Who we are
We are a foundation that is dedicated to assisting young Swiss Abroad.
Foundation Board
As the highest authority of the SJAS, the Foundation Board is responsible for raising funds and managing the Foundation’s assets, setting up working groups to deal with internal SJAS issues, enacting regulations on organisation and management, and representing the SJAS externally.
The Foundation Board comprises the following members: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary and up to four other associate members. The members of the Foundation Board are elected for a three-year period. Board membership is on a voluntary basis.
The Foundation Board usually meets five times a year, with one of the meetings held together with the cantonal committees.
Robert Reich
Having spent my childhood abroad and a professional career spanning over three decades overseas, I understand the significance of maintaining ties to one’s homeland. This drives my desire to support the SJAS.
Laurence Etienne
Providing Swiss children abroad with the chance to discover their home country and form connections with other children is a magnificent opportunity for me.
Michael Baumgartner
We are privileged to offer children from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to familiarize themselves with Switzerland and its values. In doing so, we play a modest but steady role in promoting intercultural understanding.
Marco Krebs
Every child deserves the opportunity to discover their heritage, regardless of their financial situation. For years, the SJAS has been dedicated to this cause and provides children with a path to connect with their roots.
Peter Wüthrich
The goal of SJAS, to connect Swiss children living abroad to their homeland and its culture and traditions, drives my involvement on the foundation’s board.
Florian Baccaunaud
As a person who grew up abroad myself, I find it important to provide Swiss children living abroad with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with their homeland.
Francisca Rotó
For people like me, born abroad, SJAS is a wonderful project: it keeps our roots alive, strengthens our connection to Swiss heritage, and builds friendships that often last a lifetime. It’s truly enriching to be part of it.
Dimosthenis Stefanopulos
Having grown up between Greek and Swiss cultures, I value diversity and my roots. SJAS unites both: it promotes intercultural exchange and allows young people worldwide to connect through their shared origins.
Administrative office
Three staff members work at the SJAS administrative office. They ensure that our camps are organised and run smoothly. The most important tasks include camper administration, locating suitable camp accommodation, supervision and training of camp leaders and counsellors, contact point for parents, and sourcing materials for the camps. The administrative office is located in Bern. It is at your service from Monday to Thursday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (CET). The office staff speak German, French and English.
Isabelle Stebler
Our summer camps provide the opportunity to support and encourage children and young people in a playful way.
Julia Gunti
As an active scout and SJAS camp leader, I take great pleasure in using my energy at work for a good cause.