“It’s about your head, hands and heart”

Participants called it “super energising” and “motivating”, while their course professors described their Splash Project as “learning through doing something purposeful for the community”. 

Over two days this July, we worked with 180 participants on an Executive Education Programme with The European School of Management and Technology (ESMT), a private not-for-profit business school based in Berlin. 

The teams of 90 per day built a cabin style café, as well as a series of covered seating pods, and outdoor tables and chairs for Diakonie of the Evangelical Brethren Congregation Korntal in Stuttgart. 

The organisation provides a care facility for elderly citizens, day care facilities for children and youth welfare facilities.  

The aim of the business school’s Splash Project was to enhance the centre’s work promoting health, wellbeing and interaction between those it supports. 

Lei Lu, Programme Director at ESMT Berlin, said:

“For our teams, it’s about their head – they have to think about the challenge, how to tackle it strategically while managing their resources effectively. 

“It’s also about their hands – they need to act responsibly. 

“And it’s about their hearts – through this learning process, they’re achieving something with a purpose, giving something back to others.” 

Dr Sarah Horn, Programme Director and Coach at ESMT Berlin, said:

“It’s so unique to work with a charity and have a leadership development programme where you use your hands and apply the work you’re doing to something that has purpose and value to your community.”