Karl WP Beyer October 7, 2025 – AIDA Cruises raises 500.000 euros: Seven new Cruise & Help schools launch – including the largest project to date in India for 850 children.
As part of this year's fundraising gala of the Reiner Meutsch Foundation FLY & HELP, AIDA President Felix Eichhorn presented a check for €500.000. The sum will finance seven additional AIDA Cruise & Help school projects. Schools numbered 84 to 90 are being built in the Ivory Coast, India, Kenya, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Togo; construction is scheduled to begin soon.
"Today we're taking a big step forward. Our check, worth €500.000, will enable the next seven school projects and thus provide concrete educational opportunities for the future of many children," said Felix Eichhorn at the presentation ceremony.
A special project is underway in Irusumanda, India: A new preschool and elementary school for 850 children is being built there – with ten classrooms as well as additional areas such as offices, a library, and restrooms. It is AIDA Cruise & Help's largest project to date. For the first time, two AIDA ships are participating together: AIDAprima and AIDAcosma. Their crews have collected donations through numerous charity events in recent months and offered special onboard activities, the proceeds of which will benefit the projects. AIDA employees on land are also involved.
AIDAcosma in Zeebrugge
"For us, bringing education to where it is most urgently needed is a project close to our hearts. The enormous successes of recent years would not have been possible without the commitment of AIDA guests and the AIDA crew," Eichhorn continued.
Background: AIDA Cruise & Help is an initiative by AIDA Cruises to promote educational opportunities in developing countries. Since 2019, numerous school projects have been implemented – particularly in the crew's home countries and in regions visited by AIDA ships. Further information and donation options are available at aida.de/cruiseandhelp.
