What we do
We offer young Swiss Abroad the chance to participate in camps in Switzerland
Vision, mission, values
The FYSA is a non-profit, Zewo-certified foundation that runs camps for young Swiss Abroad.
The FYSA is guided by its vision of offering all young Swiss Abroad the opportunity to get to know their home country and to make international contacts within the framework of camps in Switzerland.
The FYSA attaches great importance to values such as
- professional organisation and leadership of its camps.
- sustainable action.
- tolerance and respect of social and cultural diversity within the camp communities.
- fostering independence among young Swiss Abroad during the camps.
History of the FYSA
From ‘Swiss Aid’ to the ‘Foundation for Young Swiss Abroad’:
A look back at over one hundred years of history of this non-profit organisation.
1917
First-ever holidays in Switzerland for Swiss children who live abroad
In 1917, 280 needy young Swiss Abroad are brought to Switzerland from war-torn Germany on the initiative of Mathilde Paravicini from Bern and are given the opportunity to enjoy a few weeks’ holiday. The costs for this programme are fully covered by the federal government.
In the next few years, the ‘Swiss Aid’ private committee is formed and continues to build upon the aid work that was begun for young Swiss Abroad.
The 1920s
Partnership with Pro Juventute
Swiss Aid’s successful collaboration with the recently established ‘Pro Juventute’ foundation is reflected in the figures: In 1924, more than 3,000 young Swiss Abroad from all over Europe come to Switzerland for short holidays. The majority of them are from poor backgrounds, so this is a chance to spend a few carefree weeks in a child-friendly environment in their native country.
The 1930s and 1940s
A blessing in a time of dire need
During the Second World War, many Swiss families who live abroad suffer severe hardship, which also affects many thousands of young Swiss Abroad. With the aim of providing help for those in need, the ‘Swiss Aid – Holidays for Swiss Children Abroad’ association establishes a foundation on 10 December 1939, whose primary purpose is to provide holidays for young Swiss Abroad.
The 1950s and 1960s
Shift from a social to a culturally and government policy-oriented aid organisation
Emergency assistance and support from ‘Swiss Aid’ is no longer necessary thanks to a worldwide economic boom, which also benefits Swiss families who live abroad. A greater priority is now placed on the Foundation’s second objective – enabling young Swiss Abroad to discover their family’s roots. In addition to holiday stays with host families, the range of holidays offered is expanded, and more camps exclusively for young Swiss Abroad are gradually added.
The 1970s and 1980s
Transition from family stays to camps
At the end of the 1970s, the organisation of summer camps becomes the Foundation’s main activity, while placements with host families begin to decline. The Foundation’s name change also dates from this period. In October 1979, the decision is made to replace the name ‘Swiss Aid’ with ‘Foundation for Young Swiss Abroad’ (FYSA).
The 1990s
Two moves and a new partner
On 1 October 1990, the FYSA dissolves its partnership with Pro Juventute and moves into its own office space in Zurich-Oerlikon. For the first time, the FYSA is simultaneously organising fundraising to fulfil the Foundation’s purpose and also assuming operational responsibility for its activities. As a result, the FYSA begins searching for a new partner and quickly finds one in 1996 – the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA). This partnership coincides with a move to Bern, where the administrative office continues to organise the Foundation’s camps to this day. The FYSA expands its range of camps in 1992 to include a winter camp over New Year.
The 2000s
Focus on holiday camps only and a new logo
As of 1999, holiday stays with Swiss host families are no longer offered to young Swiss Abroad, making the holiday camps all the more popular. In 2001, the image of the almost 100-year-old FYSA is also updated with a vibrant new logo.
The 2010s
100th anniversary of the Foundation for Young Swiss Abroad
One hundred years after its establishment, the FYSA once again expands its range of holiday camps. In 2011, the Foundation Board decides to offer one ‘special holiday camp’ every year. Since 2015, the FYSA has also been offering its own J+S training and development courses for camp counsellors.
The anniversary in 2017 is celebrated with a circus performance by Swiss children from Switzerland and abroad, presented in cooperation with the Circolino Pipistrello children’s circus.
A video commemorating the 100-year history of the FYSA is also filmed during the anniversary year.
The 2020s
Shaped by the pandemic from the outset
In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic leads to severe restrictions on normal activities. As a result, the FYSA is forced to cancel the entire camp season for the first time in its history. Unfortunately, it is not possible to hold any camps the following year either owing to the pandemic. The FYSA uses the time to revamp its 20-year-old logo.
As soon as the situation allows, the FYSA will once again offer its camps in Switzerland, thereby continuing its legacy of giving young Swiss Abroad the chance to connect with a part of their identity.
