On 6 March 2025, we had the special opportunity to get to know the teaching staff at our new school. We met the teachers, many of whom had already been briefed by Beatrice, with a mixture of joyful anticipation and eager curiosity. Some of the faces were already familiar to us from our previous collaboration with the BAS Academy – so it was all the nicer to be able to meet the entire teaching staff in an open and friendly atmosphere. 

The talk, which Bonface and Lea moderated with great sensitivity, focussed on getting to know each other – a genuine exchange at eye level. Samira, Sarah, Lea and our Kenyan team introduced themselves and used the meeting to express our great appreciation for the teachers’ outstanding commitment and great daily work. 

Of course, there was also uncertainty: many people wondered what would change, whether there would be redundancies and how their teaching would change. We made it clear that we are not planning any redundancies and that we greatly value the existing teaching staff – it was and is not an option for us to make any changes to this dedicated team. 

During the meeting, we learnt of the teachers’ desire to expand the school and offer grades 7 and 8 (after the last school reform, there were problems for these grades, so that some of them are no longer offered) – a step that we would like to support and have already had in mind. 

The meeting was characterised by mutual respect, openness and a genuine culture of welcome. We were warmly welcomed into the school community – a moment that we will remember for a long time to come. 

Our current donation status is currently €60,038, of which €55,000 has already been used for the first instalment. We are deeply grateful for the great support and the trust that has been placed in us. Step by step, we are getting closer to our goal of making truly good education possible for even more children.

In Germany, we are focussing on fundraising and looking for partner companies that are willing to become part of our vision and support our school in the long term.  In Kenya, we are formally changing the name of the school from ‘BAS Academy’ to ‘ULT Learning Academy’ (ULT Academy for short) and the corresponding licences are being transferred to us. For the next important stage – the second instalment – we still need €50,000. Then we would already be halfway through buying the school. 

We are also working on reducing school fees in the long term by renting out the rooms in the evenings for various events organised by foundations, cooperations and community projects.  This would allow additional income to be used directly to relieve the burden on parents. We would also like to admit more ULT children with special learning needs in the future, as soon as financial resources allow. 

Currently, 15 ULT children have the opportunity to attend this wonderful school thanks to the support – a privilege, because as a public school, the costs are comparatively high. With the expansion of the school, we also hope to make an even bigger difference for our ULT children by being able to admit more children with learning needs to the school. 

So: Join us and support us step by step on our way to the first ULT school: the ULT Academy! Help us to realise this dream, because: ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world.’ – Mahatma Gandhi

On 7 March 2025, we held an important meeting with the parents of the pupils – and we were overwhelmed by the response: over 100 interested mothers and fathers came together and listened to us eagerly. They also had questions and concerns in their hearts, understandably – because change often raises many uncertainties at first. 

After a warm welcome and introduction by Lea, the parents had the opportunity to ask questions and share their concerns. We explained that we would not be making any changes to the teaching staff and would continue to focus on the children’s well-being. Of course, all children can continue to attend this school. 

We informed them that we have many ideas and visions – at the same time, it was important for us to emphasise that we want to develop these goals together with the experienced teaching staff. Many teachers have known the school for decades – their knowledge and perspectives are irreplaceable for us.

The great interest shown by parents in the introduction of Year 7 and 8 was particularly moving. Although we could not yet promise that this would be possible at our school from the next school year, our many contacts with other schools mean that we can assist them and find a good solution for the children. Another of our heartfelt wishes – the establishment of a school library – was received with great interest. The idea that children could borrow school books and pass them on to the next generation the following year was met with applause. We were deeply touched and encouraged by this moment of approval. At the end of the meeting, we were warmly welcomed into the community – many parents approached us with personal questions after the official part of the meeting. There were open, trusting conversations – and probably the best conclusion: everyone was able to go home with a good feeling.