Five friends traveled in two rickshaws from Fort Kochi in the south of India across the country to Jaisalmer in the north. They used the adventure of a life-time to collect donations and support children and young adults in India and Nepal.

The five adventure-seekers from Switzerland embarked on their most eventful journey to date for two weeks last September. Under the team’s name “All the way up”, Nadine, Carmen, Kevin, Nico and Dimi competed against numerous other teams in the rickshaw run. The conditions were ambitious: two 7-horsepower TukTuk’s, 14 days and a whole 2,500 km to cover. The Rickshaw Run is not about speed – the aim is to explore the detours and the maze of roads, experience India and arrive at your destination on the agreed day with unforgettable experiences in your backpack. Or even a day later.

It was an exciting way to travel, reports the team. Every day brought new challenges but they also met many helpful companions along the way. People are interested in what five travelers on two tuktuks are up to, the team reports, so it’s easy to strike up a conversation. The team is certain that the trip to India will definitely remain a good memory.

The five travelers combined their trip with a fundraising appeal. Usthi is one of the beneficiary organizations. We would like to thank them warmly for their valuable support and inspiring campaign! Usthi’s work is only possible thanks to numerous dedicated supporters.

Start your own fundraiser

Is the call of adventure pulling you in? Or would you like to support children and young people in India and Nepal through another form of fundraising?

There are no limits to creativity. So far, individuals, associations, and companies have supported Usthi in various ways — from organizing birthday fundraisers and collecting donations at company Christmas parties to holding cake sales with school classes.

Empowering people is at the heart of Usthi’s work in India and Nepal. The 2024 Annual Report highlights how the 13 Usthi projects are creating sustainable impact.

„We strive for a world in which children and young people can grow up with dignity and in a supportive environment.“ This vision has guided Usthi‘s work since 1976 and has lost none of its relevance, especially in light of global developments over the past year. Usthi‘s projects provide access to education, create safe spaces for vulnerable children and women, raise awareness, and provide healthcare in remote areas. Usthi projects reached over 46,000 people in India and Nepal in 2024.

We are very pleased to share with you in the annual report the successes and challenges of the past Usthi year. Each contribution provides insight into the daily project work and the collaboration with our five partner organisations.

With your support, we can create future opportunities. Thank you for standing with us in supporting disadvantaged children and young adults.

We wish you an engaging and insightful read.

Your Usthi Team

Download Reports

Neighbors, former residents, staff, and friends – they all, along with many others, made the annual Contribution Day at the children’s homes a memorable experience. Every year, people connected to our partner organization in Hyderabad come together to share memories and celebrate with the children.

The local community generously supports the operation of the children’s homes. On Contribution Day, neighbors and former residents arrived with full hands, filling the kitchen’s storage with large sacks of rice, sunflower oil, eggs, and flour. Some brought blankets and towels for the children, while others contributed to the stock of school supplies. The staff of the children’s homes brought a variety of homemade dishes, creating a large buffet where children and visitors could help themselves throughout the day.

A stall for children’s clothing was set up on the campus. From the wide selection of T-shirts and skirts for young and old, all children had the chance to pick out a new outfit.

Contribution Day has now become a cherished tradition. The neighborhood connects with the children and the project team over the buffet or through small activities such as games and henna hand painting. Former residents, now adults, use the occasion to visit their former home. This cheerful gathering provides an ideal opportunity to strengthen the project’s local roots in Hyderabad.

„There is nothing good unless you do it.“

In the spirit of Erich Kästner‘s words, we rolled up our sleeves at Usthi over the past year and now look back on an eventful 2024. At this point, we would like to sincerely thank you, because it is only with your support that Usthi‘s commitment in India and Nepal is possible.

The Usthi office will be closed over the holidays. We look forward to starting a new Usthi year together with you on January 6, 2025!

Usthi’s latest project is off to a strong start. At the end of September, the first workshop for teachers in the region took place as part of the waste management project in Penthakata. But what does waste management even mean? And what does it have to do with schools? These and many other questions were addressed during the first workshop with over 30 teachers in attendance.

The informal village of Penthakata on the outskirts of Puri has grown significantly over the past decades. With the village’s expansion, the amount of daily waste has also increased. The current disposal system in the settlement is inadequate, and the waste has become a health risk for the population.

Given this situation, Usthi, in collaboration with EAWAG, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Research and Technology, launched a project to sustainably improve waste management in the Penthakata village. A needs assessment among the population showed a strong demand for effective waste management, but there is a lack of infrastructure and knowledge on the topic.

Much More Than Just New Waste Disposal Containers

The best infrastructure is useless if it isn’t used. Alongside the development of new disposal infrastructure, waste management is also being integrated into school curricula to educate the next generation on waste-related issues. Teachers can impart essential knowledge about environmental damage caused by uncontrolled waste and discuss future-oriented topics, like the link between waste and health, with their students.

Kartik Kapoor, an Indian waste management expert, laid the foundation for this effort by introducing over 30 teachers from Penthakata to the basics of waste management. Starting with the question, “What is waste?” and moving through the concept of the 3-R rule—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—the teachers gained valuable insights. Special emphasis was placed on the impact of uncontrolled waste disposal on hygiene and health.

«It is great to see that all the schools in Penthakata are participating in the next phases of the project!» said Kurt Bürki, co-founder of the Usthi Foundation, who attended the first workshop. «By raising awareness in the next generation, waste management can be sustainably improved.»

Learn more about the project

What sounds like a slogan from the old days will create new, future-oriented jobs in 2024 and contribute to the financing of Usthi projects: The textile processing center in Hyderabad, which is run by our local partner organization, was able to acquire new specialized machines for processing knitted fabrics this year. High-quality clothing made from knitted fabric is in demand today – the new machines enable the social business venture to meet the wishes of larger clients and generate more sales.

The textile processing center in Hyderabad was established in 2011 as a social business venture dedicated to produce fair and sustainable clothing. Our project partner in Hyderabad founded the textile processing center with the goal of supporting our joint vocational skills training program in Hyderabad through local value creation. To date, approximately 8% of the vocational training project costs have been covered through this model. With the investment in new specialized machinery, we aim to increase this contribution in the future.

The social enterprise is located on the same campus as the vocational training center and produces high-quality clothing and accessories. 25 full-time employees develop and create for example school uniforms, sportswear or maternity clothing, handling the entire production cycle from designing and drafting initial samples to storing and shipping the finished goods.

With the purchase of the new machines, the textile processing center can take on larger orders and thus create eight additional jobs. The investment is therefore an important step in the expansion of the social business venture and will enable them to increase their turnover. In addition to fair pay, the company management attaches great importance to ensuring that the employees’ children attend school.

The expansion of the textile processing center is now in full swing and the first special machines have already been put into operation. The social enterprise is therefore equipped for the future.

The investment in new specialized machinery was made possible by the support of the Tauro Foundation.

Without a functional disposal system, waste becomes a long-term health problem. When the Board of Trustees accompanied the Usthi team on their annual project trip in 2022, they noticed the lack of a waste disposal system in Penthakata, the informal settlement around the Penthakata School. Waste pollutes the streets, beaches, and the sea, and residues seep into the groundwater. Large portions of the waste are burned, adding air pollution as another health risk. In line with Usthi’s holistic approach to improving the living conditions of the local population, the Board of Trustees, in collaboration with EAWAG, the water research institute of ETH Zurich, launched a waste management project.

The project went into planning in the fall of 2023 and was first implemented in early 2024. The initiative is actively accompanied on-site by an Indian waste and resource management specialist. The goal of the project is to develop a functional waste system together with the local community that will benefit the community in the long term. The yet-to-be-established Waste Management Committee, in which volunteers can participate, will play a central role in the initiative. This gives the local people the opportunity to actively contribute to the development of a new waste system and to collaboratively develop solution strategies under professional guidance. To ensure the long-term realization of a disposal strategy, the initiative also works closely with the Puri city administration.

