Today, we celebrate more than just a birthday.
We celebrate the man who dared to start a dream.
And who has continued to believe in it, nurture it and walk alongside it every step of the way.
Happy Birthday Toto!
When Toto (Torsten Kremser) started Better Me in 2015, the vision was simple but powerful:
He wanted to support Mama Dolfine and the children she was caring for.
And he wanted to bring more people into that journey so the work could reach further.
What began with a handful of children and a desire to help has grown into something much bigger.
Over the years, Better Me has welcomed volunteers and supporters from over thirty countries.
Together, we have helped children stay in school and receive meals, medical care, mentorship and psychosocial support.
We have watched them learn new skills, express themselves through art, find joy in football, learn how to swim and grow in confidence.
Across that journey, 242 children have graduated from school.
And you can imagine what it takes to get just one child through school.
In 2015, Toto built the dome house without architectural plans. He imagined it, brought it to life on a piece of paper and made it a symbol of hope for the children of Korando.
I have had the privilege of being part of this journey from Kenya.
I have seen firsthand just how much that original vision has grown.
And one thing has always stood out about Toto: he doesn’t lead from the sidelines.
He gets involved.
He listens, asks questions, creates, challenges, guides and, most importantly, participates.
He helps shape ideas and gets involved in making them happen.
He spends time with the team and is present when things get complicated.
He has always been willing to be part of the work.
That is what makes him more than the founder of Better Me.
He is a leader, a brother, a friend and someone who cares deeply about the people and children at the heart of this organization.
And, of course, being a dad himself, we’re sure he has learned a thing or two about patience, responsibility and the beautiful chaos that comes with caring for others!
Left: Pamela, Korando Administrator, Right: Samambo, Better Me Kenya Programs Coordinator
Today, as we celebrate Toto, we are also reminded that the dream he started all those years ago still needs people to believe in it.
Better Me has come a long way.
But sustaining that impact requires more than good intentions.
Right now, many children at Korando don’t have a sponsor yet.
Our Bridge Fund helps keep them in school while we find people who can support them for the longer journey.
For October, we still need €2,451 to bridge the gap for children who do not yet have sponsors.
So, on Toto’s birthday, we invite you to celebrate with us in a meaningful way.
If you can, please make a gift to the Bridge Fund.
You can also become a child sponsor.
Each new sponsorship gives a child ongoing support and reduces the gap the Bridge Fund needs to cover.
Because sometimes the greatest birthday gift isn’t something you can wrap.
It is knowing that the dream you started has inspired others to pick up the torch and carry it forward.
Happy Birthday Toto!
From all of us in Kenya and the wider Better Me family, thank you for starting this journey.
Thank you for continuing to walk it with us.
And thank you for showing us that leadership isn’t about standing at the front and watching others do the work.
It is about being in it together.
Here’s to another year of life, laughter, crazy ideas and meaningful impact.
And to many more children whose lives become brighter because one person decided to care.
Happy Birthday, brother!
With love from the Better Me family in Kenya,
Samambo Johannes
Head of Programs
Better Me Kenya
