Interviews
Interviews
Interviews ...
‘ Voluntary engagement is crucial. Furthermore, at Primavera, the leading social principles and beliefs of the company founder materialize and are lived. Thus we can be sure, that help is delivered, where there is need for it.’
Every Bosch Associate might know Induprint, but not everyone knows who stands behind it. Induprint is a family-run business and since 2010, Daniel Kipp has taken the reigns from the former company founder. Today we continue our series with Daniel, chief executive from Induprint Services GmbH.
Name and function – Who are you?
Daniel Kipp, chief executive from InduPrint Services GmbH
Where do you come together with Primavera?
Induprint is an internal service contractor of Robert Bosch GmbH. We are responsible for digital printing, digitization and digital archiving at the locations Schillerhöhe and Schwieberdingen. Through our services, we communicate/cooperate closely not only with Robert Bosch employees, but also with those from Primavera.
How and when did first encounter Primavera?
We became aware of Primavera because of our service as an Inhouse service contractor. This was a long time ago.
What is your motivation to support Primavera?
As a company with a deep sense of social responsibility, we like to support projects like “Primavera”. And if we manage that with our partners or the colleagues of our partners, we are even happier.
What makes Primavera unique for you?
Voluntary engagement is crucial. Furthermore, at Primavera, the leading social principles and beliefs of the company founder materialize and are lived. Thus we can be sure, that help is delivered, where there is need for it.
Was there a special Primavera moment for you?
Every time when we get the opportunity to engage in any social initiative is special. This very year, we have produced our 25th Primavera anniversary Christmas cards. It feels very good, when you know you actively participated in helping children in need. Moreover, the engagement of the other helpers of Primavera really carries you away. It is a great feeling to be part of such a community.
„At Primavera it is guaranteed that every single Euro is used for the projects. Everybody is working in an honorary capacity for Primavera.“
Name and Function – Who are you?
My name is Gabriele Geisbauer. After 40 years of working at Bosch, I am now retired. Since 1995 I am member of Primavera and since 2002 I am responsible for the administrativ office and member in the Primavera board.
What are your touch points with Primavera?
I am working for the administrative office which means I take care of the agenda and the protocol during board and general meetings. I also maintain the database of members and donators, I administer the donation receipts, the correspondence with members and donators and handle other inquiries. Moreover I’m taking care of projects in Mexico and Romania. During the week, I am one day in the office at Schillerhöhe, apart from that I am on the PC at home.
How and when did you get in touch with primavera for the first time?
In 1994 Mrs. Waas-Frey approached me and asked whether I could establish the database of members and donators for Primavera. Until then, the donation receipts where issued and sent by the city of Stuttgart. This was laborious work with hundreds of little sheets of paper. However, Mrs. Waas-Frey convinced me and so I gradually built up the new data base. In the meantime there was even an update so that today we have an even better working data base.
What is your motivation to support Primavera?
My motivation is to help children in need: I want to use the free time I have as a retiree in a meaningful way. I also want to pass on something of the good life I can have here to the poorest on this planet. What also motivates me is the very good collaboration within the board and the great dedication of every single person who actively supports Primavera. This isn’t self-evident in an association.
What makes Primavera unique for you?
At Primavera it is guaranteed that every single Euro is used for the projects. Everybody is working in an honorary capacity for Primavera. The projects are well chosen, are checked carefully and are always supervised and accompanied by Bosch associates. The intended purpose is also convincing: It’s fostering the children’s education and hygiene as well as their health. We hereby actively improve the living conditions of these children and teenagers. By the way, everybody can visit one of our projects (after prior consultation of the Primavera board) and is always welcome!
Was there a special Primavera moment for you?
In the last 22 years there were a lot of special moments: the wonderful garden parties in the park of the Bosch house Heidehof, the great charity concerts by the Bosch symphony orchestra or the Bosch jazz orchestra. And of course our great birthday party for our 25th anniversary last year in the Theaterhaus in Stuttgart. During all these activities donations for our Primavera children were collected. My wish is that even more people get involved with Primavera by supporting the association financially or actively, so that even more projects can be supported.
‚Supporting Primavera I can actively tackle things and, best of all, I am sure that everything earned by my support reaches the children and youths in need in full.’
Always in action for Primavera: Sebastian Krieger has not only been in charge of the organization for the anniversary garden party, but also put his shoulder to the wheel at the charity raffle sale.