For the first phase of the project, Kurt Bürki, founder of the Usthi Foundation and external consultant, and Felix Senn, president of the Board of Trustees, traveled to Puri together with the local expert. The goal was to initiate a dialogue with the local community and analyze the current waste situation and its impacts on people and the environment. According to the last census in 2011, the fishing village, which had 17,500 residents at the time, generated 5.4 tons of waste per day. The settlement has grown in recent years, and today the amount of waste is estimated to be around 10 tons per day.

Together with volunteers, interviews were conducted with the residents of the settlement to identify challenges. Recommended solutions by the expert include setting up a plastic collection point at the Penthakata School, establishing a waste collection service funded through small financial contributions from each household, and integrating the topic into the Penthakata School curriculum.

The project also includes regular beach cleanup activities. For the first “Beach Clean Up,” 50 volunteers came together and, using specially designed collection tools, gathered a total of 450 kilograms of waste. To raise awareness among the community about the waste issue and its health risks, a workshop was held at the Penthakata School to highlight the topic.

For the next phase of the project, the topic of waste will be integrated into the curriculum at the Usthi School to raise awareness and train the children on the issue. In the first step, teachers will be equipped with materials from EAWAG by the Indian expert to incorporate the topic into their lessons. At the same time, the Waste Management Committee will be established and trained as needed. In a subsequent step, regular workshops on waste management will be planned at the Usthi School for the Village Committee and the Penthakata community. Additionally, further Beach Clean Up days are scheduled.

Meanwhile, the local expert is working with the Waste Management Committee, EAWAG, and the city administration to further develop the existing waste collection concept, aiming to reduce and eventually eliminate illegal dumping of waste in the long term.

DEAR READERS

Challenges are best tackled together. This was demonstrated last year not only by apprentices from the sanitary company Geberit through their engagement at the Ananda School, but also by the dedicated individuals involved in Usthis projects year after year. The new Usthi annual report tells stories of learning from each other and of newly found self-confidence.

Last year was a year of further development for Usthi, marked by continuous exchange and close collaboration with our partners to continuously advance the Usthi projects. In 2023, we formed new alliances: As the ‘Alliance for Resilient Communities,’ Usthi teamed up with various other small NGOs to apply for funding from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

In line with living Usthi culture, personal contact with our supporters, partners, and project participants was also central this year. On two project trips, the Usthi team spent around 450 hours in the projects in India and Nepal. Opportunities for discussions with the Swiss Usthi community included the Usthi Festival, where we engaged in a panel discussion with supporters from politics, education, and the private sector on inter-generational solidarity and the importance of bequests.

Thank you for joining us in making a difference for others. With your support we can create prospects for young people in need.

We hope you enjoy reading our annual report.

Your Usthi Team

Being able to stand on your own two feet financially is one of the most important steps towards self-determination. With our work, we not only aim to enable the self-determination of project participants, but also to promote the long-term independence of Usthi projects.

In the context of the Professional Skills Training Project in Hyderabad, sewing machines create the potential for financial independence at various levels, both for the project itself and for the project participants.

Integrated into the professional skills training centre in Hyderabad is a social business venture in the form of a textile processing centre run by our local partner organisation. The “Garment Factory” offers around 30 local jobs under fair conditions. The income from the small textile company flows back into the vocational training centre and thus helps to finance part of the project. This sustainable economic cycle ensures that the vocational training project is embedded locally not only on a social but also on an economic level.

To further promote local value creation, Usthi invested in special sewing machines last year to open up a new market segment through the textile processing centre. The new machines are the response to an existing demand: they enable the processing of knitted textiles, thereby allowing the center to take on more orders. This investment enables the textile processing centre to diversify its income opportunities and increase revenues to support the local financing of the Professional Skills Training Project.

During their training, participants of the project develop the skills they need to enter the labour market. While the majority of graduates find employment in the formal labour market after completing their vocational training, some go on to start their own businesses. To make this step easier and to support the budding entrepreneurs along the way, Usthi finances a “Micro Business Start-up Kit” in the form of a sewing machine for 80 graduates of the vocational training per year since the beginning of the current project cycle. With this equipment, the graduates are able to take on customers independently and set up a small business. The first start-up kits have already been distributed and, together with our partner organisation, we look forward to seeing how the small businesses will develop.

A piece of India for Christmas? Usthi will be at the Christkindlimärt in Rapperswil-Jona from 14.-17. December.

Rapperswil-Jona is practically the cradle of the Usthi Foundation. Usthi was founded here in 1985. We are therefore all the more delighted to be part of this year’s Christkindlimärt Rapperswil-Jona. For the occasion of the Christmas market, the employees of the Garment Factory, a social business venture organised by our partner organisation in Hyderabad, sewed colourful scarves, kitchen towels and other textile products. The proceeds from the Christmas market go back into the Usthi projects.

We look forward to welcoming you with a warm cup of chai from the tea manufacturer Premsoul! You can find us on Rathausstrasse. Opening hours and further details about the Christkindlimärt can be found here.

A lot has happened at the Ananda School recently! During that time, blue Geberit uniforms were not an uncommon sight.

Over the past two weeks, apprentices from Geberit have visited the Ananda School in Hudarait to install new sanitary facilities.

In workshops with the trainees, the schoolchildren learnt how important thorough hand washing and tooth brushing are for their health. Commitments like this enable Usthi to offer schoolchildren not only access to education, but also access to adequate hygiene.

During their time at Ananda School, the Geberit apprentices visited the surrounding neighbourhoods, where the schoolchildren live with their families and gained a deeper insight into the work of Usthi and its impact. The Geberit team soon became a welcome part of everyday school life with visits to lessons and shared lunches. This resulted in a valuable exchange between the trainees and the schoolchildren and teachers at the Ananda School.

To remember their time together, the apprentices and the schoolchildren created a memory wall on the school grounds.

The collaboration between Geberit and Usthi has its origins in Rapperswil-Jona. Not only are the Geberit headquarters here, but the Usthi Foundation was also founded here. Thanks to this neighbourly relationship, Geberit apprentices travelled to Puri back in 2010 to carry out renovation work at the Penthakata School. We are all the more pleased that another successful collaboration has taken place this year. Geberit is also financing further renovation work at the Ananda School, which will be finalised next year.

With health problems or toothache, it is difficult to go to school and learn. Usthi aims to provide access to education for as many children in need as possible. Health and its promotion play a crucial role in this.

Dental diseases are widespread in India, with every second person suffering from caries. A large proportion of these diseases can be attributed to poor dental hygiene since childhood (Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry, 2021).

To prevent this and to create awareness for the topic of dental health, a Dental Camp was held at Penthakata School in October. In cooperation with the dental institute of a local university in Bhubaneswar, a temporary dental clinic was set up on the school grounds. Students, teachers and staff of the Penthakata School, as well as residents of a neighbouring home for the elderly, were able to get free dental check-ups and treatment at the clinic. General check-ups, dental cleanings and fillings were offered. The mobile dental clinic was very popular, with almost 300 patients coming in for an appointment.

Low-threshold services and local collaborations such as the Dental Camp combine two central focal points of our work: health and education. Whenever possible, we use synergies in the Usthi projects to achieve the greatest possible impact in offering people in need prospects for a life of dignity and self-determination.

With 25 degrees and sunshine, the Usthi Fest took place on 16 September in the church community hall in Maur. With joy we look back on a successful evening. Together with Santana Mallick, a former project participant, we remembered the beginnings of the Usthi projects. In the panel discussion that followed, we looked to the future of Usthi.

Visit from India: Santana Mallick grew up in Kolkata in one of the first Usthi children’s homes. For the occasion of the Usthi Festival, she and her husband Abhisek visited Kurt Bürki and Usthi. At the Usthi Fest, she told us about her life as a young girl in the Bangur Home, her living situation today and her plans to set up her own travel agency.

