2025 September Newsletter
Even in a prosperous country like Switzerland, equal opportunities are not guaranteed. Many young people and adults face barriers in accessing education, completing vocational training, or entering the labor market.
At the same time, family farms – essential for food security and biodiversity – are under growing structural pressure.
In this edition, we would like to showcase how Suyana strengthens education and agriculture in Switzerland, creating sustainable perspectives at home while staying true to our holistic mission.
Education: Building Pathways to Employment
Behind Switzerland’s image of prosperity lies a stark reality: 8.1% of the population – around 708,000 people – live in poverty, and 17% – about 1.4 million – are at immediate risk (FSO 2023; Caritas 2023).
Education remains one of the strongest determinants of labour market participation: individuals without post-compulsory education face a significantly higher risk of unemployment and social exclusion.
Suyana supports people who want to continue their education but lack financial resources. Through scholarships, loans, and strategic and long-term partnerships with organisations such as Caritas Luzern, the Swiss Red Cross Bern, EDUCA SWISS, ROCK YOUR LIFE!, and frac, we enable young people and adults to pursue their goals. These revolving and solidarity-based models ensure that today’s support becomes tomorrow’s opportunity for others.
Success Story
Miriama’s Path to Becoming a Doctor
For Miriama, a 27-year-old student at the University of Geneva, pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor came with serious challenges. The financial and organisational demands of her studies often felt overwhelming, and at one point she doubted whether she could continue.
Through the Suyana Education Fund, in partnership with EDUCA SWISS, Miriama received not only an academic loan but also personalised guidance.
After graduating, Miriama began her residency at Hôpital du Jura, where she focuses on improving youth mental health, particularly in underserved communities. Since its launch, the fund has enabled 36 students to pursue their education, with every repaid loan reinvested to support others in need.
Miriama’s story is one of many that show how targeted support opens doors, enabling talented young people to complete their education and enter the workforce with confidence. Her journey also highlights the wider impact: when students thrive, their skills and commitment strengthen entire communities.
Agriculture: Supporting Farmers, Preserving Diversity
Swiss agriculture not only secures food production, it also preserves landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural identity. Yet small and medium-sized farms in particular face increasing economic pressure, making it difficult to continue their important role.
Suyana supports agricultural projects that strengthen farming families, promote sustainable practices, and maintain diversity in farming. Our aim is to ensure that agriculture remains an attractive livelihood and that rural areas continue to thrive.
Recent examples show how farmers adapt traditional practices to modern challenges — whether by innovating in sustainable production, balancing work and family life, or creating opportunities for the next generation. By supporting these efforts, we help safeguard both food security and rural vitality.
Success Story
From Milk to Market: A Farming Family Diversifies
For years, this farming family in the canton of St. Gallen struggled with fluctuating milk prices and the daily pressure of making ends meet. Determined to secure their future, their ambition was to diversify their production by processing milk into cheese and thereby enhancing their income by tapping into new value chains with their diversified produce.
With Suyana’s support, the family purchased the necessary equipment to process their own milk. Today, they produce cheese, yoghurt, and fresh goods, building closer ties with consumers and gaining fairer compensation for their work.
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