“Other than being a well structured organization offering a wide range of programs and activities to integrate all kinds of newcomers into Berlin, what really stood out for me was that everyone involved with GSBTB shows a tremendous capacity to love and empathise with one another… That’s what’s making this ‘integration’ actually happen, rather than just being an overused word.”

“Community is very difficult in Berlin. It’s so difficult here to find culture, to find friends. This organisation helps you to find that. If you find a friend at the cooking group they can help you with a lot of things. Finding a flat, somewhere to live – maybe even work.”

Interview with Amjad in Huck magazine

“GSBTB works with refugees to understand their needs… Not only does GSBTB listen to the needs of the refugees, but they also give them the power to organize volunteers to find positive solutions to those needs… The organization is open and flexible and learns from its clients. GSBTB then spreads awareness of what it’s learned by educating and involving the community in its goal.”

Kurtis’s opinion piece in our magazine: Moving beyond voluntourism

“It is really important to be engaged within your community, even more so for expats. GSBTB brings people together and helps them not only see what is going on in their surroundings, but helps them to get involved. It is important to have a volunteer opportunity for people who don’t speak perfect German.”

Wanda’s interview in our magazine

“When I first arrived I was sleeping on the streets but slowly, through the support of other refugees and local refugee organisations, I found my way. It still took over six months to find a home. Lot of refugees have talent but it’s not easy to reach things without language, money, papers and local connections – you really need support. It’s good to connect with local organisations like Give Something Back To Berlin – they can really help you to find your way.”

Interview with Aziz in our magazine: “We are all looking for our own voice in this world”

“My name is Anas Alradi and I’m an architect from Syria – I lived in Oman before coming to Germany. When I first arrived here I wanted to help refugees so I volunteered with some organisations like GSBTB. I started off in the GSBTB Refugee Cooking Group (now the GSBTB Open Kitchen), where I found my passion for cooking Aleppo cuisine. That experience led to me running a stand at the streetfood site Markthalle Neun.”

Anas cooking with a Vegan chef in our magazine

“I am really proud of what we have done as a team and the strong bond that we have made with these people despite the terrible situation that they are living in… Everybody needs community, everybody needs support and there is no point having this attitude that everything is going to be fine by itself.”

In our magazine:

Interview with Sinéad: “I think it’s important that every woman feels accepted”

Sinéad’s opinion piece on volunteering at the GSBTB Open Art Shelter Frauenzimmer at Tempelhof

“I always find time to support GSBTB because I think they are really one of the most reliable and sustainable organizations in town and they need to be supported and expanded.”

Majid’s interview in our magazine

“When I had just arrived in Berlin I wanted to get to know people and commit myself to a social cause. What I like is seeing new friendships develop. I have a small group that I know a little better than others and we also meet outside of the lessons. As a result, I might be invited to birthday parties or Syrian meals. By this I have gathered new friends and experiences that I wouldn’t have otherwise.”

Interview with Silke for ImmobilienScout24

“They help me with my German at the language café. But more importantly for me Give Something Back to Berlin is about all the kind and interesting people I meet anytime I go there.”

Interview with Kinan in our magazine: “I’m learning German by writing love poems”

“Before coming to Germany I worked with the UN Refugee Agency in a Child Protection Unit. Through GSBTB’s team up events I’ve met many people in my field and we’ve been able to exchange experiences about working in the Middle East and here. I posted a listing on the GSBTB website offering my expertise in child and family protection, and from there an organisation invited me to try working for them for two months, doing translation, therapy and psychosocial support for a refugee family. My involvement with GSBTB has affected my life in a positive way, helping to integrate me into society here and find my place.”

“GSBTB is an example of how big and beautiful a simple idea can become.”

Interview in Huck magazine

Interview in i-D magazine