Panel discussion “Usthi ready for the future”: Yves Keller, President of the Municipality of Maur, Thomas Fischer, long-time Usthi donor and Ashkira Darman from the Solidarity Association of the Realgymnasium Rämibühl spoke with Alessandra Grosse, Usthi Executive Director about Usthi’s impact and about their motivation to remain committed to Usthi. Ashkira Darman spoke about her students’ commitment to Usthi projects as young people, while Thomas Fischer shared how he will continue to support Usthi’s work with his legacy after his lifetime. We are looking forward to continuing our intergenerational cooperation. All three speakers were particularly impressed by the sustainability of the Usthi projects and we thank them for their commitment and the valuable discussion.

Indian dinner in the open air: with curry, naan and pakoras from the restaurant Crown of India we ended the evening on the terrace of church community hall. With one or two glasses of wine sponsored by Getränkehandel Schatt from Rapperswil and syrup from Chrütlisenn, there was a valuable exchange and beautiful conversations on topics from the panel discussion, the Usthi projects and planned or past trips to India and Nepal.

India for at home: At our Usthi market stall, various products such as silk scarves, which were made in textile processing centre in Hyderabad by graduates of the professional skills training courses, were available in exchange for a donation. In addition, there were fine Indian spices for sale. Thanks to the generous donations of our guests, we were able to collect almost 4000 CHF for the Usthi projects.

Usthi would like to thank all supporters, sponsors and helpers for their valuable commitment and all guests for their great interest and numerous attendance.

Find more impressions of the Usthi Fest 2023 here.

Sponsors

• Blumen Gätzi
• Getränke Schatt
• Kirchgemeinde Maur
• Vogelhoch3

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On 15th August, Franka Hüttche joined the Usthi team. Together with Christian Rübensaal, she will be responsible for public relations and fundraising. 

Since 2021, Tiana Glatt has been responsible for the public relations of the Usthi Foundation. With her creative and open nature, she left a lasting impact on fundraising and donor relations. After more than two years of dedication to Usthi, she is leaving the Foundation at the end of September to go travelling. 

With Christian Rübensaal, Usthi already has an experienced employee who is very familiar with the Foundation’s fundraising. In future, he will be responsible for fundraising and, together with Franka Hüttche, for the Foundations’ communication and donor relations. 

Franka Hüttche joined the Usthi team in mid-August. Franka found her way to Usthi after a three-month trip through Asia.  After studying political science and media studies, Franka spent an internship year in the communications department at the Museum of Design in Zurich. There she learned to put theory into practice and gained valuable knowledge, which she now actively applies at Usthi. The experiences Franka gained during her travels through Sri Lanka and Indonesia have awakened her interest in getting involved in the humanitarian sector. Apart from her work at Usthi, Franka helps people with a migration background in Basel to learn German and is involved with Discuss It, an association that works to bring political education closer to young adults. She likes to live out her creativity in the pottery studio or cooking and seeks peace and quiet in nature, or just the opposite at concerts. 

Usthi is looking forward to working with Franka Hüttche and wishes Tiana Glatt all the best for her future. 

Im Berufsbildungszentrum in Hyderabad, welches in Kooperation mit Usthi von einer lokalen Partnerorganisation geführt wird, gibt es eine neue Ausbildung. Das neue Angebot reagiert auf die Nachfrage nach medizinischen Fachkräften, die durch die Covid19-Pandemie gestiegen ist. Neu haben junge Menschen neben der Ausbildung als Gesundheitsmitarbeiter:innen und Technisch-medizinischen Labormitarbeiter:innen auch Zugang zu einer Berufsausbildung als Pharmazeutisch-kaufmännische Angestellte.

Hyderabad im Bundesstaat Telangana ist mit rund 8 Millionen Einwohner:innen eine der bevölkerungsreichsten Metropolregionen Indiens. Trotz wirtschaftlichem Aufschwung bleiben Problematiken wie Armut, Arbeitslosigkeit und mangelnde Bildung weiter bestehen. Durch gesellschaftliche Faktoren wie Diskriminierung aufgrund von sozialem Status wird alleinstehenden Frauen und Jugendlichen ohne einen Schulabschluss der Zugang zum formellen Arbeitsmarkt verwehrt. Auf dem informellen Arbeitsmarkt laufen sie Gefahr, ein menschenunwürdiges und gesundheitsschädigendes Arbeitsverhältnis einzugehen. Krisen wie die Corona Pandemie bewirken, dass Frauen häufig ihre Ehemänner und damit ihre Einkommensquelle verlieren. Zugang zu einer Ausbildung ist ausschlaggebend, um finanzielle Unabhängigkeit zu erlangen.

2008 hat Usthi gemeinsam mit einer lokalen Partnerorganisation ein Projekt  lanciert, welches Jugendlichen und jungen Erwachsenen ohne Schulabschluss eine Berufsausbildung ermöglicht. Das Berufsbildungsprojekt in Hyderabad richtet sich vor allem an junge Frauen als besonders marginalisierte Bevölkerungsgruppe. Die Kurse und deren Inhalte orientieren sich stark am Arbeitsmarkt und reagieren auf diesen. So haben alle bisherigen Teilnehmenden der bereits bestehenden medizinischen Berufsbildungskurse nach ihrem Abschluss eine Anstellung gefunden. Alle Kurse entsprechen in ihren Inhalten den Vorgaben der Regierung in Telangana und gehen sogar darüber hinaus, sodass die Absolvierenden optimal auf ihren Berufsalltag vorbereitet sind.

Nach anfänglichen Schwierigkeiten, Lehrpersonen zu finden, gibt es nun einen neuen medizinischen Kurs im Programm der Berufsbildung und somit 17 Kurse, die jungen Menschen zur Verfügung stehen. In dem neuen Kurs werden die Teilnehmer:innen als Pharmazeutisch-kaufmännische Angestellte ausgebildet. Sie erlernen Grundlagen der Medizin und Pharmazie und werden darin geschult, eine Apotheke zu verwalten. Bald können die Teilnehmenden auch erste praktische Erfahrungen sammeln. Das Sortiment des Gemischtwarenladens auf dem Campus in Hyderabad wird so durch Medikamente ergänzt und die Kursteilnehmenden können unter Anleitung ihr erlerntes Wissen anwenden.

Die ersten Teilnehmenden sind bereits eingeschrieben und Usthis Partner vor Ort freut sich auf weitere Anmeldungen. Nach Abschluss des Kurses in sechs Monaten haben die Teilnehmer:innen Aussicht auf eine Anstellung in lokalen oder staatlichen Krankenhäusern und in kleineren Apotheken in der Region. Da Hyderabad als Zentrum der Pharmazie in Indien gilt, erhofft sich Usthi, dass die neuen Pharmazeutisch-kaufmännische Angestellte einen direkten Einstieg in ihr Berufsleben finden werden.

The Tribal Health Centre in Somagiri has a new chief physician. After more than 10 years of dedication to the disadvantaged population of the ‘Scheduled Tribes’, the former doctor retires and hands over his responsibilities to an experienced successor.

Since the 1980s, the hospital in rural Somagiri, a village in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, provides health care for the indigenous tribal areas of the Munda and Juang tribes. The hospital’s catchment area covers 133 villages. The ethnic and cultural diversity as well as the vastness of the area, characterise the work at the hospital, which bridges the gap between modern medicine and traditional treatments.

Dr. Mishra joined the hospital as the new chief physician in 2012. Since then, he had been taking care of his patients with great dedication. In addition to his duties at the hospital, he had also been visiting the surrounding villages every afternoon to conduct consultations. Usthi is most grateful for Dr. Mishra’s great commitment and loyalty over so many years and wishes him all the best for his retirement.

During a four-month transition period, Dr. Mishra handed over his duties and responsibilities as chief physician to his new, competent successor, Dr. Mohanta.

The new chief physician took up his job at the hospital with great motivation. Dr. Mohanta shows strong interest in visiting the indigenous villages. His knowledge of the state language Odiya and the local language Juang is particularly valuable for communicating with the local population. Moreover, Dr. Mohanta can draw on a lot of experience in conducting deliveries.

