Berlin, 4 September 2025
Our Co-Founder, Saravanan Ganesan, Honoured with the Berlin Mitte Ehrenamtspreis 2025 for Advocacy Work Supporting Migrant Workers
The Berlin-Mitte District has awarded the prestigious Ehrenamtspreis 2025 to Saravanan Ganesan, Co-Founder of AFRIW e.V., in recognition of his voluntary work defending the rights of migrant workers in Germany.
Ganesan, who holds a Master of European Studies and a Master’s in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law from Viadrina, was honoured for co-founding the association AFRIW e.V., which supports migrant workers—particularly from India—facing exploitative working conditions in sectors such as gastronomy, hospitality, and delivery services. Many of these workers endure extreme hours for minimal pay, often without knowing their rights or how to seek help.
Driven by a strong commitment to justice and compassion, Ganesan offers workshops for Indian students and professionals, raises awareness on German labor rights, and assists individuals in the process of filing complaints. He provides support to victims navigating legal proceedings, facilitating their access to fair wages and employment opportunities. His collaboration with legal professionals, along with his engagement in the Council for Integration and Participation of Berlin-Mitte, significantly enhances his impact and effectiveness in this important work. A highlight of his work is the case study “Project MALABAR,” which highlights transnational exploitation networks operating under the guise of migration agreements.
Ganesan’s journey is a powerful reminder that meaningful change often begins with the smallest steps that contribute to the creation of a better world. Reflecting on the award, he shared, “Knowledge gives us tools, but empathy gives us direction. I’ve learned that human dignity is not a concept—it’s a commitment.”
AFRIW e.V. celebrates Saravanan Ganesan’s unwavering dedication to creating safe spaces for vulnerable workers and his role in building a more equitable society.
For more details, visit the European University Viadrina’s official announcement.