The Fondation Follereau Luxembourg

The FFL is a Luxembourg NGO committed to promoting the quality of life of vulnerable African communities. Alongside its partners, it supports local, inclusive, and positive initiatives in response to on-the-ground needs in terms of health, education, welfare, and emergency.

Since 1966, the foundation has evolved by expanding its focus beyond the initial fight against leprosy-related exclusion. Over the years, our efforts have grown to include strengthening local initiatives and infrastructures, as well as raising awareness among populations. Through its projects, the foundation upholds fundamental rights and contributes to meeting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations for the 2030 Agenda. We ensure that the projects we support are initiated by local partners, based on the needs of the community, fostering both their impact and sustainability.

Key figures

7 December 1966

Foundation creation

1984

Public utility establishment since

1986

Ministerial approval obtained 

9

local partner organisations

Present in

8

African countries

For more than

350,000

beneficiaries

Birth of Raoul Follereau
Raoul Follereau, Founder of World Leprosy Day, celebrated on the last Sunday of January since 1954
1903

Birth of Raoul Follereau

While traveling in Africa, Raoul Follereau (1903-1977), a French philanthropist and journalist, became aware of the harsh living conditions faced by many communities. Deeply moved by the suffering and exclusion endured by people with leprosy, he decided to devote himself to advocating for their cause. Founded on his initiative, the foundation still upholds his values today.

Creation of the Follereau Luxembourg Foundation
Pierre Ney, Raoul Follereau, and Jos Hilger
1966

Creation of the Follereau Luxembourg Foundation

1966: Aloyse Biel (President), supported by Jean Blasen, Nicolas Hengen, Pierre Ney, Léa Kugener, Mélanie Ternes, and Léonie Trierweiler.

1970: Pierre Ney (President)
1976: Joseph Hilger (President)
2011: Jean Hilger (President)

The Foundation is recognised as a public utility establishment
1984

The Foundation is recognised as a public utility establishment

In 1986, FFL was among the first NGOs to receive state and Ministry of Foreign Affairs accreditation. Before this date, the foundation worked without state financial support for 20 years. However, it was never alone, technically or financially, in its projects.

Historic partner countries
2010

Historic partner countries

The Follereau Luxembourg Foundation was pleased to observe a significant decline in leprosy, allowing it to extend its aid to “other forms of leprosy.” In 2010, it focused its commitment on health, education, and protection for the most vulnerable communities in 9 African countries.

However, in over 50 years, the foundation has supported numerous projects worldwide, notably in Bolivia, Cameroon, Chile, Congo, Comoros, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Laos, Mozambique, Morocco, Malawi, Nigeria, Nicaragua, Uganda, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Chad, and Vietnam.

A new logo for the Foundation
2015

A new logo for the Foundation

To mark its fiftieth anniversary, the Follereau Luxembourg Foundation refreshed its look with a new logo and a strategy adapted to the development cooperation system applied in on-the-ground projects.

The foundation turns 50
2016

The foundation turns 50

In 2016, the Follereau Luxembourg Foundation celebrated its 50th anniversary. On this occasion, a book was published to recount its entire history, projects, and origins. It is available for free at the foundation’s headquarters: info@ffl.lu

We’re moving!
2020

We’re moving!

After exactly 30 years at 151, Avenue du Dix Septembre, the Follereau Luxembourg Foundation started 2020 packing boxes. Thirty years of memories and archives moved to their new address at 204, Route d’Arlon L-8010 Strassen. Not far from Rue Raoul Follereau, inaugurated by Mr. Follereau himself.