Being the first point of contact for medical care of the local people, Usthi has been eager to ensure a competently staffed continuation of the hospital. Usthi is looking forward to the collaboration with Dr. Mohanta and the team at the tribal health centre.

In India, children regularly become victims of human trafficking. With the opening of a new children’s home, Usthi prevents disadvantaged children from this fate and offers them new perspectives.

In the metropolis Hyderabad, many families are affected by poverty. Children are often forced to contribute to the family’s income. In search of work, they spend much of their time on the streets. In a cycle of poverty and lack of education, children are easy targets for traffickers.

Since 2008, Usthi supports children from financially and socially disadvantaged families to grow up in a safe environment. In Usthi’s children’s homes, vulnerable children have access to education and the opportunity towards a self-determined and dignified life.

Thanks to the support of the Fagus lucida Foundation, Usthi was now able to further expand the children’s home project. The purchase of a previously rented flat saves considerable operating costs, which can be reinvested in the project. Thanks to the long-term support, a new children’s home could be opened and additional children could be taken in.

After some renovation work, the fourth home is now fully furnished and ready to welcome the children. After their summer holidays, 10 boys moved into the new premises in June and also started their new school year at a local school. The caregivers support the children in adapting well to their daily life in the new environment.

For most of the boys, their families could no longer provide for them; some of them are half-orphans. Without the care of their families, they are defenceless against the threats on the streets. A UN report shows that the share of boys in forced labour and crime, as well as domestic servitude, has increased significantly over the past years, while girls are still largely affected by sexual exploitation. Protecting children from these dangers is the goal of the children’s home project. With the new home, Usthi can now offer a total of 60 children per year a safe shelter and allow for a child-oriented development.

Teacher trainings are an integral part of the Usthi education projects. They aim to improve the quality of education in order to provide an inspiring and child-friendly learning environment for the school children.

Especially for children from educationally disadvantaged families, absorbing the content of the classes can sometimes be challenging. Often they cannot count on the support of their parents. To ensure that they receive the best possible support in everyday school life, the teachers in the Usthi projects receive appropriate training and further education.

During school holidays in May, the teachers of Penthakata School came together for five days of teacher training. On the one hand, the focus was on social aspects such as child psychology and the relationship between school children and teachers and parents. On the other hand, didactic and methodological topics such as the classroom management were addressed.

In addition, the school’s objectives and vision were also part of the training. Together with the new headmaster of Penthakata School, who took up his position in April and is approaching his new task with great ambitions, a joint brainstorming session led to ideas on how the newly learned methods can be practically implemented and applied in the context of school activities in the future.

The teachers’ feedback on the training sessions is always positive. The time spent together fosters exchange, which can sometimes be difficult in the daily school routine among around 400 children. At the same time, the interactive trainings contribute to a good atmosphere and a strengthened team spirit. This in turn has a positive effect on the continuity of the teaching staff: Some of the 16 teachers have been working at the Penthakata School for many years and are passionately committed to the education and academic success of disadvantaged children.

DEAR READERS
We are delighted to present the Usthi Annual Report 2022. Personal exchange and co-operation were our focus last year – at last a full year without major Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

We worked tirelessly with our partners in India and Nepal, because no child should be forced to live on the streets or have to work, making them miss the opportunity of a good education.

We can measure the impact of this work not only with numbers, but also through personal encounters and conversations. In this year’s annual report we therefore let the children and people from the projects tell their stories. They tell of their personal successes and dreams and what it means to them to be part of Usthi.

Close co-operation also existed between our indispensable volunteers, our dedicated Board of Trustees and the Head Office. The Board of Trustees’ project visit in India further allowed the strategic management and the team to streghten their bond. The impressions and experiences gathered on site contributed to a lively exchange of ideas, leading to further development of the projects. Mutual understanding and trust enable us to tackle existing activities with enthusiasm and to work together efficiently.

We have also been able to maintain the personal contact, which we value so highly, with donors and stakeholders. In autumn 2022, we revived the tradition of the Usthi Event. Thanks to enormous positive feedback, we are already planning the 2023 Event. We look forward to seeing you there.

To all those who have supported Usthi in 2022, each in their own way, we should like to extend a big and heartfelt thank you. We are grateful that you are part of the Usthi community.

The demand for skilled workers is great in India. However, the quantity and quality of many work related training institutions is insufficient to meet the demands of the labour market. A vocational education, as found in Switzerland, combining practice and theory, is rare in India. How can young people be best prepared for the job market?

One of the success stories from Usthi’s professional skills training project shows how crucial practical experience is for the young people in the project:

Rani and Sahasra* live in the megacity of Hyderabad. Without education, it was impossible for them to find a job. They heard about Usthi’s professional skills training and met on the beautician course. Having successfully completed the training, they both found jobs in a well-known beauty salon. However, the long working days did not leave Rani and Sahasra enough time to look after their children. They had always dreamt of starting their own business to support their families but, at the same time, they also had a certain reticence towards the responsibility this would entail. Their conversations about the challenges kindled an idea. The assurance of mutual support emboldened Rani and Sahasra recently to open their own parlour together.

The practical experience gives the young people self-confidence and increases their chances of being able to enter the job market. Employment with fair working conditions allows young women like Rani and Sahasra to become financially independent. In the long term, the project contributes to reducing youth unemployment and poverty and also has a positive effect not only on the graduates but also their families.

*Names have been changed for privacy reasons.

For Usthi, education and health are closely linked. A new school garden at the Penthakata School combines the two pillars of our work and ensures that the school children grow up healthy and educated.

Lunch is an integral part of the project at the Penthakata School. Every day, fresh food is prepared in the kitchen for all of the school’s nearly 400 students. After all, it’s hard to learn with an empty stomach.

A vegetable patch was recently set up on the school’s campus. The growing tomatoes, spinach, chili and beans can be freshly harvested from the school garden from now on. This means that the ingredients get fresh from the patch onto the school children’s plates and ensure a balanced nutrition that many families in the area cannot afford.

In addition, the school garden will be used to teach the children about organic gardening and to awaken their interest in it. The kitchen team has also created its own compost, the soil of which can later again be used for the garden.

Thus, the new school garden at the Penthakata School is not only in line with Usthi’s guiding principle, but also with our objective to make the projects sustainable in all aspects.

Universal access to education for all. This is the goal Usthi pursues with the education projects in India and Nepal for the children in the regions. To give children with visual impairments the chance of education, Usthi also supports a hostel for blind children as part of the school education project in Nepal.

In Nepal, school children sometimes walk several hours to their schools. For children with disabilities, however, this is not an option. Therefore, at one of the 10 schools supported by Usthi, there is a hostel for blind children.

Adjoined to the secondary school in Mahadevbeshi, the largest city in the project region, the hostel currently offers a home to 24 blind and visually impaired children. Located on the campus of the school, the students have a short way to get to their classes. They receive special support and the teaching methods are adapted to their needs.

For the special lessons, for example, paper for Braille was organized, which is difficult to obtain in the project region. In January, the children in the home were also provided with warm clothing to protect them from the low temperatures of the Nepalese winter. For the coming year, investments are also planned for the infrastructure in the residence.

Would you like to join us in providing fair and unconditional access to education? Every contribution offers children new perspectives. With CHF 120, a child in India can go to school for a whole year.

The project in Nepal aims to promote education for children from families affected by poverty and to improve the quality of education in the project region. Part of the project is therefore the further training of local teachers with a focus on didactics and pedagogy. At the beginning of the year, a workshop was held to improve teaching skills.

The school education project in Nepal also includes an offer for young children from 3 to 5 years. Through playful learning in a child-friendly environment, the children are prepared for school according to the Montessori approach.

During the last project year, the classrooms at six of the ten schools supported by Usthi were refurbished and painted. The rooms have been equipped with new learning materials, toys, a screen and internet access for music and dance lessons.

