📰 Smile and Help in the Spotlight

A Legacy of Transparency, Action, and Community Impact

The mission of Smile and Help has captured the hearts of the community and the attention of the media. From local newspapers to international sports stars, our work in Tanzania is built on a foundation of trust and tangible results.

🗣️ A Message from Our Founder

“I cannot change the entire world alone, but together we can achieve so much—enough to give an African child a lifelong smile.” > — Roland Benkeser, Founder & President

“I personally vouch for the fact that 100% of all donations reach our projects or the sponsored children directly. Poverty is a trap that robs children of health, education, and quality of life; we are here to provide the tools to break that trap forever.”

🏆 Featured Story: Football Star Giulia Gwinn Joins the Mission

As reported in the Acherner Zeitung

We are proud to have German National Team and FC Bayern Munich star Giulia Gwinn as the “face of the association”. Her involvement goes far beyond a name on a page:

• Active Sponsorship: Giulia has personally taken on sponsorships for children in our programs.

• Charity Auctions: She has donated hand-signed jerseys, footballs, and cleats to raise vital funds for our Tanzanian projects.

• The Giulia Gwinn Stadium: We are thrilled to announce that the sports facility in Arusha, named in her honor, is now complete and fully functioning, providing a safe space for children to play and grow.

🏗️ Our Impact: From Dreams to Brick and Mortar

The media has closely followed our journey from a small group of eight friends to a major force for good in East Africa.

Education & Infrastructure

• Massai-Land Schooling: Our Ortupai Primary and Secondary School is operational. With an initial enrollment of 260 students, the facility is built to eventually serve up to 900 children.

• Arusha Urban Support: We maintain a kindergarten for 54 children in the Arusha slums and a dedicated orphanage for 30 children.

Community Events

• Charity Evenings: Our benefit events at the Tivo-Li-Kino in Achern bring the community together through film, presentations, and cultural exchange, ensuring the bond between Germany and Tanzania remains strong.

🛡️ Become a “Schutzengel” (Guardian Angel)

The press often highlights our unique sponsorship model which allows for a deep, personal connection:

1. Choose Your Focus: You can direct your support toward specific needs like building materials, hygiene, education, or food.

2. Direct Connection: You will receive letters and photos from your sponsored child and are invited to visit them in Tanzania to see your impact firsthand.

3. No Overhead: Every cent you give goes to the project—guaranteed.