Switzerland: Bringing about lasting change in the countries where we operate in order to eradicate extreme poverty.

FXB PROFILE SWITZERLAND

The Association François-Xavier Bagnoud - FXB Switzerland is recognized as a charitable organization in Switzerland. It is tax-exempt according to art. 79, p.1, letter f, LF 1976 and non-profit according to art. 60ss of the Swiss Civil Code. All donations are tax-deductible.

FXB Switzerland has also been awarded the ZEWO certification label. This quality label attests to the purposeful, economical and efficient use of donations received, transparent information and meaningful annual accounts, independent and appropriate control structures, sincere communication and fair collection of external funds. It also enjoys consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

ETHICAL COMMITMENT, REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS

INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS

In 2025, FXB Switzerland operates in 9 countries with teams of over 350 local professionals who work hand in hand with the communities we support. Our mission is to bring about sustainable change in the countries where we operate, in order to eradicate extreme poverty, promote access to fundamental rights and social justice, and help local populations adapt to climate change.

FXB Switzerland is registered as an international non-governmental organization in Burundi, Mongolia, Myanmar, South Africa and Uganda.
In Rwanda and India, FXB Switzerland works with its sister entities bearing the FXB name but registered as local organizations in the respective countries.
In Namibia, FXB Switzerland works in partnership with HISA, a local civil society organization (CSO).

PROJECTS IN SWITZERLAND

Context

Since 2022, FXB Switzerland has been working to integrate asylum seekers and welfare recipients in mental distress, and to provide respite for women going through difficult life situations.

In a world where social inequalities and the pressures of everyday life weigh heavily on the most vulnerable, the need to create respite spaces becomes essential.

In Switzerland, although the tradition of hospitality towards people seeking asylum is well established, there are sometimes shortcomings in the reception infrastructure, particularly in terms of mental health. Migration routes, often marked by trauma, leave deep psychological scars that complicate integration and require special attention.

Similarly, women in precarious situations, faced with violence, poverty and isolation, as well as senior citizens trapped in a difficult routine, suffer from a crying lack of opportunities to refocus on themselves and rediscover a moment of serenity. The physical, emotional and psychological exhaustion caused by these living conditions limits their ability to look to the future with hope. And yet, a break in a caring, soothing environment can be a real breath of fresh air for a new start.

1 L'échappée Verte, working the land to promote social integration

Located in the commune of Sierre, in the canton of Valais, l'Echappée Verte is a therapeutic micro-farm, diversified and respectful of biodiversity, dedicated to asylum seekers or people on social assistance in psychological distress. The aim is to structure their daily lives by enabling them to devote themselves to a useful project that will help them regain their self-confidence and break out of their social isolation.

Participants are guided through outdoor activities and working with the land to foster a connection with nature. In winter, they engage in carpentry or creative activities. In addition to reaping the fruits of their labor, psychosocial support is offered in a non-institutional environment, less intimidating than conventional structures.

Every day, 15 meaningful workplaces with psychosocial support are available for beneficiaries.

By 2024, almost half of all participants had successfully re-entered the standard reception process after taking part in the Echappée Verte. A reality previously unthinkable due to their psychosocial instability.

For more information: EchappeeVerte@fxb.org

2 Respiration, offering respite to women going through difficult life situations

The "Respiration" project was born out of a collaboration between the Maurice Machoud Foundation (FMM) and FXB Switzerland, to offer a place of respite, away from everyday difficulties, to women going through trying life situations.

It is open to women in precarious situations, particularly those on welfare or victims of physical, psychological or economic violence, for whom a safe space can represent an essential step in their reconstruction, as well as to isolated senior women, often deprived of family or social support, facing boredom and loneliness. Mothers who are alone or in difficulty can take part with their children, offering them a rare opportunity to share a moment of serenity and strengthen family ties.

What all these women have in common is an urgent need for a break in a caring environment, where they can feel safe, valued and listened to.

The FMM undertook the renovation of a house in Stresa, Italy, a place designed to encourage rest and rejuvenation. This warm and welcoming space enables participants to temporarily withdraw from their usual environment and refocus on themselves in a soothing setting.

For further information:

Bastian Collet
Respiration project coordinator
bcollet@fxb.org
+41 79 612 61 11

Life's journey

Henry, originally from British Guiana, had difficulty integrating and adopting different social codes. Prior to his integration at Echappée Verte, he had failed in various standard integration programs.

Thanks to specific support, we created a secure environment, establishing a quality therapeutic relationship with him. As the months went by, Henry became integrated, improving his understanding of social codes, taking an active part in market gardening and forging friendly bonds without aggressive behavior.

His transformation is remarkable, illustrated by his motivation and a now frequent smile, testifying to his significant evolution in his integration process.

Community life in Valais

This region played an important role in the programs of the first François-Xavier Bagnoud Foundation, as he was a native of the region and felt a deep attachment to the Valais and its inhabitants, who reciprocated in kind. The aim of the FXB Foundation was to support various aspects of community life, such as rescue - in all its forms - education, culture, sport and heritage. Discover all the achievements of Community Life in Valais.