20. August 2025, 13:55 o'Clock
Article: Mentor, motivator, maker of things happen
How Ted Schiewelbein supports young people in Hanover alongside his job at DB Cargo
‘Anyone can achieve something – if they get the right motivation.’ Ted Schiewelbein knows what he's talking about. The specialist consultant for real estate and infrastructure at DB Cargo in Seelze plans, organises and mediates, whether with external service providers or within the group. But his commitment does not end at the office door. In his free time, he devotes all his energy to supporting young people in the black community in Hanover.
From Duisburg to Hanover – a vision becomes reality
In 2019, after completing his training, Ted moved from Duisburg to Hanover and quickly found a connection to a vision: empowering young people, far removed from politics or cultural representation. ‘I deliberately didn't want to be pushed into a victim role,’ he says. Instead, he opted for empowerment and building perspectives. He had already worked with a vocational college in Duisburg and during his studies in Gelsenkirchen. He organised leisure activities and exchanges with students for young refugees. He brought this idea with him to Lower Saxony.
Ted Schiewelbein is convinced that volunteering not only has a positive impact on the lives of others, but also on one's own life.
Empowering young people – experiences that inspire courage
Today, his association BOLDLY e. V. Hannover has over 20 active members. The group organises community events such as panel discussions or visits to a regional television studio, art associations and the planning of various leisure activities and empowerment workshops. It creates spaces for exchange, orientation and self-confidence, especially for young adults who do not automatically choose to go to university. ‘Not everyone has to study; an apprenticeship can also be the perfect start.’
With the same idea in mind, Ted launched Future Day at DB Cargo three years ago in close cooperation with the Seelze site. Young people accompany him through his everyday working life for a day, get to know the Lister Dreieck office complex, ride the locomotive on a closed section of track in the marshalling yard – and are amazed. ‘When you see the smiles on their faces when they're allowed to accelerate, you know that the spark has been ignited.’
He is particularly proud of creative formats such as the cooking workshop during Black History Month and the comic workshop, examples of how cultural themes and community spirit can be combined in an inspiring way. In 2023, Ted organised a poetry slam with black artists of all ages in collaboration with DB Gastronomie and his volunteer association. DB Gastronomie provided the catering in collaboration with a local West African restaurant from Hanover: together, they prepared the food in the DB kitchen and served it to the guests.
Ted also benefits professionally from his voluntary work: ‘You learn an incredible amount about team leadership, communication and organisation. Soft skills that are also invaluable in the workplace.’
Commitment that has a double impact – supported by the Deutsche Bahn Foundation
And how can colleagues support him? ‘I'm just happy when more people get involved, in whatever form.’ Because he is convinced that volunteering not only changes the lives of others, but also your own.
This commitment is supported by the Deutsche Bahn Foundation. Since 2016, its ‘Ehrensache’ programme has been promoting voluntary work by DB employees. This not only makes their commitment visible, but also provides targeted support for charitable projects throughout Germany. In 2025 alone, almost 300 commitments will be supported.
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