How we work
Our story, our vision and mission, our values: Every step of our work aims to open up opportunities for children and teenagers and to nurture their talents.
Our story
In the summer of 2018, the idea of offering free educational opportunities for children and teenagers in the form of regular extracurricular courses was first born in Vienna: Founder Rosa Bergmann gained teaching experience at a Viennese middle school through the Teach for Austria leadership programme and noticed students in her class who were bored in their free time - young people who came back from vacation without any exciting experiences or who were excluded from expensive extracurricular activities. Together with her four co-founders, she made it her mission to reduce educational inequality in the afternoons with free and accessible extracurricular courses. Just six months later, they launched the first pilot phase in Vienna's 10th district with seven courses and around 100 children.
Today, Hobby Lobby has 16 locations in Austria, Germany, and Romania. The successful concept has already won numerous national and international awards. Over 500 volunteer course instructors have been involved with Hobby Lobby so far, enthusiastically passing on their expertise to children and teenagers.
Our milestones
The idea is born
In the summer of 2018, the idea of offering free extracurricular courses for children and teenagers first emerged.
First pilot phase launched – around 100 children in Vienna-Favoriten
In March 2019, the first pilot phase began in Vienna’s 10th district, reaching around 100 children. Over the course of the year, the first fixed course structure was developed.
Organisation established
In June 2020, Vienna Hobby Lobby became a registered organisation.
New locations open, Youth Leaders programme launches
Systematic expansion to multiple sites began. New Vienna locations opened in the 20th, 3rd, and 16th districts. The Youth Leaders programme entered its pilot phase.
Expansion to Austrian provinces, SozialMarie Award, “Wirksam Wachsen” programme
Hobby Lobby expanded across Austria, opening new locations in Mödling and Innsbruck. It received the SozialMarie Award (European Prize for Social Innovation). The “Wirksam Wachsen” funding programme from the Ministry of Social Affairs also commenced, supporting further professionalization and expansion.
Further scaling – new sites in Graz, Salzburg, and Vienna’s 21st district
A new location opened in Graz in cooperation with LebensGroß. In Vienna, Hobby Lobby expanded to the 21st district, and by the winter semester, Salzburg gained its own branch.
International expansion – Rostock, Romania, Linz; SROI study: €1 = €21.27 in social value
In April, the first international location opened in Rostock, Germany; in October, Romania followed. Linz also joined the network. A Social Return on Investment (SROI) study by the Vienna University of Economics and Business showed: every euro invested in Hobby Lobby generates €21.27 in social value.
Over 10,000 course places filled, primary schools integrated, received VSE Label
By early 2025, more than 10,000 course places had been made available for children and teenagers from socioeconomically disadvantaged families. The course offering expanded to include primary schools. Hobby Lobby received the Verified Social Enterprise (VSE) Label, and new locations opened in Dornbirn and Graz surroundings.
Our awards
Hobby Lobby's commitment to equal opportunities and educational equality is not only reflected in its daily work, but is also regularly recognised with prestigious awards and accolades. These awards encourage us to continue on our path and open up sustainable prospects for children and teenagers.
Since August 2025, Hobby Lobby has carried the Verified Social Enterprise (VSE) Label. It is awarded by the Federal Ministry for Economy, Energy, and Tourism and serves as both a recognition and a quality certification for key actors driving social and societal change — as well as for economic and sustainable innovation.
Vision and mission
Vision:
A world in which education takes place anytime, anywhere. Every child has the same opportunities to discover and realise their potential.
Mission:
Meaningful leisure activities should not remain a privilege in our society, which is why we offer free and accessible extracurricular activities with a focus on physical and mental health.
Our values
Openness
The doors of Hobby Lobby are open to everyone who wants to participate, just as they are.
Enthusiasm
Learning comes from enthusiasm.
Appreciation
At Hobby Lobby we treat each other as equals.
Unlocking potential
Children and teenagers discover and realise their potential.
Responsibility
We trust everyone at Hobby Lobby to take responsibility and grow.
Our child protection concept
Child protection is our top priority! Hobby Lobby's Child Protection Policy sets out our requirements and principles for working with children and teenagers in order to protect them. It demonstrates our commitment to caring for and protecting all children and teenagers who participate in Hobby Lobby courses, programmes and other activities.
All Hobby Lobby employees are committed to the Child Protection Policy and help to prevent violations of children's rights. The well-being and safety of children and teenagers is Hobby Lobby's highest concern.
