside. It is developed together with the people."

What criteria or tools do you use to ensure transparency and accountability?
Transparency and accountability are key for us - both towards the people we support and towards donors. We work with clear reporting structures and financial controls. We also have many of our projects externally audited and evaluated to ensure a high quality of aid and to integrate findings into our program work in the long term. ena has multiple certifications and is committed to complying with international and national standards: Zewo seal of approval, ISO 9001:2025, CHS Alliance.

Discover where ena provides emergency aid: Our emergency aid worldwide.