Aktuelle Stunde
6 pm - Video Call
FAMILY
TOGETHER
Looking Back at the Family Weekend
From 11 to 13 September, around 90 family members gathered at the Leinsweiler Hof in the Palatinate for a weekend filled with opportunities to meet and share memorable experiences.
One of the highlights of the weekend was Saturday, which featured a guided hike or bicycle tour through the region’s vineyards and forests. The subsequent group lunch at Landeck Castle provided plenty of opportunities for personal conversations. In the evening the theme “A Garment with a Story” sparked interesting conversations, personal insights and many memorable moments.
The 2026 Family Weekend was marked by lively exchanges, warm encounters and a strong sense of community. We are already looking forward to seeing everyone again next time.
Kathinka-Platzhoff Foundation
HanauTopia: Experiencing Democracy, Taking Responsibility
How does democracy work? What does civic participation mean? And how can children learn to take responsibility for a community? Around 250 children found answers to these questions again this summer at HanauTopia, the children’s city organised by the Kathinka-Platzhoff Foundation in Hanau.
For two weeks children aged seven to 13 created their own city around the Walloon Ruins. They established institutions such as a town hall, bank, post office and catering businesses. The children founded companies, earned their own currency—the so-called “Swans”—paid taxes and organised life in their city themselves.
Democracy education is at the heart of the project. Unlike in traditional lessons, democracy is not merely explained but experienced firsthand. At daily town meetings, the children discuss rules, make decisions and contribute their ideas.
Mayors are elected, issues are discussed collectively and majority decisions are accepted. In this practical way the children learn that a functioning community depends on everyone’s commitment and participation.
HanauTopia also promotes important social skills. Participants learn how to resolve conflicts constructively, take responsibility and consider different perspectives. The programme is complemented by activities focusing on inclusion and diversity, such as inclusive sports activities and wheelchair basketball.
The Kathinka-Platzhoff Foundation is particularly committed to enabling children from different backgrounds and circumstances to participate, thereby promoting equal opportunities and social integration. HanauTopia creates a space where children are taken seriously, develop their own ideas and experience that they can actively help shape the world around them.
HanauTopia teaches children skills that extend far beyond the holidays: a sense of responsibility, teamwork, strong communication skills and an understanding of democracy. They experience that their voices matter, that participation also entails responsibility, and that viable solutions can be developed through dialogue, compromise and joint action.
In this way democracy is not merely explained—it is lived out in the everyday life of a self-designed city. HanauTopia impressively demonstrates how practical democracy education can sustainably strengthen young people in their personal and social development.
Together with the Heraeus Education Foundation we warmly invite you to our event series “Kathinka Asks: Learning. Life. Future. What Does School Need to Deliver Today?”
Across four events we will focus on young people and their future.
We will explore questions such as: How equitable is education? What comes after school? How can schools empower students? What do young people need to find their own path with confidence and succeed? And how can education work with, through and despite artificial intelligence?
SIX QUESTIONS FOR ...
Sunny Laqua
As Head of the Shareholders Office at Heraeus Holding in Hanau, I work with my team to support the shareholder family in all matters relating to their role as shareholders. In this capacity, I deal with a wide range of shareholder-related topics across the Heraeus Group. In my free time, I enjoy staying active—whether running, horse riding or playing padel.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I enjoy most is the wide variety of topics and the fact that I am constantly faced with new questions and challenges. No two days are the same, and that is precisely what makes the role so exciting for me. At the same time, it requires a high degree of confidentiality, diligence and effective coordination—which is exactly the combination I value.
What do you like most about Heraeus?
What I particularly like about Heraeus is the close connection between the family and the company. In my day-to-day work, I experience directly how strongly the company is shaped by long-term thinking, responsibility and continuity. That is what Heraeus means to me.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy staying active in my free time. I play padel, go horse riding and enjoy running. I only discovered running this year, and it has become a wonderful way for me to unwind after work and recharge my batteries.
Which three things would you take to a desert island?
Probably my running shoes, sunscreen and a hammock. That would at least take care of exercise, relaxation and protection from what would most likely be a nasty sunburn.
Would you prefer a holiday in the mountains or by the sea?
Definitely in the mountains. I love hiking in summer and skiing in winter. The mountain landscape never fails to impress me.
Coffee or tea?
Definitely coffee. I really only drink tea when I’m ill.
GOOD TO KNOW
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We look forward to speaking with you.
Handling press inquiries
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Upcoming Events
November 5, 2026
November 6, 2026
International Call
3 pm - Video Call
March 12-13, 2027
Youngsters Meeting
Hanau
March 18, 2027
Aktuelle Stunde
7 pm - Video Call
March 19, 2027
International Call
3 pm - Video Call
