Vienna Hobby Lobby

Through its community-based model, Hobby Lobby creates accessible learning environments where children and teenagers can develop both academic and life skills, strengthen self-confidence, and build meaningful social connections. The organisation works closely with schools, volunteers, families, and local communities to reduce educational inequalities and expand access to learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

Main areas of intervention include:

• free after-school educational and recreational activities;

• development of social, leadership, and life skills;

• community engagement and volunteer mobilisation;

• support for disadvantaged children and young people at risk of exclusion;

• pathways fostering access to further education and employment opportunities.

Over the two-year implementation period, the programme significantly exceeded its original targets and generated a strong social impact across participating communities.

Key Results (2023-2025):

• 593 courses delivered, compared with 420 originally planned;

• 5,969 participants reached;

• more than 115,840 hours of educational support provided;

• 510 volunteers and 199 youth leaders actively involved;

• 811 training sessions conducted.

The programme also generated measurable improvements in participants’ wellbeing and social development:

• 94.5% improved social and leadership skills;

• 91% reported increased self-confidence and wellbeing;

• 72% built new friendships and strengthened social networks;

• 82.5% identified positive role models and mentors.

Building on these achievements, the programme created a strong foundation for replication and expansion in new communities across Europe.

The programme aims to address educational inequality and child poverty by providing free, inclusive, community-based after-school learning opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people. Its objectives are to reduce educational poverty, prevent early school leaving, and offer accessible pathways to personal and educational growth.

The initiative is currently implemented across:

• Austria (Vienna, Mödling, Wiener Neustadt, Salzburg, Graz, Innsbruck and Linz);

• Germany (Rostock);

• Romania (Timișoara);

with additional locations to be selected based on social and educational needs.

A distinctive feature of the programme is its multi-stakeholder community model, which combines learning activities with strong local partnerships involving schools, educational organisations, cultural and sports institutions, volunteers, parents, social workers, and teachers. Hobby Lobby staff act as local coordinators, fostering connections and strengthening community networks around children’s educational development.

Each week, approximately 2,000 young people participate in activities aimed at developing both hard and soft skills, enhancing employability prospects, and preparing for future educational pathways. Participants also have the opportunity to join a dedicated leadership programme that enables them to become mentors and community ambassadors, creating a multiplier effect for long-term impact.

The initiative represents a scalable and sustainable model for tackling educational disadvantage, with proven results in Austria and growing expansion across Europe.