A second home for the children of Steilshoop

The project ‘Tausche Bildung für Wohnen Hamburg’ is aimed at disadvantaged children in the Hamburg-Steilshoop district.

By taking part in the activities, the children discover their curiosity and interest in new things. They gain greater self-esteem and develop a more positive relationship with their living environment and those around them. They develop a greater enjoyment of learning, thereby improving their grades. In this way, they increase their chances of achieving better school qualifications and higher education, as well as greater self-determination and freedom to shape their own future.

Young people act as educational mentors during their voluntary year, serving as friends, role models and mentors for the children. The educational mentors are young adults who are about to start their vocational training or degree course – or are already studying – and are looking for opportunities for personal growth and development.

Up to 130 disadvantaged children take part twice a week in free, intensive and personalised learning support with a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4. This is available to children in years 1 to 10 and is also offered online.

In addition, a wide range of leisure activities are organised at weekends, and holiday projects lasting several weeks are offered.  

Furthermore, the association organises (inter)cultural festivals, offers everyday advice for parents and collaborates with schools. 

The 'Tauschbar' was established as a base of operations: a learning and activity space for the children of the neighbourhood. In a commercial pavilion that had stood empty and dilapidated for years, a 140-square-metre meeting space for learning, playing and making friends was created. An artistic learning workshop and an activity room have been set up in the basement. 

Tausche Bildung für Wohnen is committed to creating a more equitable society in which people are active shapers of their own lives and living environments.

The mission is to open up spaces for people of different ages, genders, educational backgrounds, origins, religions, economic backgrounds and social statuses, in order to facilitate mutual learning through inspiring encounters. To this end, the urban living space becomes a shared creative space where it remains unclear who is the giver and who is the receiver.

A wonderful project for a more education-focused community in the Hamburg-Steilshoop district!

In return for their commitment, the educational mentors can live rent-free in a shared flat room provided by the association. They also receive a monthly allowance and intensive training for their role as educational mentors.