Who is
Dr. Klaus Hoffarth?
Dr. Klaus Hoffarth was an economist who initially worked at the Institute of Economic Research, University of Münster, Germany. He was later seconded to the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation. Assigned to South Korea with four other advisors to help draft its Five-Year Economic Plan, he observed how the then more impoverished country than the Philippines staged its own economic miracle in less than a generation.
At the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, he spent years travelling around the Asian region to promote ADB initiatives. However, while visiting various provinces in the Philippines, he observed the lack of structures and systems needed to strengthen Philippine institutions, which in turn gives rise to the many under-utilised talents and skills of the Filipinos.
He then transferred to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in the UK to help privatize the public companies in the then newly liberated states of Eastern Europe. Likewise, comparing the Philippines with some countries of the former Soviet Union, he thought that the nation’s problems (e.g., corruption) were not as intractable as some of those he witnessed in these European countries.
It is with this sense of agency that the funds he left behind are being used for the purpose of promoting Philippine developmental objectives.
Why the KHC?
The creation of the Klaus Hoffarth Center for Critical Thinking was inspired by the pressing problems of the Philippines, particularly in education and political governance.
KHC believes that developing one's critical thinking skills should not only lead to personal development but also contribute to national advancement. This is achieved by forming critical thinkers who can effect change in the realm of political governance. The center aims to form individuals who are more discerning in the election of enlightened leaders and holding them to account when making decisions and implementing policies.
How We Work
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INFORMATION
KHC provides a resource center for critical thinking and a community hub for dialogues, talks, workshops, podcasts, and other meaningful activities that build informed minds and inspire meaningful action.
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EDUCATION
KHC develops and implements projects related to digital and functional literacy for the youth, enhanced teacher capacity building, and engagements with other marginalized sectors.
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GOOD GOVERNANCE
KHC partners with like-minded organizations and institutions to implement critical thinking-based initiatives that have a tangible impact on improving political governance.
KHC's 3 Pillars
In this video, former KHC Advisory Council Chair Gerry van der Linden explains the inspiration behind KHC and its 3 pillars:
INFORMATION
EDUCATION
GOOD POLITICAL GOVERNANCE
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THiNK for Good Governance embodies our core advocacy: Empowering people with critical thinking skills that enable informed decision-making, meaningful civic participation, and positive social change.
Our Leadership
The Advisory Council sets the direction of the KHC and monitors progress. The members bring their rich and unique expertise and experience from various fields to enhance the Center's programs, activities and ensure its sustainability.