To enable teachers to use the new materials effectively, Usthi’s local partner organised a training on site. This was open to all teachers in the project region, including staff from schools that are not directly supported by Usthi. Around 30 teachers from 20 different schools in the project region came together to learn about new learning methods and behavioural practices.

During three days of training, participants learned how to organise and set up the classroom effectively, about new circle activities and how to incorporate different themes throughout the year. Through art and craft with local materials, integrating songs and rhymes as well as storytelling with the help of pictures and books, subjects were addressed with which early childhood education can be made more engaging and of high quality. Also the use of technology for a modern teaching approach was discussed.

For the older children, new school materials have already been collected. With new school uniforms, backpacks, shoes and writing materials, the students are equipped for the upcoming school year in Nepal.

On the table and under the Christmas tree: with our gift ideas and recipes you can give your festivities an Indian touch and support young people in the Usthi projects.

Fabric Elephant

Handmade unique pieces by our local partner organisation of the Thaddeus School

Available in green, blue, gold and purple, size: 13cm

Price: CHF 30.-

Scarf

Handmade unique pieces by graduates of the professional skills training in the textile processing centre

Loop scarf, size: 75cm

Price: CHF 20.-

Schals mit Nummern_xsHerunterladen

Spices

Fresh from our project visit as an ingredient for our Indian recipe ideas

Garam Masala or Turmeric, 30gr

Price: CHF 5.-

Are you interested in one of our gifts? We look forward to receiving your mail at hallo@usthi.ch.

The proceeds from the Christmas gifts go to the sewing machine campaign and thereby support the vocational training project.

Recipes

This year’s Usthi Event was a success. We are happy to share with you three of the recipes that took us through the evening.

Mix the nuts in a bowl with the ground chilli, honey, oil, garam masala and paprika powder. Spread them on a baking tray lined with baking paper and roast in a preheated oven at 190 degrees, turning frequently, for 8-10 minutes. Remove the nuts and sprinkle them with salt and a little sugar while still hot. Mix briefly and serve cooled. Packed airtight, the nuts will stay fresh for a few days.

Peel the potatoes, cut them into quarters and boil them until they are cooked and easy to mash. Drain, steam and then mash with a potato masher. Blanch the peas in boiling salted water for 5 min, drain well and mix with the potatoes. Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a small pan and fry the onions, chilli, ginger and spices for about 1 minute. Add this mixture to the potatoes with the chickpea flour and fold in. Mix in the lemon juice and a little salt. With your hands, shape the potato mixture into golf ball-sized kofta, then flatten them a little. Heat the remaining oil in a pan and fry the potato patties on both sides until golden brown.

Put the curd in a bowl, add the sugar and mix, then wait for the sugar to dissolve.
Stir the curd again so that the sugar is well spread. Stir in the turmeric, cardamom powder, almonds and 2/3 of the pistachio nuts.
Pour the curd into a serving bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Sprinkle with the remaining pistachios and serve as a dessert. Tip: The dessert is also delicious with a few spoonfuls of mango puree or a pineapple salsa.

Every year, the projects in India and Nepal are visited and evaluated. The gained insights help to shape the further development of the projects. The experiences show what impact the projects have in the short and long term.

For four weeks, the Usthi team travelled through India and Nepal to visit the projects. Exchanging ideas with the people and partners on site, seeing how young people are allowed to complete their professional skills trainings and witnessing the commitment with which the staff drive the projects forward is motivating and inspiring.

The experiences during the project visit also confirm how the work of the foundation is described by the Usthi team in an interview with Brigitte Schweiz Magazine.

On the project trip, the Usthi Team visited former students of the Penthakata School. They opened their own school in the village of Penthakata. Until the Penthakata school was built in 1992, the children had no access to education. With the new school, the women enable more children to attend school and contribute to improving the educational situation in India.

Attended by the Usthi team and the Board of Trustees, 219 graduates received their certificates for successfully completing a professional skills training. The course paves the way for them to enter the formal labour market. At the same time, it creates new self-confidence for the young women and men.

The exchange with the staff of the Usthi projects allows the successes to become tangible. One of the health workers in the indigenous area reports on the changes she has observed in her 27 years of work in the villages. Education about medicine or small preventive measures such as the use of mosquito nets contribute to the steady improvement of the health situation in the jungle region.

The insight into the impact of the projects is of great value to the Usthi Team and the Usthi Board of Trustees. It enables us to work closely and purposefully with our local partners and ensures the long-term success of our commitment.

On this year’s project visit, the Usthi team is accompanied not only by founder Kurt Bürki, but also by the Board of Trustees. Together they are visiting the projects in India to get a deeper insight into the activities on the ground.

“Personally, I am deeply impressed by what is being done here. The local partners are highly motivated and very committed – in the schools, in the women’s shelters and children’s homes. This is reflected to me especially in the great joy of life and self-confidence of the children, which impresses me knowing where the children come from.“

Christa Vollrath, Member of the Usthi Board of Trustees

Last week, the team and the Board of Trustees visited the Professional Skills Training Centre in Hyderabad and attended the graduation ceremony of the course participants. 219 young men and women successfully completed one of the 17 different courses on 19th of October. Some of them have already found a job.

The graduates who would like to start their own business were given business starter kits: A total of 30 kits with sewing machines or tools were distributed by the Usthi team and the Board of Trustees. The equipment is intended to support them in setting up their micro businesses.

In the past few days, they also visited the Penthakata School and the village where the school children come from. “The teachers are very committed in imparting their knowledge and very proud that the children do above average in the state-recognised examinations“. reports Christa Vollrath.

The team and the Board of Trustees will spend the following days in the jungle region around Sommagiri to visit the health projects.

For more news about the project visit, follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

The consequences of the Covid pandemic are very evident in Nepal. Many families have lost their jobs and thus their income. Within the launched “Post-Covid Project”, Usthi supports families in securing their livelihoods.

In Usthi’s project region in Dhading, west of the Kathmandu Valley, many families lack livelihood options. In order to strengthen the local people beyond the emergency relief, individual households are offered advised and supported to secure their livelihood.

In the rural district of Thakre, a survey detected families which were particularly affected by the pandemic. The project aims to reach women in particular, as they are more likely to invest in the health and education of their children.

Staff members at Usthi-supported schools helped identify 15 families in the surrounding area for the “Post-Covid Project.” Some of the project beneficiaries lost family members. Most lost their jobs as daily wage workers during the pandemic. The beneficaries come from the villages of the schools or from the slum of Mahadevbeshi, the largest city in the area.

Since the families are experienced in agriculture, they are given pigs, goats or buffaloes which support them to improve their livelihood.

A workshop was held for the project beneficiaries by veterinarians from the district. They trained the participants in handling the animals. In addition, mulberry plants were distributed to all families. These grow quickly regardless of the geographical location and serve the families as fodder for the livestock.

Story of a project beneficiary

Laxmi Pariyar’s husband passed away 2 years ago due to covid. Since his death, Laxmi has been living alone with her two children. Her situation has increasingly deteriorated since then. To pay for her husband’s treatment costs, Laxmi took out loans from neighbours and cooperatives. She takes on heavy work in the quarry to repay the loans and feed her family. Through the support of the project, Laxmi hopes to provide education for her two children.

In the short term, the project aims to secure the livelihoods of families who have experienced financial hardship as a result of the pandemic.In the long term, Usthi wants to use this kind of support to enable parents to finance their children’s schooling independently.

This year’s Usthi event on September the 24th offered the opportunity for a lively exchange and a unique insight into the projects. Usthi looks back on a successful evening.

Usthi was particularly looking forward to an exchange with all the guests at this year’s Usthi Fest, after no festivities could take place in the last two years. The celebration took place in the parish hall in Maur under the motto “simply personal”. Under Nepalese flags and between colorful flowers, the evening was filled with exciting conversations and deep insights into the projects in India and Nepal. The event gave all participants the opportunity to ask questions about the projects, the work and the motivation of the Usthi team and the board of trustees.

