Our team member Thomas Reichle shares a detailed account of his trip to Kenya in August 2026.
In August, our team member Thomas Reichle visited our partner organisation YISOG in Loitokitok in the south of Kenya. During his visit, he was able to see first-hand the progress made on our joint projects, engage with our partners, and discuss current challenges.
In-person exchange is irreplaceable for the work of our organisation. Once again, it became clear how much is happening at the Rescue Centre. For instance, the old irrigation system for the vegetable garden had to be replaced. With the new pipes, the supply of home-grown vegetables is set to improve, meaning YISOG will need to purchase less food in the future. Any surplus produce can also be sold, generating additional financial flexibility.
“The new irrigation system is a good example of how we work together with YISOG to create sustainable solutions that enable greater independence in the long term,” Thomas explains. The water tower is also showing clear signs of wear, once again highlighting how important a reliable water supply is. This was already a focus of our work in recent months, when we were able to install a solar water heating system at the Rescue Centre. Father Tito, head of our partner organisation YISOG, reports: “Since the installation of the hot water supply, we have observed fewer cases of illness among the children.”
Another important step is the planned appointment of a social worker. The role will involve providing more intensive support to the children at the Rescue Centre and assisting YISOG in particular with social and family-related matters. The selection process is set to be completed in the coming weeks.
An essential part of our visits is also the time spent with our sponsored children. Seeing how they are developing, making progress at school, and dreaming of a future as a pilot, doctor or teacher motivates us to continue our work. “Personal encounters with the children are always something special for me – seeing how they develop, what goals they have, and how much motivation they carry within them,” Thomas reports.
With a monthly sponsorship of 30 euros, you too can help give the children at the Rescue Centre access to a school education. Further information can be found at: https://www.ambatana.info/pate-werden/
Visiting some of our sponsored children required longer journeys through Maasai territory, where the children live during the school holidays. “The encounters and impressions along the way were moving. They brought home to me once again how different the living conditions are there, and what challenges many families face in their daily lives – obtaining drinking water and firewood, for example. Even on repeated visits, these impressions do not lose their impact,” Thomas reflects.
For us as an organisation, the visits are an important opportunity to follow the ongoing development on the ground and to set goals for the future together with our partners, as well as to plan concrete next steps. For instance, the entrance gate to the Rescue Centre was destroyed by an elephant and now needs to be replaced.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all supporters of Ambatana. Your support has already made so many steps possible. We look forward to continuing this journey together with our partners.
Asante – thank you!