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Behind the scenes with Leonie

Behind every email, every update and every project are people who generously give their time, knowledge and heart. Leonie has been part of UNDER Lea’s TRUST for the past two years and works alongside Sarah and Samira in our Update Team, helping to bring the stories of our sponsored children to the people who make them possible.

In this interview, she talks about what she values most about working with the team, what motivates her to volunteer and why she hopes to visit Kenya and meet the children in person one day.

How long have you been volunteering with ULT and what motivates you?

I have been volunteering with UNDER Lea’s TRUST for two years now. It was Lea who introduced me to ULT and invited me to become involved in this mission. I am very grateful that this conversation opened the door for me to become part of such a meaningful organisation.What motivates me most is seeing what can happen when people come together with genuine care, commitment and a shared belief in the value of education. I deeply appreciate the way the team continues to support one another, especially when things are challenging. There is always a willingness to listen and to find a way forward together.

Which projects or tasks are you currently working on, and which team are you part of?

I am part of the Update Team, which is led by Sarah and Samira. My main responsibility is preparing the updates that are sent to our sponsors.
For the first time this year we prepare an annual update as well as a Christmas update. These updates share the children’s progress and offer sponsors a personal insight into their development. I find this task especially meaningful because it helps preserve the connection between sponsors and the children they support. It is a privilege to contribute to this communication and to help make their journeys visible.

How has teamwork and collaboration with other volunteers developed over time, and what positive changes have you noticed?

Since joining ULT, I have been struck by the amount of time, energy and heart that people give to the organisation. Of course, a team changes over time and people come and go, but the shared commitment to the children and to ULT remains.
What I appreciate most is the respectful way in which we work together. Everyone brings different experiences, strengths and perspectives. Even when challenges arise, the team looks for solutions together. I am very thankful to be part of this exchange and to learn from the people around me.

What are the biggest challenges in your voluntary work, and how do you deal with them?

As with any voluntary work, finding a balance alongside everyday responsibilities -my studies, part time job and private life- can sometimes be challenging.
Open communication and mutual support within the team make a real difference. I am grateful that we can rely on one another and that there is always someone willing to share the workload.

What special highlights or successes have you experienced so far at ULT?

For me, some of the most meaningful moments have been seeing the community around ULT come together. The film premiere was incredibly moving and offered a powerful insight into the heart behind the organisation’s work. The Techno schafft Bildung event in Berlin was another special experience, showing how interacting with people who are interested in our idea makes a difference. Because education should be the greatest right in the world.
I also see the ongoing purchase of the ULT Academy as a very significant milestone. It is inspiring to witness how the organisation keeps growing and creating new possibilities for children and young people.
I have not yet been able to travel to Kenya myself but I hope to experience its impact on the ground one day.
Most of all I feel very grateful to be part of this journey and look forward to seeing what we can continue to achieve together.

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