Our big review 2024

2024 – a year full of events, changes and emotions. We realised dreams, seized new opportunities, solved challenges, learned from our mistakes and always stuck together. The ULT family looks back on a year in which we changed direction and showed great courage to realise our goals day by day. 

The year started full of hope and change: In Kenya, the new school year begins in January and we were able to send more children on their educational journey. We are particularly proud that we were able to give several children the opportunity to attend boarding school for the first time – a milestone for their future!
Annika, Sarah and Lea were also in front of the camera in Berlin for our documentary ‘SLUM REALITY’, which tells the touching story of our organisation’s work.

February brought us several highlights: DIE WELT reported in a short article on the various ways to donate to ULT. The interesting and exciting idea of including us in your testament showed once again how diverse donation options are. But the centrepiece of this month’s report was the touching feedback from the children at the boarding school. They told us that they felt safe and comfortable. Their grades also improved – a tangible success that filled us all with joy.

The first rays of spring gave us wings and we started preparing for the film premiere. Lea began to develop the design for our film poster. The curiosity to finally see the film continued to grow, while the film team was still working on the design and putting all their heart and soul into their work.

April was characterised by creativity and collaboration: we launched our exclusive campaign with UBUNɅTION, where you could purchase a unique ULT lion image in exchange for a donation. Our Kenyan team had their hands full planning the big update event in May. They were supported by Sarah, who was on site as a volunteer. We also received positive feedback from our school leavers: They had all passed their exams – a moment of pride that showed us once again why we do what we do.

May was a month full of extremes – from shocking to unforgettably beautiful: this month, a catastrophic flood hit Nairobi and the Soweto slum. We were able to help the affected families. Lea and Sarah were able to see the situation for themselves on site. But May also brought something great: the first offer to buy the BAS Academy!

We showed the children the trailer for Slum Reality for the first time, shortly before it was released. The German team was also amazed by the trailer at the monthly meeting – we saw it for the first time and together as a ULT family – goosebumps and anticipation arose.

Lea also spoke about ULT and the film at a gala in Nairobi.

Our children’s favourite event was also on the agenda: Poolday. There are probably no better pictures than those of the pool day – how bright can children’s eyes be?

The planned update event also took place. On the same day, we organised the Healthday and the distribution of uniforms and shoes was on the agenda.

There was also an unforgettable moment for our German team: our first team trip! We laughed, planned, played Uno and afterwards knew one thing for sure: we are more than a team – we are family.

An inspiring month: Lea was a guest on the BlueOceanBusinessClub podcast and spoke passionately about our work. Lea really enjoyed the interview and we had no idea what a great partnership it would lead to this year. At the same time, preparations for our cinema premiere were in full swing. On the agenda: location scouting.

Help was the main focus in July: we were able to re-equip two houses that were destroyed by the flood with furniture, and urgently needed food donations were also distributed. In Germany, we had our hands full planning our summer events and the film premiere.

August was bursting with energy and passion! We kicked off with unforgettable events under the motto ‘TECHNO creates EDUCATION’. On 17 August, we celebrated at the Bassmassage boat party for a good cause. This year, we were the first to lead the ‘Train of Love’ on 31 August and danced through the streets of Berlin. The press team also had a lot to do again, as an interview with a Spanish newspaper on ‘TECHNO creates EDUCATION’ was on the agenda. And: The first posters for our film premiere were delivered – a moment that gave us all goosebumps!!!

September was a month of emotions: On 7 September, the time had finally come. Our annual charity open air event took place in glorious sunshine and we were delighted to meet all of ULT’s supporters in person that day.

The absolute highlight of September was the cinema premiere of ‘Slum Reality – The story of ULT’! We were able to watch the film together as a team for the first time. We laughed and cried together and felt the cohesion and strength of our vision.

The Kenyan team enjoyed great support from our volunteers Tina and Lilith. The German team was full of anticipation after both decided to become part of the German ULT team on their return to Germany – an enrichment that made us all happy.

October brought a breath of fresh air: after almost three years, now was the right time for a few changes and we were able to introduce our new newsletter. While Jenni supported us in Kenya, Lea was able to set another milestone: moving into our first official ULT office – a moment that felt like a dream.

A month full of progress and hope: Annika and Marina supported our team in Kenya, made all the final arrangements with the owner to purchase the BAS Academy and laid the foundation for another big step. Our partnership with The Delta Campus started and opened up new opportunities for us. At the Blue Ocean Card event, Lea and Patrick were able to present ULT and raise funds. The second major update event of the year showed once again how important our local commitment is.

The year ended as it had begun: full of passion and emotion. At the Bassmassage Christmas party, we said goodbye to the event year with shining eyes. Our new social media team was launched and has already worked wonders in its realisation! December brought an incredible wave of support with our crowdfunding launch, and our film was shown in cinemas for a week – a dream come true.  In Kenya, the last event for our children was scheduled for 9 December: Careerday. The last two weeks were also quieter for the team. We reviewed the year and enjoyed the time between the years.

2024 – an unforgettable year for the ULT family. We would also like to thank you for your great support this year and hope that you will continue to join us on our journey next year. There is still so much to do! We can’t wait to continue writing our story next year. I wonder what’s in store for us? We can promise one thing: An eventful year in review 2025!