Why I am involved with Lern-Fair and what difference it makes

What is Lern-Fair – and why did you personally decide to get involved?

Lern-Fair is a nonprofit platform for digital educational services that aims to offer free learning support to disadvantaged pupils in Germany – with the overarching goal of giving all children and adolescents a fair chance at education.

As a corporate volunteering partner, Lern-Fair offers zeb employees an opportunity to contribute socially during their working hours. For about two years, I have been mentoring a ninth-grade pupil as part of a virtual tutoring program – an experience that has been very valuable for me personally.

I am convinced that Lern-Fair is a great way to make a real difference with comparatively little effort. By taking part, we can help to break down educational barriers and open up new prospects for young people.

What exactly does your weekly collaboration with your pupil look like and what contents do you typically cover in your sessions?

I meet with my student virtually once a week for about an hour. During this time, we work on her current homework or specifically prepare for upcoming exams in Math, English, and German. The main focus is on Math: We go through new topics step-by-step, clarify any open questions, and practice problems together until she feels confident. 

The sessions are flexible, allowing us to focus on exactly those areas that are currently most challenging for her. Primarily, we work through her Math homework together.

What positive changes have you observed in your pupil as a result of your support and how has this influenced your own understanding of educational equity?

I have observed that my student is becoming increasingly self-confident and secure in handling complex tasks. She regularly tells me that she often doesn't have the opportunity to ask all her questions in class-whereas in our sessions, she can learn at her own pace. This often leads to real "aha moments" that help her understand connections better.

How has your involvement with Lern-Fair changed your view of the challenges and opportunities in education?

Through my involvement with Lern-Fair, I have learned how much can be accomplished with targeted support and individual encouragement. It shows me that everyone can make a big difference in education with little effort.

What advice would you give to colleagues who are considering volunteering – for example at Lern-Fair or in other projects?

Whether at Lern-Fair or elsewhere, volunteering lets you experience firsthand what can be achieved even with small contributions. You learn new things, meet interesting people and do something that matters. Just give it a try! The first step is often easier than you think.

Did Laura’s experience with Lern-Fair spark your interest? Then you can find more information about our corporate volunteering program on the corporate website of zeb.