About us

In 1846, 15-year-old Auguste von Sartorius was touched by the fate of children in China and Africa and founded an association in their support. Little did she know that the movement she sparked would bring forth a global children’s charity.

Auguste, from a wealthy and devout Catholic family in Aachen, Germany, was inspired by the foundation of a missionary children’s charity in Nancy, France. Later she joined the Sacre Coeur Sisters in France, Belgium and the US. Throughout her life, she continued to work for those in need, always seeking inspiration from others and staying globally connected.

Kindermissionswerk, the German Holy Childhood Association founded by Auguste von Sartorius, continues to work in her spirit. Today, our work focuses on street children, working children, children with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, refugees and children of war zones, abused children, children affected by HIV/AIDS and victims of natural disasters. Following a holistic approach, our projects address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of children. Pastoral care is therefore an important part of our work.

Kindermissionswerk ‘Die Sternsinger‘

Kindermissionswerk’s best-known activity is the Carol Singers‘ Campaign. All funds raised through the Carol Singers‘ Campaign and other fundraising activities go towards our extensive project work. In addition to the Carol Singers‘ Campaign, awareness building activities form an important part of our work.

The Carol Singers‘ Campaign

The bulk of our donations comes from the Carol Singers‘ Campaign. Every year, around 300,000 children set out between Christmas and Epiphany to bless homes and collect donations for destitute children all over the world. The Carol Singers‘ Campaign is the world's largest solidarity campaign by children for children.

Carolling all over the world

If the German Carol Singers’ Campaign inspired you, why not try carolling in your own location?

Our funding

Children are our fundraisers, thousands of individuals our supporters. We are an independent organisation and rely entirely on donations for our work. Our donors come from all walks of life, everyone helping according to their means and abilty. But what happens with the collected donations? How do the donations reach the children in need?

Kinder der Hilfsorganisation „MICANTO" demonstrieren in der peruanischen Stadt Cajamarca für ihre Rechte.

Networks and Memberships

As a Catholic organisation with partners and projects all over the world, we rely on a number of national and international networks and memberships in our work. Together, we support local organisations working for children in need, exchange personnel between the Global North and South, and lobby for children and their families. Click on the logos below to learn more about our partners.