Project presentation – but different: Instead of reporting on the projects as usual, we let project participants, partners and employees from India speak. You could not be there last Saturday? You can find the interview with one of the 40 healthcare workers from the health network in the jungle region Somagiri in our media library.

Buffet à la India: Thanks to the great support of many volunteers and the contributions of various sponsors, the buffet was given an Indian touch from the aperitif to the main course and dessert.

India to go: Our guests eagerly participated in the raffle. The first prize was a scarf made in the textile processing centre in Hyderabad by graduates of the professional skills courses. Delicious chai was not only available to taste at the buffet, but also to win.

Usthi would like to thank all guests for their great interest and numerous attendance, as well as all sponsors and supporters for their valuable commitment.

Sponsors

• Bäckerei Hotz
• Blumen Gätzi
• Crown of India
• Getränke Schatt
• Kirchgemeinde Maur
• Malabar
• Premsoul
• Vogelhoch3

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In order to allow the partner organizations and projects to become independent in the long term, Usthi supports social business ventures. The profit flows into the projects and creates a cycle that provides more and more young people with access to education and thus new perspectives.

In Hyderabad, a textile processing centre is connected to the professional skills courses for young men and women. As a social enterprise, it not only offers employment to graduates, but also finances the skills training of new course participants. This circulation strengthens the local ownership and allows the projects to become self-sufficient.

We are launching this campaign to finance new sewing machines worth a total of CHF 3,150, which are urgently needed in the textile processing center.

Because: more orders equate to more fair jobs and at the same time more income, that flows back into the project.

Every contribution matters to reach our goal! Thank you for your support.

Usthi sets great importance on cultural and extracurricular activities. The school’s daily routine should not only be educational, but also diverse and entertaining. After a long Covid break, the school children are now all the more excited about the creative challenge.

The schools run by Usthi in India follow the Indian curriculum. Apart from that, there is also a focus on cultural and extracurricular activities. From music to sports and traditional dance, the school children are offered a broad programme to provide a comprehensive education.

Recently, a cooking competition was held at the Thaddeus School in Bhastara. The objective of the teachers was to create awareness about food among the children. The students brought a variety of ingredients with them, from which they were allowed to prepare a dish of their choice.

As hardly any extra-curricular activities could take place in the past two years, events like these are particularly valuable.

Extracurricular activities help uncover children’s interests and develop their talents. Interactions outside the traditional classroom setting build confidence, improve social and personal skills and shape the sense of belonging. This is especially important in a diverse environment where children come from different social backgrounds.

Even the academic skills of the school children can benefit from extraordinary activities. Applying acquired knowledge in a real-life context helps them to contextualise and deepen what they have learnt.

For the coming year, all schools in the Usthi projects will therefore focus on taking up and supporting extracurricular initiatives again.

The coronavirus has caused countless orphans in India. The staff in Usthi’s health projects are committed to helping the children whose lives have been fundamentally changed over the past two years.

The far-reaching consequences of the pandemic have almost been forgotten amidst the terrible news that reaches us daily from Ukraine. The virus itself is generally harmless for children – but the indirect impact is all the more significant.

Particularly for poor countries and especially for socio-economically disadvantaged families, the economic downturn poses many challenges. More and more households and children are being driven into poverty. As a result of financial hardship, families can no longer afford even basic health services. At the same time, child malnutrition is on the rise. A WHO study indicates that there has been a significant decrease in the number of basic vaccinations for young children since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic.

Countless children in India lost their parents through the virus, but also through minor illnesses that were not treated due to lack of financial means. Not only in the urban centres, but also in the countryside like the Somagiri project region, the health workers report many children orphaned by Covid.

Raising awareness on this issue is particularly important because of the dangers of human trafficking. Families often send the children to distant relatives in other states. They usually do not know whether they will go to school or have to work there. The team of the health projects therefore carries out targeted prevention activities to provide the families with alternatives. The close relationship to the people in the project region due to their work in the villages and day care centres allows the staff to detect cases early on and to support children at risk.

Usthi appreciates the great commitment of the staff in Somagiri. Would you also like to support the initiative?

The ethnic diversity and geographical location of the project region in Nepal poses a challenge for many families. In order to achieve a long-term and sustainable impact, Usthi does not only support children with access to education, but approaches local issues on several levels.

Dhading, the region west of the Kathmandu Valley, is mainly inhabited by Dalit and Chepang communities. Many of them are socioeconomically disadvantaged and barely integrated into society. The Dalit community which in the caste system is considered as “untouchable” is less widespread in Nepal than in India. The Chepang are among the most vulnerable indigenous peoples in Nepal.

Under these circumstances, parents often lack opportunities and interest in sending their children to school. At the same time, the geographic location alongside the highway and the workload at home often lead to children dropping out of school, working in the quarries or falling victim to human trafficking.

To address these issues, the project Empowering Children and Families follows a holistic approach:

Every year, more than 2,000 students benefit from improved educational quality in the project region. Schoolchildren are provided with school materials, teachers receive further training and the infrastructure at the schools is improved.

Crucial to the sustainable impact of the project is also the involvement of families. With the help of workshops, the local population is educated about topics such as child labor and child marriages and sensitized to the importance of education. Individual families receive targeted support in securing their livelihoods. In the long term, this enables them to finance their children’s education themselves, protects the children from child labor and prevents them from dropping out of school.

During the project visit to Nepal in April, the Usthi team spoke with the supported families. One of the women reports on the impact the support has had on her and her family:

“Through the project I received three goats. All of them quickly became pregnant and gave birth to four more goats. Owning them gives us the chance to improve our livelihood in the future.”

The motivation of the family members is key to the success of the support. Together with the parents, it is determined how they can better finance their livelihood and how they can be individually supported to achieve independence.

The economic empowerment also helps families to better integrate into society and participate more actively in community decision-making.

Education remains the most effective key to a self-determined life. Through such sustainable approaches, these people can succeed in breaking the poverty trap and thus a sustainable impact can be achieved.

Since the pandemic made a trip to Nepal impossible for quite some time, the Usthi team was finally able to visit the project on site a few weeks ago.

Together with the founder of the foundation Kurt Bürki, our executive director Alessandra Grosse and our program coordinator Mirjam Hirzel traveled to the project region and visited each of the schools supported by Usthi.

Thakre is a rural municipality and home to a diverse ethnic community that includes the Chepang group. They are highly deprived of basic needs such as access to healthcare, education and employment opportunities.

Since the beginning of 2020, the project “Empowering Children and Families” is running in the region of Dhading, west of the Kathmandu Valley. Every year, around 150 children receive direct support to go to school. At the same time, the donations are used to improve the facilities of a total of 10 schools:

The young children are delighted with the newly equipped rooms. There they can learn through play and are looked after while their parents go to work. Since the renovation of the schools, the participation of the children has increased. The teachers also enjoy teaching more now that they have new materials at their disposal.

For the school children, for example, investments are being made in a laboratory or a library to ensure a high-quality education. For the coming year, more extracurricular activities are planned, as these could not take place in the last two years due to the pandemic.

The Usthi team is grateful for the vivid experiences and enriching impressions of the project trip. The deep insight into the project activities and the challenges on site are of great value for the planning and further development of the project.

Finding decent employment can still be a major challenge for young people in India today. The campus interview day in Usthi’s professional skills training project is an important element in helping young people to enter the world of work.

Especially in metropolitan cities like Hyderabad, the capital of the state of Telangana, exploitation and undignified work are not uncommon. Young people often accept inhumane working conditions and minimal pay in order to earn a living. Without an education, they are denied the chance of a fair job.

In order to open up this perspective to young people affected by poverty, the young women and men are trained over several months in Usthis professional skills trainings.

The modular training provides them with theoretical knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for the job market.

In addition, recruitment events are held several times a year. Just last week, representatives of various companies came to the campus in Hyderabad. This gives the participants of the professional skills trainings the chance to introduce themselves to the companies during an interview and to establish contacts that will promote their entry into the labor market.

