What used to be Lea’s late-night mission after work, tired with her laptop on her lap, finally became a real team project. Our social media team launched. Charlie took the lead with sensitivity, structure and creativity that left us in awe. She was joined by our advisory board member Karen and the four wonderful volunteers Lilith, Tina, Finja and Pauline – all of whom had already been hands-on in Kenya.

Since then, we have been sharing our work regularly and authentically. On Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn, we show what moves us, celebrate success and even share tears. It’s more than PR. It’s a window into our world.

In February, Lea, Samira, Sarah, Lea’s sister Pia, her father and her partner traveled to Kenya. The focus was clear: the purchase of our own school. After weeks of preparation and high pressure, we surpassed the 55,000-euro donation milestone. After intense negotiations, we signed the purchase agreement for the BAS Academy.

What many don’t know: Lea fell ill shortly beforehand. Annika and Marina stepped in last minute to finalize the final wording digitally. Then came the moment: Lea got up, was driven to the meeting and joined the signing. A few tears, a photo with Beatrice, the previous owner. Then straight back to bed. The exhaustion was real, the joy even greater.

And there was another piece of personal news: Lea shared with the team that she was pregnant. The reactions were warm, joyful and full of hugs. Somewhere between everyday stress and slum visits, the nickname Chapati was born for the baby – because Lea loved the oily flatbread and joked she gained weight just looking at it. When the pregnancy had the same effect, the name stuck. Since then, she’s only been called Mama Chapati.

Lea’s sister Pia Kabitzsch, a psychologist, led a mental health workshop for our team in Kenya. It was about stress, connection and awareness. A much-needed moment for those giving so much while forgetting to care for themselves.

That same week, our school hosted a parent event and a staff meeting. We introduced ourselves as the new sponsor of the school. The responses were full of trust and hope.

We also officially welcomed Elisa Drescher as our new data protection officer. Elisa brings professionalism and heart to her role. In January, she launched a personal fundraising campaign to raise 5,000 euros and already planned her trip to Kenya in April to show in person what the donations are supporting.

Together with our volunteer Aldo as team leader, we founded a new fundraising team. The initial goal was to secure the final funds for the school purchase. But it quickly became much more. Since then, the heads of different teams have been working together on how to raise more awareness for our projects and campaigns across all areas.

That’s how our umbrella campaign “We build education” was born – home to many creative actions. One of them became especially important: “Sports for Education.”

Three of our most committed volunteers achieved something extraordinary. Annika, together with her brother Nico and a friend, ran a marathon with “Sports creates Education” stickers on their jerseys. Tine organized a charity run. Pauline even competed in an official race wearing ULT merchandise.

The motivation was huge. The response even bigger. Donations came in. Messages arrived. And everywhere you could feel: every step counts. Every action makes a difference.

In June, we said goodbye to Nicole, who helped build and lead our newsletter team for years. In a heartfelt newsletter, we said thank you.

Tine took over the team lead role and has been leading with clarity, heart and strong organization. Her calm, reliable way of working has done wonders for the team.

Because of Lea’s pregnancy, our team retreat had to be canceled this year. Instead, we met digitally for a big team-building evening filled with laughter and connection. Once again, we realized that what unites us isn’t just a place. It’s a shared spirit.

In July, Lea shared her pregnancy publicly. She had spent weeks thinking about how to do it. She wanted something special, but also real. In the end, she chose a personal video message.

It wasn’t perfectly produced, but it was deeply heartfelt. With racing heartbeats, small pauses, and raw emotion. The response was overwhelming. Messages, congratulations, tears. And, of course, lots of chapati emojis.

In Kenya, the new ULT Academy logo was proudly painted on the school wall, and enthusiastic supporters joined via social media livestream. We also passed the 100,000-euro milestone.

With that, the BAS Academy officially became the ULT Academy. A place with a new name, but the same soul.

Pauline became a permanent member of the newsletter team, bringing fresh ideas, sensitivity and reliability.

School operations officially began under our sponsorship. A moment many of us could hardly believe. A dream turned reality.

Pauline ran the midnight race in Gothenburg and later skated the Berlin marathon – again for “Sports for Education.” She also defended her PhD and asked guests to donate to ULT in lieu of gifts. A full success.

Lea went on maternity leave and the team continued to grow into its roles.

A friend of the organization traveled to Kenya carrying letters from sponsors. He personally delivered them to the children. A simple act, but powerful. A connection that spanned thousands of kilometers.

Sarah traveled to Nairobi with a friend and organized another Health Day – financed by her own fundraising.

It provided medical care, counseling, education and psychological support. All in one day, but with a long-term impact.

Lea slowly returned from maternity leave and was warmly welcomed back by the team.

We closed the year at the Bassmassage Christmas Party. An evening full of lights, people and music. Lisa and Patrick presented ULT to a big crowd and gave insights into our work. It was loud, warm and memorable.

And as if that weren’t enough, they celebrated together with Helmo and Roman for “Techno for Education,” a campaign that touched hearts and boosted beats.

Our documentary “Slum Reality – The Story of ULT” was shown at the “Africas Voices Of Change” film festival.

Finally, our lovingly made Christmas updates were sent out. Filmed in Kenya by our ULI team and distributed by ULT. With heart, with depth, with love.