Recently, a branch of the Braunschweig-based Solingen offshoot of the "Hey, Alter!" project was founded, with the goal of providing needy students with used computers from private individuals and companies. Sandy Weck and Daniel Marks from codecentric are part of the founding team of the local group. In this interview, they talk about the idea, the formation of the group, the collaboration with the founders of the initiative, digitalization in schools, and the goals of the project.
"Hey, Alter!" originated in Braunschweig. How and when did you first hear about it, and how did you come up with the idea of founding something similar in Solingen?
Daniel: Every evening I watch the "Logo!" children's news with my sons. There was a short report about the initiative in Braunschweig, and it also mentioned the idea of implementing it in other cities. My eldest son Jonas thought the idea was great and immediately asked me whether we could do the same.
Sandy: I read a message from Daniel in our company messenger, in which he talked about a report on the project and his idea of founding a local branch. I was immediately enthusiastic about it and wanted to support him.
Sandy Weck & Daniel Marks
How did the team come together within codecentric AG, and how were you able to get more colleagues excited about it?
Sandy: All colleagues were inspired by Daniel's message. The idea behind the project is simply great — no convincing was needed.
Why do you think Solingen is a suitable location for such a local group?
Sandy: Every city has children in need, and Solingen is no different. On top of that, there are numerous companies in and around Solingen from whom we hope to receive donations.
Daniel: With codecentric, Solingen has a strong company of technically skilled people on board who are also happy to volunteer their time regularly. It was basically immediately clear to me that this could work with codecentric behind us.
How does the collaboration with the founders of the initiative in Braunschweig work?
Sandy: We got to know the founders during a joint video call, in which they told us about their work so far. Since then, we have been in constant contact with all other locations to benefit from each other's experiences.
How do you go about hunting for old computers? Do you approach companies directly? Or do they even come to you?
Sandy: We try to raise awareness of the initiative among as many companies and private individuals as possible through our companies and the "Hey, Alter!" social media channels. In addition, we reach out to our direct business contacts and ask whether they can support our endeavor. For our advertising, we brought in our marketing and community management team to have expert support. With their help, we recently made contact with the regional press, among other things [see report in the Solinger Tageblatt (paywall), Ed. note].
Daniel: In Braunschweig, the idea for "Hey, Alter!" came about, among others, from Martin Bretschneider, managing director of the advertising agency Gingco Communications. It was decided to turn "Hey, Alter!" into its own brand that local initiatives can use free of charge. "Hey, Alter!" provides templates for promotional materials and merchandise, among other things. So we do the advertising, and the donor companies can link their social commitment to a strong brand that is currently making waves across Germany — and that is working really well! Once our promotional efforts are in full swing, I expect we won't know where to store all the donations.
Refurbishing old computers together: Hey, Alter! in Solingen
When you read the mission of the initiative, you think: that's actually so obvious — why didn't someone come up with the idea of passing on old computers to students in need much sooner? Do you have an explanation? Is the business world simply too far removed from the education sector?
Sandy: Three possible reasons come to mind spontaneously. In our school system, unfortunately, little value was placed on digitalization before COVID. As a result, there was no awareness that some students don't have their own computer and that this also limits them in their everyday school life. The topic only gained widespread attention through homeschooling, which exposed the existing deficits. Another reason could be that companies are unaware that the devices can still be used for another purpose, since they are discarding them themselves. Last but not least, the organizational effort involved in such an initiative may be too great for some companies.
What is your goal for the coming months and the next year?
Sandy: For the coming months, I hope that the "Hey, Alter!" initiative becomes a household name in Solingen and the surrounding area, so that we can win over as many people as possible to the idea and thereby receive donations. In the coming years, I would be delighted if we could equip all students in need with a computer and support them in their education in this way.
Daniel: I'm looking forward to looking beyond Solingen as well — both in terms of donors and students. We are also involved right from the very beginning — my impression is that, after Braunschweig, we are the initiative with the greatest momentum and the most manpower. What we learn and develop, we can share with others and help them build their own local initiative. And codecentric AG has many more locations than just Solingen…
Hey, Alter! is now active at six locations. Find out more at https://heyalter.com/