In the coastal town of Ukunda, Kenya, children dream of a future filled with opportunities and hope. The Victory Academy School, together with its Vacation/Educational Hub, Medical Hub, and Hope Academy Sport, is a pioneering project in the region and a model for development across Africa.
Supported by the Rotary Club Ingolstadt Kreuztor, the association KiGa für Ukunda e.V., and highly committed private individuals, the Academy is building a strong foundation for education, health, and community development.
A Fresh Start from Challenges
The project faced extraordinary challenges. Due to a personal stroke of fate of the founder, Ferdinand Holzmann, and a school reform in the region, the Victory Academy had to be completely restarted from scratch.
Today, the school serves 185 children and employs 25 staff members, including teachers, trainers, and administrative personnel. Upon completion of the ongoing expansion, the Academy will welcome 250–300 students and employ over 35 staff members.
More than Just a School
For many children, each school day begins with something simple yet essential: clean drinking water and a hot meal. For some, these are the only reliable meals they receive, making the Academy not just a place of learning, but also a center of care and security.
The school also supports families and plays a vital role in the wider community. Each day combines high-quality teaching, creativity, structured routines, and sports, allowing children to explore, play, and develop their talents in a supportive environment.
A Foundation for Life
As a certified private school, Victory Academy ensures that all students receive a strong educational foundation, preparing them for vocational training and further academic opportunities. Education here goes beyond lessons – it builds character, resilience, and the courage to imagine a better tomorrow, empowering children to shape their own lives.
Vision for the Future
Victory Academy’s vision is simple but powerful: to guide children toward a successful, self-determined future. While education is the key, the door to opportunity must also be unlocked with practical skills and pathways to employment.
The next phase of the project focuses on:
- Vocational education and training,
- Medical care for students and the surrounding community via the Medical Hub,
- Economic development of the region, in collaboration with the Technical University Heilbronn,
- Sports and holistic development through the Hope Academy Sport.
This ambitious expansion requires extensive construction and continued support from donors, partners, and committed individuals.
How You Can Help
UnisonSteadfast is proud to support this initiative and warmly invites its members and partners to join. The school is being expanded by new classes and classrooms, urgently requiring school equipment. The completion of the Junior Secondary School still depends on financial resources, and every contribution, big or small, makes a meaningful difference. Together, we can create safe spaces for learning, growth, and a brighter, self-determined future for these children – a future full of hope, opportunity, and possibility.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the project, please contact Uwe Hartmann at U.Hartmann@dvm.de or Polina Balko at polina.balko@unisonsteadfast.com