Who are you?
I am Sebastian Krieger, Senior Consultant Strategy Process at DS.
Which connections do you have with Primavera?
I am member of the Primavera organization committee and of the Primavera Bosch Connect team. Additionally I participate in the Primavera EFQM work group, where we take care of future topics and the strategic concept of Primavera in the upcoming years.
How and when did you first encounter Primavera?
I first encountered Primavera at the Garden Party at the Bosch Haus Heidehof in 2008. A colleague had recruited me to help working in one of the food stalls – at midsummer temperatures the work at the pizza oven was rather sweaty.
What motivates you to support Primavera?
For me, social commitment is a matter of course. My training as well as my career so far have already led me to many emerging and developing countries in Africa, South America and Asia. Everywhere it was the fate of the children that has touched me most – many of them do not grow up as sheltered and looked after as both my daughters do here in the Stuttgart region. Supporting Primavera I can actively tackle things and, best of all, I am sure that everything earned by my support reaches the children and youths in need in full.
What makes Primavera unique for you?
The “business concept” – we collect where there is plenty (e.g. in Germany) and hand it to where it is needed most urgently: to underprivileged children in emerging and developing countries. And all of this without any administrative expenses. I see it as unique that in every local project there are Primavera contact persons (quite often active Bosch employees), who monitor the proper use of the funds.
Did you experience a special Primavera moment?
Yes, the Anniversary Garden Party 2015 at the Bosch Haus Heidehof was a special Primavera moment. As one of the major organizers I was impressed by how many active and former Bosch members volunteered and rolled up their sleeves to help. A fantastic, committed team contributed significantly to the success of the party – for which I once more want to express my heartfelt gratitude.
‚The social responsibility, which is also anchored in our Bosch values, is carried out into the world by our numerous volunteers, not only in word, but in deed as well.’
Who are you?
My name is Markus Heyn. I am member of the Robert Bosch GmbH Board of Management since April 2015. I am responsible for Automotive Original Equipment Sales as well as Corporate Marketing and Sales, Automotive Aftermarket and the subsidiaries ETAS and Bosch Engineering.
Which connections do you have with Primavera?
In my role as DS/EP I have experienced the organization of the Experience Day 2011. Primavera has shown a fantastic performance there and has demonstrated great presence, which was mirrored by the large sum of donations. Also at the Bosch Boxberg Classics, an old-timer rally in Stuttgart, Primavera was present with a raffle. During Advent season I especially look forward to the contemplative Quempas singing. It has become a tradition for me and marks a great year?end. As you can see, there are many good examples for Primavera activities, which I am pleased to support at any time.
How and when did you first encounter Primavera?
The many cultural offers initiated by Primavera brought me in contact with the organisation already early in my Bosch career. Primavera is very active and present at many events: Just consider the annually published calendar or the by now traditional summer party at the Bosch Haus.
What motivates you to support Primavera?
As a father of four I have special interest in supporting and encouraging children in need. I am particularly pleased with the great variety of projects in different countries and the continuously rising number of members and volunteers. This is a clear sign that Primavera is on the right track and the many years of effort are paying off. Therefore more and more projects can be supported and that is a great motivation.
What makes Primavera unique for you?
I greatly appreciate that the children are in the focus of the activities. The social responsibility, which is also anchored in our Bosch values, is carried out into the world by our numerous volunteers, not only in word, but in deed as well. Local Bosch employees support the projects, investing a lot of time and dedication and ensure that the donations reach the right hands. This is really impressive!
Did you experience a special Primavera moment?
Yes, it was on October 9th, 2015 at the concert night on the occasion of Primavera’s 25th anniversary. The Bosch Big Band, the Bosch Swing and Dance Orchestra and the Bosch Jazz Orchestra created a marvellous musical evening. In particular the cover version of the James Bond title song “Sky Fall” gave me goose bumps.
‘One of the telling arguments for Primavera is that every single euro is to 100% destined for the projects and aid for children in need.’
What are your touch points with Primavera?
Long before leaving the company and stepping into my “new” life of no longer being an active Bosch associate, I was looking for a challenging activity but primarily for an engagement where I could help other people, especially children. That’s how I discovered Primavera and what I learned about their work instantly convinced me. What surprised me a lot however was the fact that at that time only few associates knew about this initiative. I thus solicited support from the communication department. In the beginning I got a lot of support from Ms Waas-Frey until I could create certain means of communication on my own (e.g. Primavera News). Today Primavera is widely known, has more than 1000 members and continues to grow.
