Heino Hankewitz

Hankewitz graduated from Aseri Secondary School[1] in 1972 and Tallinn Pedagogical University (currently University of Tallinn) in 1986. He majored in Estonian language and literature.

Hankewitz has worked as a teacher in Aseri Secondary School, as a journalist in the youth newspaper Säde, and in the Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs as a manager of many social projects. From 1989 to 1995, he worked in the Ministry of Social Affairs as an adviser and a department vice manager, later becoming a manager. From 1995, he has been involved in both Estonia and Germany, working in both countries. From 1997 to 1999, he worked as the chairman of the commission of senior policy within the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Hankewitz is one of the founders and the chairman of the Self-Help and Advisory Centre for Senior Citizens in Tallinn. In 2002, he was trained as a social manager in Berlin, Germany. Hankewitz currently works as a social manager in a social and charity organisation named Volkssolidarität. He has published many articles and publications.

He also represents Estonia in the European Federation of Older Persons (EURAG).[2]

Hankewitz is currently married for the second time and resides in Berlin. During his first marriage, he had two sons—former journalist Sten A. Hankewitz who currently resides in London and journalist Gert D. Hankewitz who currently works in the newspaper Postimees.

In 2004, Hankewitz was awarded the Order of the Estonian Red Cross, 3rd class, by President Arnold Rüütel.[3] In 2005, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal of the City of Tallinn.[4]

Hankewitz has always been socially active, especially in the field of voluntary work of senior citizens.