Behind the scenes with Marina

I’m part of the strategy team and focus on the long-term direction of our projects and key topics that will make ULT even stronger in the future. This includes building and optimizing our internal structures so that we can grow sustainably as an organization and better link our projects together.
I’m also part of the project team responsible for the purchase and operation of our school in Kenya. Since we officially took over the school in September, I’ve been in close contact with the Kenyan team. This transition is new for all of us and a lot is still in the early stages, which means that we’re still finding our way through many topics and building shared routines. It’s a process where we’re constantly learning, adapting structures, and developing workflows.
At the same time, we’re working intensively to raise the remaining donations for the school purchase so we can secure the project in the long term and lead the school into a stable future.
Despite all the challenges, it’s incredibly motivating to see how things are moving forward step by step – and I’m proud to be part of this journey.

Our collaboration has grown significantly over the past few years – not just in numbers, but also in team spirit and the way we work together.
We’re growing closer as a team and creating more synergy between projects and teams.
In our monthly meetings, we have open discussions, laugh together, reflect, and work passionately on solutions. Everyone brings in their strengths – and that’s what makes ULT so special: we’re a team of very different people, but with a shared vision.
Thanks to new structures and clear responsibilities – like the introduction of “Head-of” roles – we’ve also become more professional and efficient.
No topic is left behind, and everyone knows where they can contribute to move things forward.

For me, the biggest challenge is balancing volunteering with my job. I work as a management consultant in a project-based environment, which means: no day is like the other, and it’s often hard to plan my working hours. There are times when I wish I had more time for ULT than I actually do.
But I’ve learned to deal with that by consciously planning and prioritizing. I block out fixed times for ULT, maintain regular communication with my team, and I’m honest when things get tight.
And sometimes it’s just about reminding myself: every contribution counts – whether big or small. I try not to put pressure on myself but to contribute with heart and reliability, whenever possible.

My absolute highlight was my trip to Nairobi in November last year. Experiencing in person how our work makes an impact moved me deeply. I got to meet our team and the children, experience their daily lives, and understand how complex – yet incredibly rewarding – this work is.
What struck me most was seeing how different the challenges and approaches are compared to Germany. And why things that work so easily for us require completely different solutions there. Often the infrastructure just isn’t there, or cultural differences require new ways of thinking – and yet: it works. With creativity, solidarity and the will to make a difference.
I grew personally from that trip. The children’s laughter, their joy for life and gratitude were overwhelming. I have rarely felt so much energy, hope, and community.
That experience reminded me why we do all of this – and gave me even more motivation to keep going.