How Alba Berlin is Transforming a Struggling School into a Hub of Hope and Basketball Dreams

Tucked away on the northwest side of Berlin, the Albert Gutzmann School may not look extraordinary at first glance. The weathered buildings sit quietly beside a park and across from a furniture store. But inside, something transformative is unfolding—an initiative reminiscent of LeBron James’ education-driven mission in the United States.

Opened in 1972, Albert Gutzmann is located in the multicultural, working-class neighborhood of Gesundbrunnen. The school serves around 500 students from grades one through six, and a staggering 98% of them don’t speak German when they first enroll. With 60% of families receiving welfare support, it’s officially classified as a “problem school” due to its socioeconomic challenges. These challenges are the same ones LeBron James set out to combat in 2011 with his I Promise initiative—an effort that grew into a fully functioning public school and support system in Akron, Ohio.

In Berlin, however, it’s not a global icon leading the charge—it’s Alba Berlin, the city’s EuroLeague basketball team. Since becoming a full sponsor of the school, Alba has embedded itself into Albert Gutzmann’s daily life. With 30 full-time staffers—many of whom are both social workers and certified basketball coaches—Alba Berlin provides not just sports training but also counseling, academic support, cooking classes, and community outings. They even bring students and their families to Alba games, reinforcing a sense of belonging and identity.

The connection the children feel when they see the same logo on their mentors and on the players on court is powerful. It’s about more than basketball—it’s about trust, relationships, and community. The school has seen a cultural shift: where there were once daily fights, now there are games on a new outdoor court donated by Alba. Laughter, teamwork, and learning dominate recess.

Though Alba Berlin doesn’t have LeBron’s global reach or financial firepower, the intent is strikingly similar—to build a future for children who are often overlooked. And in this corner of Berlin, that mission is changing lives.