How and when did you get in touch with Primavera for the first time?
That was in 2008.
What is your motivation to support Primavera?
It’s particularly the professional procedure which is applied consistently. All projects are chosen according to a defined profile and are based near Bosch locations in emerging and developing countries. In this way, all projects can be examined on site and supported by Bosch associates working on a voluntary basis.
What makes Primavera unique for you?
Primavera doesn’t have any administrative expenses. Thus, one of the telling arguments for Primavera is that every single euro is to 100% destined for the projects and aid for children in need.
Was there a special Primavera moment for you?
Yes, this was the first time I was selling lottery tickets for the Primavera raffle at the Bosch event “Boxberg Klassik”. I was surprised, in a positive way, that most of the 300 persons knew a lot about Primavera and weren’t only driven by their play instinct but by the fact that the proceeds of the raffle really are for a worthy cause and go to 100% to the children/teenagers.
It is for me a very good feeling to get involved in the Primavera cause and to help children/teenagers, through school and vocational education, to find their way into a self?determined life and hence a better future.
first to be translated from German in English
‚The aid towards children and teenager isn’t only temporary. They receive a widespread offer concerning education and training and thus have better opportunities for their further lives.’
Who are you?
My name is Dieter Braitmayer. I am retiree and former Bosch associate. I worked in the department of fairs and exhibitions.
What are your touch points with Primavera?
I’m a member of the Primavera organization team which means our task is to advise and to support Primavera during events at Bosch locations and Bosch concerts. This starts with planning the employment of staff, managing the advertising material and raffles in order to raise money for Primavera. The Primavera summer and garden parties or the Bosch Boxberg Klassik Rally are always big events. In addition to that, I am responsible for the organization, administration and inventory of the Primavera warehouse. That’s where we stock all communication materials etc. .
How and when did you get in touch with Primavera for the first time?
About ten years ago I was asked if could help setting up and decorating the Primavera summer party since I would bring along a certain organizational talent and design skills. I really liked the event and the information I got there about the creation, purpose and success of Primavera convinced me. So I spontaneously decided to get actively involved.
What is your motivation to support Primavera?
The aid towards children and teenager isn’t only temporary. They receive a widespread offer concerning education and training and thus have better opportunities for their further lives.
What makes Primavera unique for you?
All Primavera associates work on a voluntary basis and the donations go directly to the projects. Only aid projects at external Bosch locations receive support and they are also looked after by Bosch volunteers on site. So I can be sure that my involvement doesn’t trickle off to any other “channels”.
Was there a special Primavera moment for you?
The one special moment was my beginning at Primavera and my suggestion that the organizing team should create a new, individual visual appearance for Primavera with typical distinctive features – our new logo: word and picture mark, colors and color combinations, fonts.
to be translated from German to English
to be translated from German to English
'Helping, not looking the other way.'
Marianne Waas-Frey was the founder and chairperson of Primavera, and is today its honorary chairperson. She was born in Stuttgart on October 27, 1931. After studying law, history, and politics, she worked as a freelance journalist. From 1961 to 1974 she was an editor at the “Stuttgarter Nachrichten” newspaper, before moving on to Bosch in 1974. Here, as “ws,” she was a leading contributor to the “Bosch-Zünder” until 1991.
Nothing is as old as yesterday’s newspaper. But as a journalist, Marianne Waas-Frey succeeded all the same in creating something lasting. Moved by what she saw on a trip to Brazil, she founded the organization “Primavera – helping children in need” in 1990. In 2008, this achievement brought her the badge of honor of the state of Baden-Württemberg “in honor of many years of voluntary service.” In the course of 20 years, this organization, whose membership is open solely to Bosch associates, has collected nearly four million euros in donations. This money is now helping 20,000 children living in slums close to Bosch locations in Latin America and in Asia. Marianne Waas-Frey has worked tirelessly and with immense dedication to give these children a chance of a brighter future. But it all began in Brazil.
Ms. Waas-Frey, what made you take the decision to found Primavera?