The success of the combination of courses and recruitment events is reflected in the high employment rate of the graduates. Around 90% of participants find fair employment or open their own small business following their course.

DEAR READER

Access to education is not only a fundamental right, but also central to healthy human development and to a society based on responsible participation and active sharing. In the same way, a good education is key to breaking the poverty cycle and opening doors to a better future.

For many children, the significance of attending school goes far beyond learning. At school, they receive a meal, have a safe place to play and study, and are supported in developing their talents and pursuing their dreams.

The corona virus has turned people’s lives upside down all over the world and led to school closures in heretofore unimaginable and unprecedented proportions. Worldwide, the pandemic threatens to create an educational gap which will have a devastating effect, especially on children from poorer and educationally disadvantaged families. This raises the question: what type of educational system do we need in order to address the longer-term impact of the pandemic on society? How can we ensure that disadvantaged children and young people are not left behind and have better opportunities for a good education?

For 45 years, the Usthi Foundation has been working to ensure equitable access to education and health care. In 2021, together with our partner organisations in India and Nepal, we have adapted the projects to fit the new reality defined by the virus, to turn challenges into opportunities. Our vision of a world in which all children grow up with dignity and become self-reliant and independent remains unchanged.

We wish to continue on this path together with you and invite you to read on and immerse yourself in our work. On behalf of the children, the many young women and men in our projects, we once again sincerely wish to thank you for all your generous donations and your valuable support, on which we have been able to count for so many years.

What about the young people who have been part of the Usthi projects over the past 46 years? What kind of stories do they tell? What careers are they pursuing? The success stories of the students, graduates and young people in the children’s and women’s shelters show how our support has a lasting impact.

The success of the professional skills trainings is evident in the high employment rate of the course participants: Around 90% of all graduates find a job or start their own small business within a year of completing the training.

Rani* and her husband struggled to feed their family and pay for their children’s education. After completing the beautician course, she got a job in a well-known beauty salon. There she gained experience for more than four years. Thanks to the job, she was able to continue sending her children to school and ensure the family’s livelihood. With strengthened self-confidence, she finally opened her own salon.

« Today I not only have my own beauty parlour but also employ three other women. »

The flourishing business allowed her to hire three more young women from the professional skills training and pass on the opportunity she once received.

Young people who grew up in the children’s homes run by Usthi are also standing on their own feet today. During their stay, they attend school and are cared for and supported by their house mothers.

Priya* was one of the first girls to graduate in 2016 and step out of the protection of one of Usthis children’s home into a self-determined life. She recently graduated from college and started her career at one of India’s top IT companies.

« Today I dream of becoming an IAS-Officer in the future. »

She has high ambitions for her future: She aims to work at the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), India’s most important central civil service.

Unfortunately, many dangers still persist for women in large Indian cities such as the metropolis of Hyderabad.  In addition, especially women lost their jobs during the pandemic. As a result, the danger of falling victim to human trafficking and exploitation increases.

Sneha* comes from a remote village in the Indian state of Telangana. When she lost her father to AIDS, it hit the family not only emotionally, but also financially. Looking for work, she comes to Hyderabad on her own. Without the protection of her family and without a job, the dangers of the city are particularly threatening. During an event organised as part of the anti-trafficking prevention campaign, Sneha* becomes aware of Usthi’s women’s shelters.

She is taken into one of the houses and successfully completes the professionalls training “Computer and Data Entry”.

« I was the first girl to be formally employed in my family. »

After completing her training, Sneha* got a government job as a data operator. Her income allows her to provide for herself and her mother.

To reduce migration to urban areas, Usthi specifically provides education for vulnerable people in rural areas. At the Ananda School in Hudarait, outside the big city of Kolkata, over 200 students are educated every year. The Penthakata School has been providing space for around 400 schoolchildren since 1992. The school education lays a foundation for a self-determined life for the children. What do the former school children do today?

Some of them are civil servants, for example in the Indian Forest Service, the local police or the government’s finance department. Likewise, many of them pursue medical professions. Graduates of recent years have become nurses, homeopaths and pharmacists.

Among the former students are also chefs, photographers and a cameraman. Many of them have also been inspired by their school education and are teachers themselves, working in state schools, kindergartens or as private tutors. One of the graduates runs her own dance school. A few former students even got together and run another school in Penthakata.

It is only thanks to your support, dear donors, that we can write these success stories together. Thank you very much for your trust and your loyalty.

*Names and pictures have been changed for privacy reasons.

After months of distance learning last year and a constant change between physical classes and homeschooling in the last few months, the school children in the Usthi projects are looking forward to being taught at the school again.

A week ago, we received the good news that the schools in Nepal and the Indian states of Odisha and West Bengal were allowed to reopen their doors to all students. The Midday Meal can also be offered to the children at the schools again. To celebrate the return, the Thaddeus School in Bhastara organised a welcome ceremony for the school children.

The Tuition Centres in the metropolis of Hyderabad and the Back-to-School programme can also resume in full. Only the mask requirement remains in place for the time being.

Since not all children could be reached with the long-lasting distance learning, it will probably take a few weeks to see how many children return to the schools. The project partners are following the progress closely.

For the children, going back to school means more than just learning new subject matter. School offers them a safe framework in which they grow up with peers. The routine gives structure to their everyday life and also makes it easier for their parents.

The fact that the projects are picking up full speed again is also evident in the professional skills trainings in Hyderabad. After 174 graduates received their certificates for the completed courses in January, the new courses have now started with full occupancy.

In Nepal, schoolchildren are excited about the new school materials. The situation on the ground is constantly changing. Decisions to close schools are implemented at very short notice.

Nepal is not spared from the omicron wave either. Since the beginning of January the corona case numbers have been rising once more. The government decided to close places like cinemas, theatres, gyms and clubs again.

The new virus variant sparked discussions about school closures again. In some parts of Nepal, educational institutions already switched back to distance learning. Until recently, schools in the Thakre district of Dhading, where the 10 Usthi-supported schools are located, were still open. Depending on the number of infections, the schools are beeing closed repeatedly.

Last week, the students in Nepal received new school supplies. Besides books and writing materials, new bags and school uniforms were distributed.

In the current project year, the focus is also on improving the infrastructure of the early childhood development classrooms. The spaces are tailored to the playful learning of children aged three to five. The aim is to promote the children’s early childhood development and thus prepare them for their future school career. In the last few weeks, a total of six early childhood development centres have been supplied with new material. Play and learning materials were handed out and the rooms will be equipped with a cosy corner for sleeping and resting.

The education project in Nepal was initiated in the past few years and has been implemented since the beginning of 2020. In addition to promoting school education, it aims to reach and strengthen the population on various levels.

An eventful year is drawing to a close. Our local partners in Nepal and India faced the challenging situation with impressive flexibility and great commitment. Usthi is thankful for the great support we received from our donors in Switzerland again this year.

At the beginning of the year, the situation in India with respect to the pandemic seemed to be easing. While school lessons could already take place again in Nepal and the project development of the educational project progressed further, only a few children were allowed to return to the schools in India.

A renewed rise in the number of cases in March diminished hopes for further opening steps. Again, the measures to control the pandemic forced schools into distance learning, activities in the projects were restricted, many families remained without income.

Both India and Nepal were hit hard by this second wave. To support people in this difficult situation, Usthi launched an emergency relief campaign together with local partners. Thanks to prompt and generous support, Usthi was able to expand the campaign to four locations. Families and children in the surroundings of our projects were provided with food and hygiene materials.

Since autumn, the projects have slowly returned to normality. First of all, the professional skills centres were able to reopen, the students gradually returned to the classrooms, and the prevention campaign against human trafficking also picked up speed again. The easing allowed Usthi’s Executive Director Alessandra Grosse and Programme Coordinator Mirjam Hirzel to visit the projects in India together with the founder of the Foundation Kurt Bürki, to exchange with the staff and to get a picture of the situation on spot.

