History of origin

Hi, I'm Lea, a 28-year-old adventurer with a heart captivated by Africa's charm. If you're curious about my journey from a desk-bound graduate to a passionate advocate for change in Kenyan slums, buckle up and join me on an emotional rollercoaster of hope, challenges, and the transformative power of education. Read on for a story that will touch your heart and inspire you to make a difference.

How it all started ...

As I've shared before, my name is Lea Sophie Kabitzsch, and the year 2019 marked the achievement of my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. But let me tell you, the moment I grasped that diploma, I wasn't content with idling away behind a desk, squandering precious time on meaningless tasks. No, instead, I found myself drawn by an inexplicable force to Africa. Don't ask me why, but that continent has always held a mesmerizing allure for me.

Touching down in Kenya, I embarked on a journey that would forever alter my perspective. Stepping into a slum for the first time, I braced myself for scenes of abject poverty, perhaps even despair—only to be met with something entirely unexpected. Amidst the challenges, I found hope, joy, and a sense of community that defied the odds. It was a revelation, one that continues to send shivers down my spine every time I recount that initial encounter.

Volunteering in the kenyan slums

That day in the slum left an indelible mark on my soul. After months of traversing Africa's diverse landscapes, I made the conscious decision to return to Kenya, this time as a volunteer in Nairobi's sprawling slums. Welcomed with open arms, I felt a sense of belonging that resonated deep within me. My mission? To educate children who had been denied access to formal schooling—no small feat for someone who had never envisioned herself as a teacher.

Picture this: a makeshift classroom where language barriers threatened to derail our efforts. I didn't speak Swahili, and the children had yet to master English. It was, in essence, a cacophony of voices, a dance of cultural exchange where understanding transcended words. Despite the odds stacked against us, I persisted, driven by a burning desire to make a difference.

Education is the key

But it wasn't long before a sobering realization set in. Providing meals was a temporary solution, but what about their long-term future? How could we ensure that these children, these bright sparks of potential, were not lost to the streets? The answer came in the form of Bonface, my steadfast companion in this journey of compassion. ``Education is the key,`` he declared, and I couldn't agree more.

Can we do this?

The cost of education hit me like a sledgehammer. Fifty euros per year— a modest sum by Western standards, yet an insurmountable barrier for many families in the slums. Determined to bridge the gap, I rallied friends and family back home, penning heartfelt pleas for support. And the response? Overwhelming. In the blink of an eye, we had more sponsors than children in need.

First school sponsorship

Valentine's Day, 2020—a day etched in my memory as we escorted Moses, my sponsored child, to his first day of school. The look of wonder in his eyes, the spark of hope ignited within his soul—it was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. And as tears welled in my eyes, I knew that this was only the beginning.

Fast forward four years, and our endeavors have blossomed beyond imagination. What started as a humble initiative has evolved into a beacon of hope for over 600 children, each one nurtured with love and opportunity. Together, we've built more than just classrooms; we've constructed dreams, brick by brick, fueled by the unwavering belief that every child deserves a chance to thrive.

UNDER Lea's TRUST (ULT) & UNDER Lea's INTERNATIONAL (ULI) were born

As our projects expanded, we faced challenges, bureaucratic hurdles, and the unexpected arrival of the Corona pandemic. Nonetheless, on May 6, 2021, amidst the chaos, our non-profit organization ``UNDER Lea’s TRUST`` (ULT) was officially established in Germany, followed by our NGO ``UNDER Lea’s INTERNATIONAL`` (ULI) in Kenya on September 10, 2021. While I led the German organization, Bonface and I became a dynamic duo in Kenya.

Initially, ULT was a ``one woman show,`` but in spring 2021, Annika and Tine joined the German team, followed by Samira in August, enhancing our capabilities and refining our roles. With a growing team, we found better ways to distribute tasks and achieve our goals, facilitating the realization of numerous projects.

Projects created around the topic of education

One of our initiatives, ``Desired Gifts,`` allows sponsors to give meaningful presents like school bags, toys, or menstruation sets to our children in the slums. Transparency is paramount, so we introduced a monthly newsletter over a year ago to keep our sponsors informed and engaged.

The summer of 2022 marked the launch of the ULT Happy CLUB, empowering us to sustainably support our association's growth and implement diverse projects for the children. We also aimed to engage our sponsors in Germany, inspiring collective action and fostering a sense of community.

This drive for innovation led to our first charity events in Berlin 2022 & 2023, ``TECHNO SCHAFFT BILDUNG,`` which will now be an annual affair. At the event, we unveiled our merchandise, now available in our online store, adding another dimension to our fundraising efforts. Not only having fun together but doing something good while dancing and enjoying the music.

Our sponsorships, the ULT Happy CLUB, and events like flea markets and open-air gatherings form the bedrock of our most ambitious endeavor yet: the future ULT school in Nairobi. This monumental undertaking will demand immense dedication, but we remain committed to balancing it with our existing projects.

Phew! That's a lot already, and we have even more in the pipeline!

EDUCATION IS THE KEY

BONFACE KANGONGA

CO-FOUNDER &

HEAD OF UNDER LEAS INTERNATIONAL

Bonface Kangonga

UNDER LEAS INTERNATIONAL

I’m Bonface. I was born in the in the Soweto Slums in Nairobi, Kenya. I got raised by my mom and received a certificate on community development from the Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) in 2015. I started to work as a sales person at farmers choice Ltd in 2016 and at the same time I was volunteering at the Soweto Youth Initiative in Kahawa Soweto Slum, where I got mentored when I was a young boy. My vision is to give back to the community and to help and to support the kids. Because of that I resigned later in November 2019 at farmers choice Ltd and started to volunteer full time at the Initiative. I am the one in charge of all the projects at the Initiative. My goal is too make sure that every child at the organization enjoys their childhood and gets a good life and a successful future.

I’m the right hand for Lea. My work is it to connect her with the children and later on bring them to school and support the families here in the Slum.

MORE ABOUT UNDER LEAS INTERNATIONAL