Interview
Leo’s journey at STELP began in August 2023 as an intern in the area of aid projects. She is now a working student and mainly looks after the volunteers and provides support in project coordination.
STELP: What is your STELP story?
Leonie: After the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, I heard about STELP for the first time from an activist who organized aid transports with STELP. I really got involved with STELP when I was looking for an internship for my political science degree. STELP stuck in my mind because of the hands-on mentality and the young, unconventional and creative approach! And as it happens… of course I didn’t want to leave STELP after my internship and I’m happy to have been taken on as a Werki.
STELP: Which project is particularly close to your heart?
Leonie: All projects are actually close to my heart, especially those relating to medical care and education. However, I probably have a special connection to our project in Tanzania, Kafika House, which I will be supporting as a volunteer for 2 months from July. From my close family circle, I know what a privilege it is that people with disabilities receive good medical care and are not stigmatized. At Kafika House, children receive this medical care after an operation, receive free schooling and their relatives are educated about disabilities and how to deal with them appropriately (including the fact that the children cannot help it and that treatment is necessary and often possible free of charge).
STELP: When is the perfect time for a meeting with you?
Leonie: Definitely not in the early morning 😀 Anything from 12 noon is totally fine, but 2 p.m. is probably the perfect time.
STELP: What does your perfect lunch date look like?
Leonie: When the whole team eats together at a big table and everyone brings a little something to share. Preferably outside in the sun, of course ;-).
STELP: How do you clear your head?
Leonie: Turn on some loud music and dance around the apartment unobserved 😉
STELP: Home-Office oder Büro?
Leonie: Usually definitely office, as I prefer to have lots of people around me, especially all my STELP However, 95% of the time I’m in the home office because of my long commute to Stuttgart. That’s why I always try to find a good co-working space in Heidelberg.