I went to Brazil in 1989 to report on a Bosch anniversary. After my work was finished, I spent an additional three weeks there on vacation. Sylvia Leeven, the wife of a Bosch manager, traveled through the country with me and showed me all our locations. She also took me to see the favelas, the slums near our locations. Going there was an incredibly moving experience, through not exactly risk-free. But Sylvia, who was socially very committed, knew no fear. We went right into the middle of the slums, and spoke with the people there. Then an old lady came up to me, took my hand, and begged me: “Help us, we need water for our children, otherwise they will die.” At that moment I knew I simply had to do something.
But it can’t have been easy to turn an idea like that into reality. Did you receive help from Bosch in setting things up?
Yes, you’re right. I knew right from the outset how things should be structured. We in Germany wanted to be responsible purely for collecting funds for children in need, while all the work done locally should involve Bosch associates and be overseen by them – that was a fundamental requirement, and still is today. But how were we to get the money together? At first I had the idea that each associate should donate one euro each year. But how do you go about that? It can’t be done without a lot of paperwork. So I went to talk to my supervisor, Wolfgang Knellesen. He heard me out and passed the matter on to the right people. Thanks to his intervention, we received permission from the board of management to use the Bosch organization for our purposes. To get the money together, we published appeals for donations in “Bosch Zünder.” This involved endless amounts of painstaking work. First I got in touch with the legal department, and they explained to me that we had to found a registered non profit association in order to be legally entitled to process donations. In no time at all we had the ten volunteers we needed to be able to found the “Primavera – helping children in need” organization in 1990. The association’s first committee published its first charity appeal in the “Bosch-Zünder” that same year. But even so, Primavera had a difficult birth and modest beginnings. Two years after its founding, we had the idea of putting on summer festivals on the grounds of the Robert Bosch House in Stuttgart to collect more money. It was from that point on that people took notice of us, and the board of management also continues to support Primavera to this day.
How did Primavera’s projects in other countries come about?
When initial reports of our work in Brazil reached India, they hit a chord, since the wives of Bosch managers there were also already doing admirable work helping out in the slums of Bangalore. They asked Primavera for help, and we were happy to oblige. In fact, we discovered that there were people at all levels who were open to what we were doing and ready to do whatever they could to support our cause. We had unbelievable amounts of work. Many things involve a lot more work than you might think: things like making requests. And I also did all the association’s public relations work myself.
So ideas for new projects always came from Bosch associates?
Yes, right from the start it was Bosch associates who initiated projects. They got in touch with us from many diff erent countries to tell us about the work they were already involved in. As soon as we had been presented with proof that Bosch associates were playing a leading role in a project, we were able to provide it with financial support. And then Sylvia Leeven even started up a project of her own. It’s still our biggest: the Centro Promocional Tia Ileide in Campinas. It takes children from the poorest families off the streets and offers them not only food and medical care but also a comprehensive educational program in addition to their school lessons. This work has even received international awards.
How is it that a woman like you is willing to devote so much time and effort to the cause of helping children in need?
It may be in my genes. My whole family is the same; my mother was always helping other people and lending a hand in emergencies. But it’s also got something to do with my personal values: I had a Christian upbringing and have managed to hold on to my childhood faith, which has always been a great help to me. So you need values to live by, but the most important thing is never to look the other way.
Christmas in Mexico
How children in Mexico celebrate Christmas ...
"On christmas, I wait for Santa Clause and visit my grandfather, grandmother and aunt. We all do eat chicken soup. I hope to get a baby doll and a Barbie’s car."
"On christmas, my dad and my uncle Lupe will visit. We do decorate the house with lights and hit the piñata. We all do eat rice, soup, tacos, chicken, everything! I want a flying car and visit Santa Clause to help him deliver all the presents."
"On christmas, Santa Claus and my grandfather will visit. With my dad and my family, we all do eat chicken soup, tortillas and rice. I want a baby doll and a Barbie's house."
"On christmas, my mom will visit me as I do live with my aunt. With my father and older brother, we all do eat shredded chicken. I want a doll that can talk and walk."
"On Christmas, Santa Claus and the “Reyes Magos”, my Uncles and cousins will visit. I spend the Christmas night with my family and help with the Christmas tree and the lights. I will eat a sandwich with jam! And zopole! [Pozole: Traditional soup with mais] I want a supermarket car, captin Buzz Lightyear and a tricycle."