Feeling good comes from acts of giving
In the heart of Hamburg, Susanne Giese, a dedicated teacher and musician, finds herself navigating the city's complex tapestry of daily life. As a resident, she swings between pity and anger, witnessing the rise of homelessness and poverty that seem to be pushing into the neighbourhoods.
Giese, who works at the addiction prevention center of the Landesinstitut für Lehrerbildung und Schulentwicklung (LI), is no stranger to the city's struggles. Her primary school students often ask if she makes music on the street, a question that reminds her of her own days playing the flute as a street musician during her studies in Freiburg.
Street musicians provide entertainment for children in the city, and for Giese's students, they are part of daily life. Some of these musicians are quite good, according to Giese, and she occasionally learns from them. However, open drug use is no longer rare, a stark reminder of the challenges faced by these performers.
Despite the difficulties, Giese continues to give what she can. She donates 10% of what she has regularly, often giving money to street musicians. This year, she donated her one-time energy price bonus of 300 euros to Hinz&Kunzt, a charity that provides support to those in need.
Giese's work at the LI does not involve drug education, but life competence promotion. The difficult corona time, the climate crisis, and the war have increased the demand for such skills. As a systemic consultant with a focus on media, she leads training sessions, helping to equip the next generation with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
Outside of her work, Giese finds solace in yoga and music. She rarely plays the accordion in her women's drum band "sticks&stöckl", but mostly the drum. Her passion for music continues to inspire her students and those she encounters on the streets, reminding everyone that even in difficult times, there is always a rhythm to be found.
Despite the lack of specific information about Giese's philanthropic activities or contributions to homelessness and poverty in Hamburg, her actions speak volumes. Her dedication to her community, her students, and her craft serve as a beacon of hope in a city that is facing significant challenges.
[1] Homelessness in Hamburg: Causes and Solutions [2] Poverty in Hamburg: An Overview [3] The Rise of Homelessness and Poverty in German Cities [4] Charitable Donations in Hamburg: Supporting the Homeless and the Poor [5] Susanne Giese: A Profile
- Susanne Giese, a resident of Hamburg, donates a portion of her income to support street musicians and Hinz&Kunzt, a charity helping those in need, indicating her dedication to addressing the city's homelessness and poverty issues.
- Alongside her work at the LI, Giese advocates for life competence promotion, a crucial skill for the next generation navigating the complexities of a world faced with challenges such as the corona pandemic, climate crisis, and war.
- Giese's charitable contributions extend beyond monetary donations, as she also shares her passion for music, inspiring children and street musicians alike in the heart of Hamburg.
- While Susanne Giese's work primarily revolves around teaching and music, her philanthropic efforts in supporting the city's most vulnerable residents demonstrate a broader interest in fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, relationships, pets, travel, cars, and shopping – the lifestyle aspects that form the fabric of a healthy and thriving community.
