SAD+ event with GGP participants - The power of shared learning and connection
On 22 June 2023, the participants of Erste Group's Group Graduate Programme (GGP) met in Obdach Favorita for a transformative volunteering experience. They were between 22 and 28 years old and represented five countries. In the 1.5 years that they met monthly, they gained a solid understanding of the intricacies of banking. However, the GGP team leader, Elisabeth Schüller, was looking for a deeper connection beyond the professional sphere and led the participants to the SAD+ event.
The day began with an interactive workshop led by Franz Haberl, Rüdiger Johänntgen and Doris Wallner from FSW Obdach, which was held in English to cater for the different backgrounds of the participants. This workshop was a combination of theoretical insights and the powerful role-play exercise "Take a step forward...", which offered deep insights into the social challenges that many homeless people face.
The core of the SAD+ in Obdach Vienna was to help GGP participants, who are emerging leaders, understand the realities of people from different economic backgrounds. The GGP participants tackled topics that are not covered in their regular education and shared personal stories about family, experiences of marginalisation and much more.
"The special thing about this day was our involvement in the preparations for the Forum Obdach summer party." Together with former homeless people, the GGP participants worked on various tasks, shared meals, played table football, attended a theatre performance and contributed to the community weaving project "Common Ground".
Quotes that resonate:
"I will always treasure this day in my heart." - Zahra from Vienna
"I learnt so much about homelessness today, but also about myself and my colleagues." - Reka from Hungary
"I had to take a minute and go for a little walk to process the information and experiences of the day - it moved me deeply." - Lucija from Croatia
In recognition of their participation, Erste Group generously donated €2,500, emphasising the collaborative spirit of the day. To summarise, the SAD+ event was a journey of encounter, understanding and connection. It transcended the boundaries of banking and provided an opportunity to broaden perspectives, foster compassion and contribute to positive social change.
On 22 June 2023, the participants of Erste Group's Group Graduate Programme (GGP) met in Obdach Favorita for a transformative volunteering experience. They were between 22 and 28 years old and represented five countries. In the 1.5 years that they met monthly, they gained a solid understanding of the intricacies of banking. However, the GGP team leader, Elisabeth Schüller, was looking for a deeper connection beyond the professional sphere and led the participants to the SAD+ event.
The day began with an interactive workshop led by Franz Haberl, Rüdiger Johänntgen and Doris Wallner from FSW Obdach, which was held in English to cater for the different backgrounds of the participants. This workshop was a combination of theoretical insights and the powerful role-play exercise "Take a step forward...", which offered deep insights into the social challenges that many homeless people face.
The core of the SAD+ in Obdach Vienna was to help GGP participants, who are emerging leaders, understand the realities of people from different economic backgrounds. The GGP participants tackled topics that are not covered in their regular education and shared personal stories about family, experiences of marginalisation and much more.
"The special thing about this day was our involvement in the preparations for the Forum Obdach summer party." Together with former homeless people, the GGP participants worked on various tasks, shared meals, played table football, attended a theatre performance and contributed to the community weaving project "Common Ground".
Quotes that resonate:
"I will always treasure this day in my heart." - Zahra from Vienna
"I learnt so much about homelessness today, but also about myself and my colleagues." - Reka from Hungary
"I had to take a minute and go for a little walk to process the information and experiences of the day - it moved me deeply." - Lucija from Croatia
In recognition of their participation, Erste Group generously donated €2,500, emphasising the collaborative spirit of the day. To summarise, the SAD+ event was a journey of encounter, understanding and connection. It transcended the boundaries of banking and provided an opportunity to broaden perspectives, foster compassion and contribute to positive social change.