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: Rebuilding Through Nature

L’Échappée Verte is a micro-farm located in the town of Sierre, in the canton of Valais, that provides support to people facing psychological or social challenges. The project offers a structured, caring, and non-stigmatizing environment where everyone can find a sense of rhythm, purpose, and belonging.

At the heart of the program: hands-on activities. Through organic gardening, crafts, and manual labor, participants get actively involved, develop their skills, and rebuild their self-confidence. Interacting with nature, working together, and valuing traditional skills help reduce anxiety, break out of isolation, and boost self-esteem.

In this way, L’Échappée Verte promotes self-reliance, social connections, and the creation of more stable prospects for the future. The project is also part of a sustainability initiative, focusing on soil conservation and biodiversity while passing these values on to future generations.

Every day, 12 meaningful employment opportunities that include psychosocial support are available to participants.

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

3. Nature as a Classroom: A Different Way to Learn, in the Heart of Nature

In Sierre, at our micro-farm L’Échappée Verte, we offer elementary school classes a unique educational experience: learning in the great outdoors, throughout the seasons.

The Nature as a Classroom program invites students to step outside the traditional classroom setting to discover, explore, and understand their environment in a hands-on way. Through immersive field trips spread out over the school year, children take part in a variety of activities, including eco-friendly gardening, exploring the garden, observing biodiversity, and creating art using natural materials.

In conjunction with the Romandy Curriculum and teachers, these activities reinforce academic learning while developing essential skills: cooperation, curiosity, a sense of responsibility, and respect for all living things.

Beyond simply imparting knowledge, the project aims to rebuild a lasting connection between children and nature at a time when that bond is fading. It also fosters interaction and connection, particularly with participants in L’Échappée Verte’s social project, thereby contributing to greater openness and social cohesion.

"Nature as a Classroom" is about turning nature into a real learning environment—one that is vibrant, inspiring, and accessible to everyone.

3. Respiration: Providing a place of respite for women facing difficult life situations

UNFORTUNATELY, THIS PROJECT IS NO LONGER ACTIVE. We are therefore not accepting applications at this time.

The “Respiration” project was launched as a collaboration between the Maurice Machoud Foundation (FMM) and FXB Switzerland to provide a place of respite, away from the hardships of daily life, for women facing difficult life circumstances. It was launched in 2025 and has now been completed.

It was designed for women in vulnerable situations, particularly those receiving social assistance or who are victims of physical, psychological, or economic abuse, for whom a safe space can be a crucial step in their recovery, as well as for isolated older women, who often lack family or social support and face boredom and loneliness. Single mothers or mothers in difficult circumstances could participate with their children, offering them a rare opportunity to share a moment of peace and to strengthen family bonds.

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.