In the HABA Digitalwerkstatt children between the ages of 6 and 12 can embark on a playful learning journey through the digital world–now also in Stuttgart. On June 21, the location was officially opened in the presence of Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut MdL, Baden-Württemberg’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Labor and Tourism. Whether in face-to-face, hybrid or online events–the courses and workshops offered in Stuttgart allow children to become creators and inventors by building robots, programming their own games or filming animations. They discover the digital world under the supervision of experienced media education specialists and trainers. “The importance of digitalization for the economy and the working world is constantly increasing. This also makes digital education a key factor for children,” explains the Minister for Economic Affairs and Labor, Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, illustrating the importance of the HABA Digitalwerkstatt during the opening ceremony. “For this reason, we shouldn’t wait until later training or further education to teach the fundamentals of digitization.”

We are making important future competencies accessible to children at an early stage. “The COVID-19 pandemic has confirmed that the extent to which digital technologies can be optimally used for learningis entirely based on how well we understand and use them,” emphasized Verena Pausder, founder of the HABA Digitalwerkstatt and recognized German digital education expert, in her speech. Gessica Cafaro, Head of Community Business South at HABA, explained that the offers of the HABA Digitalwerkstatt open up opportunities for children in a world where basic knowledge of IT, application know-how and media competence decide both quality of life and careers. “We not only give them technical skills, but also important future competencies and awareness of how to responsibly use digital tools,” explained Cafaro.

Cooperation partner viastore
The HABA Digitalwerkstatt in Stuttgart was commissioned by the viastore GROUP and its shareholders. The international provider of intralogistics systems, software and services is thus making an important contribution to future-oriented education in the region. “Buying hardware for schools is not enough to provide digital education; it requires sophisticated concepts and first-hand experience,” emphasized Philipp Hahn-Woernle, CEO of viastore. It requires an encouraging environment in which educators and learners can practice and try out digital content and digital formats, including in person. “This is exactly what the new location here in Stuttgart offers,” summarized Hahn-Woernle. “For us as a family, investing in the digital workshop is the logical consequence of our deep connection to Stuttgart, the company’s digital solutions and our values in terms of education and family.”

“The sooner children start, the better.” Lars Becker from the Teach First Deutschland education initiative underlined the importance of target group-oriented teaching and learning concepts for more equal opportunities. “The earlier children are introduced to digital technologies, the better. Children are naturally very curious and they are highly motivated when solving puzzles and tasks. That’s why we believe that children are best able to experience their own success when they develop their own knowledge,” explains Becker. Teach First supports young people in social flashpoints. For this purpose, graduates from all fields of study work as fellows at schools nationwide that experience special challenges. As additional teachers in the classroom, they support pupils, particularly at points where they often fail such as transitions in the education system. “Successful educational transitions also include digital skills,” clarified Becker.
Interested parents and children can find the current HABA Digitalwerkstatt program in Stuttgart at https://www.digitalwerkstatt.de/stuttgart. School classes and groups can also attend the Digital Workshop for courses, workshops or as part of one-day or several-day projects. The HABA Digitalwerkstatt also offers special training courses for teachers.

For more information:
Andreas Voelmle
Engel & Zimmermann AG
Unternehmensberatung für Kommunikation
Schloss Fußberg, Am Schlosspark 15, 82131 Gauting
Tel. 089/89 35 63 3
Fax 089/89 39 84 29
E-Mail: info@engel-zimmermann.de