In our blog series “So, what is social commitment for you?”, we regularly introduce you to scholarship recipients and graduates of the SBW Berlin scholarship program. They talk about their social commitment, give tips for those who would also like to get involved socially but don’t know how to start, and share what they understand by social commitment.

Making an active contribution to the well-being of others

The SBW Berlin team asked Octavian a few questions on this topic. You can find his answers here:

Octavian B.

1. How do you define social engagement?

To me, social engagement means actively contributing to the well-being of others, particularly the most vulnerable in society. It is about creating opportunities, offering support, and empowering individuals to build a better future for themselves.

2. How long have you been socially engaged?

My journey in social engagement started as a student at the Kemondo Children’s Home (KCH) and Bethania Schools (Bethania Primary School and Bethania Technical Secondary School) found in Kemondo bay, Kagera in Tanzania where I was supported and encouraged to give back to my community. Now, as the Deputy Headmaster [since April 2025 Deputy Manager] at Bethania Technical Secondary School, I continue this commitment by helping orphans and underprivileged young people access technical education and achieve their dreams especially in the world where many young people are struggling with unemployment.

3. Why are you socially committed? And what motivates you to do so?

Having personally experienced the challenges of growing up as an orphan, I understand the importance of support and mentorship. I have been lucky to fall [into] the hands of people who genuinely supported me and encouraged me throughout my academic journey in my local community and abroad, especially the SBW-Berlin to whom I am so grateful for making my dream to achieve a [master’s degree in business administration] (MBA) a reality. My motivation comes from the desire to provide the same encouragement and opportunities that I once received. Seeing young people transform their lives through education and hard work keeps me committed to this cause.

4. What tips do you have for someone who wants to get socially engaged in Berlin or their hometown?

• Identify a cause that resonates with you, whether it’s education, healthcare, or social welfare.
• Start small by volunteering at local organizations or mentoring young people.
• Collaborate with existing social initiatives to maximize impact.
• Be consistent, long-term commitment often makes the biggest difference.

Stay tuned for more interesting posts from our scholarship recipients and graduates on the topic of “Social Commitment” in the blog series “So, what is social commitment for you?”