Learning from each other

Under the slogan “Learning from each other”, the AlsterPort service promotes voluntary work in the region. HHLA trainees and students have the opportunity to get involved through a number of initiatives. For example, pupils from inclusion classes are offered career guidance counselling and support with finding an internship. Students can also offer tailored leisure and holiday programmes based on their own interests and hobbies or mentor children who have grown up in an unstable environment. These honorary posts regularly give rise to events such as joint cooking evenings with the ESA residential groups. Especially during the difficult pandemic times, this form of community support is irreplaceable. The programme offers volunteers the opportunity to develop their personal, emotional and social skills. ESA Executive Board member Dr Thilo von Trott sees great potential in the project both for HHLA and for the foundation’s work: “Learning from each other – that is diversity in action. With our joint projects, we are creating a more inclusive world."

For example, since the beginning of the cooperation, "AlsterPort" has supported the KinderWohnen Heidkoppel facility with the "Wish Tree for the ESA" campaign during the Christmas season. Thanks to the great commitment of our employees and the associated donations, the children can have some of their heart's desires fulfilled at Christmas. The distribution of presents with our dual students always ensures great enthusiasm and a lot of fun. And at the annual boccia tournament for people with and without disabilities, which is organised by the Sports and Inclusion Department of the Evangelische Stiftung Alsterdorf, HHLA employees also support with great pleasure and full commitment as volunteers in the set-up and dismantling, as referees and at the catering stand. For Noah, a dual student, this year was the first boccia tournament: "It's great to see that inclusive sport can work so well and that everyone took part with great enthusiasm. The joy of the players is simply contagious - so it's a lot of fun to watch the players play and to support the event".