About Hispi
What we stand for
HISPI is a place of encounter, shared learning, and community. A place for people with refugee and migration backgrounds who live in Düsseldorf and want to build an independent life.
Since 2015, our team has been supporting people from all over the world on their path into society—through language, trust, and shared activities. It’s not just about learning German, but about orientation, participation, and the feeling of being welcome.
Language is more than words. It opens doors, creates connections, and enables new perspectives. At HISPI, we support everyday language learning, create space for exchange, and foster a true sense of community. For us, learning means being allowed to try things out, ask questions, and support one another.
Everyone is welcome here—regardless of origin, residence status, or educational background. Our programs are voluntary, free of charge, and based on mutual respect. Because we believe that integration succeeds where people feel seen, taken seriously, and encouraged.
In order to work reliably in the long term, HISPI has been a division of SOPHIA::AKADEMIE gGmbH since 2018. This structure enables us to receive funding and to further develop our commitment sustainably.
We don’t focus on where you come from, but on where you’re going.
What they say…
…as our participants
…as our team members
At HISPI, “We can do it” becomes “We do it”—as a team, with creative opportunities and modern technology: teaching here is truly enjoyable!
Jana P.
When I wasn’t doing so well, I started helping others—now I’m doing well!
Ingelore S.
I volunteer with Hispi because I want to help refugees—who have often come to Germany under very harsh conditions—integrate more successfully.
People in Germany are generally doing well. Isn’t it then only right, also from a Christian perspective, to give something back?
Michael W.
For the refugees: Without language skills, successful integration is not possible! For us volunteers: A thank you after every session is a great joy and motivation!
Karsten M.
…being able to help in a simple and completely straightforward way—that’s what I like about our Hispi!
Ulrike H.
I enjoy language and sharing it with others. That’s why I love introducing our language to refugees and teaching German at Hispi.
Gudrun S.
I volunteer at HISPI because, at the beginning, it was very important to me to support the many refugees in a meaningful and voluntary way. By now, I wouldn’t want to miss this work, as I’ve met so many interesting and kind people and receive so much gratitude, appreciation, and smiles in return. It’s simply enjoyable and broadens your horizons!
Conny D.
At Hispi, there’s a lot to learn and a lot to laugh about. For everyone.
Annchen S.
As a long-time political journalist (Rheinische Post), I have always worked with, for, and alongside people. Since early 2016, after every session at Hispi, it’s been said: “You always come back as a new person”! That motivates me just as much as the gratitude of the refugees.
Klaus H.
I enjoy volunteering at Hispi because I am grateful for the life I am able to live and can give a little something back to our society. It brings me great joy to share our language and culture.
Brigitte K.
Commercial employee, occasional teacher at Hispi, and hobby rock’n’roller.
Gerd G.
There’s always something going on at Hispi. People from all kinds of backgrounds and cultures come together here, work and laugh together, get to know one another, and support each other. Here, everyone can be who they are—just as it should be.
Bastian W.
Teaching at Hispi is a matter close to my heart. Every student (and every teacher) carries their own burdens—and it’s a wonderful feeling that we are all pulling together. Especially in times like these, it’s important to get involved. Now more than ever.
Kristina S.
My commitment at Hispi?
Language is so important, and I have always enjoyed teaching languages. I hope I can help as many people who have come here as possible in learning our truly not-so-easy language.
Heiner H.
I learned my foreign languages mainly through contact with native speakers, and I thought I could give that experience back here. The greatest reward for a volunteer is seeing the progress—such as when, at our weekly get-together coffee, new members of the community from different countries converse in German.
Friedhelm V.
Awards
startsocial scholarship
Hispi was a startsocial scholarship holder from October 2017 to March 2018.
startsocial is a nationwide competition that promotes voluntary social engagement and is under the patronage of former Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel. Under the motto “Help for helpers,” startsocial awards 100 four-month consulting scholarships and seven cash prizes each year to outstanding social initiatives. In each round of the competition, more than 500 professionals and executives contribute their expertise as volunteer coaches and jurors. The competition has been held since 2001 and is therefore a pioneer in supporting volunteer-driven social initiatives in Germany.
Martinstaler of the City of Düsseldorf
On November 24, 2016, the Hispi Learning Center was awarded the Martinstaler of the City of Düsseldorf in the category “new approaches to civic engagement.”
SPD Düsseldorf Volunteer Award
On June 11, 2017, Hispi was awarded the SPD Volunteer Award in the category “Migration and Integration.”
Kamel – Our most important award
This award is probably the most important to us. One of our participants created it for us during his first internship. “Hispi – Team Love” – wonderful.