Father Tito from Kenya visits Bavaria for the first time after 11 years of cooperation

“This is the first time in eleven years of cooperation that Father Tito, the head of our partner organisation YISOG, has come to visit us from Kenya,” Verena Donislreiter, chairperson of Ambatana, proudly reports. The Ambatana team has put together a programme lasting almost two weeks to give the organisation’s supporters the opportunity to hear directly from Father Tito about his work with at-risk children in Kenya, to exchange ideas, and to further deepen the partnership.

A particular highlight was the charity evening on 3 May in Starkheim: Father Tito moved us deeply with his stories about his work protecting vulnerable children in Kenya. His accounts also demonstrated what can be achieved through commitment and solidarity. One example is a girl who was rescued from early forced marriage by him and the YISOG team and, thanks to donations, was able to attend school. She is now the first girl in her village to go to college! The Flintstones provided musical entertainment for the evening – with an energetic mix of jazz, swing, Latin and bebop. The atmosphere was wonderful! The Flintstones, consisting of Hans Eckl (guitar), Peter Müller (bass), Franz Nadler (percussion and vocals), and Juli Mudra (saxophones, flute and vocals), performed free of charge for this good cause.

Ambatana also held its annual general meeting during Father Tito’s visit, which was a great success. An absolute highlight were Father Tito’s moving stories. As the founder and director of the Kenyan organisation YISOG, he shared insights into the beginnings of his work with vulnerable children in Kenya, the collaboration with Ambatana, and the upcoming priorities at the Rescue Centre. This centre was built a few years ago to protect at-risk children in Kenya, thanks to donations from Germany. “A new water tank and a solar power system for electricity and hot water are urgently needed next,” Father Tito explained.

The Ambatana team was also able to present the 2024 annual report – a year that was particularly special as it marked the organisations 10th anniversary. The spontaneous generosity of donations at the end of the meeting deeply impressed the Ambatana team and Father Tito.

We also had the opportunity to visit the Franziskushaus in Altötting with Father Tito. During a guided tour led by Frank Einwanger, the head of educational services at Franziskushaus, we gained valuable insights into the child and youth welfare institution, which, like YISOG, is active in child protection. The professional exchange was extremely valuable; Father Tito was truly inspired by the experience: “I am taking away many new ideas.”

During his visit to Germany, Father Tito also visited two farms: the organic Alztaler Hofmolkerei and the family-run Überacker farm.

At the Rescue Centre in Kenya, the YISOG team also runs a small farm to provide as much food as possible for the children themselves. This made the exchange about different breeds of cattle, their adaptation to various climatic conditions – especially regarding water availability and climate change – and sustainable farming practices all the more interesting.

During his visit to Germany, Father Tito also gave talks at the Maria Ward Schools in Altötting, the primary and secondary school in Tüssling, and at the Lions Club Mühldorf-Waldkraiburg. The Ambatana team also made intensive use of the time with Father Tito for meetings to discuss the strategic direction and priorities for the coming period. He was also able to gain some cultural insights during complimentary guided tours of Altötting and Mühldorf.

Father Tito’s visit was funded by the Lions Club Mühldorf-Waldkraiburg, with further contributions from the Rotaract Club and private donors. This was worthwhile in more than one way – it enabled Father Tito to travel to Bavaria for the very first time, to meet our circle of supporters after eleven years of partnership, to gain first-hand insights into Ambatana’s work here, to engage in professional exchange, and to further deepen our partnership. “A heartfelt thank you to everyone who was part of this very special event, which once again showed us what can be achieved through solidarity,” says the Ambatana team.