The main goal for the coming year is to keep all children enrolled in school. With the help of bridge classes, children shall be enabled to catch up on missed lessons. Women and children who have lost family members are given access to professional skills training so that they can stand on their own two feet.

Finally, Usthi would like to express its heartfelt thanks for the initiatives of the inspiring charity events in favour of our foundation. In September, the Dorftheater Utzenstorff played a charity performance and in December, a virtual yoga charity event took place. The proceeds are of the greatest value for the young people in our projects.

Usthi would also like to thank all private donors, institutions and the public sector for their overwhelming support and wishes a peaceful end of the year and a good start into 2022.

This month the “Community Contribution Day” took place in Hyderabad. Staff, neighbours and the local community around the campus were invited to contribute to the children’s homes. The day was a great success.

On the 13th of December, people from the surrounding areas of the projects in Hyderabad came together to support the children’s homes with groceries. The event attracted many people to the campus where vulnerable children and women have found a home, go to school or attend professional skills trainings.

People generously donated food such as rice, lentils or potatoes for the children’s shelters. “We are touched by their generosity,” emphasise the local project leaders. “We are very blessed to have the local community involved in this.“

Some participants also prepared snacks at home to sell on site and donate the proceeds to the children’s homes. With the donations and the food contributions, the children’s nutrition can be ensured for the next three weeks.

In addition to providing valuable support to the children’s homes, the campaign also helps to reach out to the local community, strengthen their connection to the institution and expand the local network.

Would you also like to support the children in Usthi’s children’s homes? Every contribution is of great importance for the children and young people.

The sense of community and solidarity that we have experienced again this year through our donors is overwhelming. In this respect, Usthi wishes you a Merry Christmas and a peaceful holiday season. Thank you for your valuable support from Switzerland.

The Advent season marks the beginning of the search for suitable Christmas gifts. With our gift ideas, you not only choose something unusual, but also support young people in India and Nepal.

Silk Scarves

As part of the professional skills training in Hyderabad, young women and men can learn the sewing handicraft. In addition to donations from Switzerland, the project is financed by a textile processing centre in India. As a social business venture, the centre offers jobs on the one hand and covers part of the costs of the professional training on the other.

The coloured scarves are made from a silk blend in the sewing workshop. With your purchase you support the professional skills courses in India. The scarves are available in 3 sizes and 6 different colours.

Price: CHF 15.- / 20.- / 25.-

Masala Tea

The best known and most popular drink in India is the Masala Chai. A mixture of black tea and spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, ginger, fennel and star anise. In Hinduism, each spice is believed to have a specific healthy benefit.

Usthi sources the authentic chai blend fresh from a family business in Kolkata. With your purchase you support the nearby Ananda School.

Price: CHF 10.- / 100gr

Donation Certificate

Spenden bereitet Freude – und geteilte Freude ist doppelte Freude! Unser Donating brings joy – and joy shared is joy doubled!

Our donation form now offers you the possibility to create an individual certificate to give to friends and family. Choose the project you would like to support and a picture of your choice, add the names and print the certificate immediately.

For months, children in India and Nepal could not go to school. Since autumn, schools have been opening step by step. Children, parents and teachers all wish to return to the classroom.

The safe environment at the schools is enormously important for the children. Interaction with peers fosters social development and enables them to grow up in a child-friendly setting. Especially for children from low-income families, attending school is indispensable. For them, school education forms the basis for an independent and self-determined future.

The principal of the Penthakata School in Odisha points out that families lack the financial resources to provide the technology needed for distance learning. At the same time, very few parents are able to support their children in learning at home, as they themselves rarely had access to formal education and the needed knowledge. However, the children are also not mature enough to teach themselves the subject matter. He fears that many children will drop out of school.

Thus, the need to catch up is particularly urgent after the long time spent in distance education. Students, families and teachers are hoping all the more for a return to face-to-face teaching. Since autumn, the opening of the schools has been proceeding step by step.

In Odisha, classes 8, 9 and 10 have been taught locally again since August. Since mid-November, the students of grades 6 and 7 have also been allowed back into the classrooms of the Penthakata School. Initially, classes are only held in the morning. The students are still free to participate online or on site.

“With unmitigated zeal and great personal commitment, our teachers met the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. They adapted teaching methods and visited students at home to check on their progress. However, teachers emphasise that online teaching can never replace classroom teaching.”

Mr. N. Sahoo, Principal of the Penthakata School in Puri

Normality is also slowly returning to the other schools. In Nepal, schools have also reopened after the long holiday break. School materials are being distributed to the children there these days.

The consequences of the pandemic are clearly felt in India. The challenging situation in the labour market and rising poverty increase the risk of human trafficking and violence. Usthi’s anti-trafficking programme is back in full operation.

Problems such as hunger and poverty, which were already a challenge before the Corona crisis, have now been intensified by the pandemic. The economic distress resulting from the pandemic accentuates the already precarious situation of many families. Many people are unemployed, countless children have lost their parents and are left to fend for themselves.

While the economy is recovering, the informal sector is all the more affected. Families from financially weak backgrounds, single mothers and street children rely on employment from informal work to meet their livelihood needs. The desperation that arises from this drives children and young people into the hands of human traffickers or into prostitution.

After hardly any activities were possible in the project due to the second wave, the prevention campaign could now be resumed. As part of Usthi’s programme, staff from the partner organisation visit towns and communities in the area. They educate people about the dangers of human trafficking and raise awareness about violence against women.

The network of the partner organisation in Hyderabad is large: hundreds of people are available as contact persons for those affected. Most of these people have a connection to the topic or are involved themselves and want to prevent others from facing the same fate.

The objective is to identify children and women who are exposed to these threats. Those affected find shelter in Usthi’s children’s and women’s homes. Admission to the professional skills training courses on site is intended to protect the young people from the risks and provide them with a basis for a self-determined future.

Support our prevention campaign! Educating young people helps prevent the risk of human trafficking.

Since September, the professional skills training centre in Hyderabad has been offering new courses for young women and men. In addition to the already existing courses – for example in textile processing or computer usage – the offer has been expanded by two courses in the medical field.

The demand for medical staff increases significantly due to the corona pandemic. The overburdening of the health system revealed bottlenecks. In response to the high demand for resources in the health sector, young people in Usthi’s professional skills projects can therefore now train to become Health Workers or Medical Lab Technicians.

Before the activities in our professional skills project in Hyderabad were affected by Covid-19, 89% of the participants found stable employment or started their own small businesses after completing a course.

On the one hand, this success can be linked to the fact that the courses are oriented towards the needs of the labour market. On the other hand, the network of the local partner organisation plays a major role in the transfer of course graduates. In addition, the training courses are modular in structure. The courses teach important practical skills that prepare the young men and women well for everyday working situations. For companies, this practical knowledge is of great importance, as the young people can contribute to daily business more quickly.

Recently, 191 young woman and men graduated and are now looking for job opportunities. After the second wave of Covid-19, which hit India particularly hard, the labour market has been slowly recovering since August. Usthi is confident that the new courses will help to ensure the entering of the labour market for young people.

Bernina donated 15 new sewing machines to the professional skills training centre in Hyderabad. In an online training, teachers of the courses and employees of the garment factory learned how to use the new machines.

In April, Bernina contacted Usthi. With the aim of supporting the textile processing courses, the professional skills training centre in India was to be equipped with new overlock machines. A few weeks ago, the machines arrived in Hyderabad.

To ensure that the sewing machines can be used successfully in the future, Bernina planned an introduction to its use with Usthi and our local partner organisation. As the pandemic makes travelling still difficult, the training in September took place online. During this training, Bernina trained key people on site in the use of the “b05 Academy”; a sewing machine that is particularly well suited for learning the sewing craft.

Two teachers of the textile processing courses, as well as the operator of the garment factory and the director of the professional skills training participated in the online course. In addition, the technician who takes care of the technical equipment of the centre – and thus also the functioning of the sewing machines – was present too.

The course was a very good preparation for the use of the sewing machines. Last week, the staff continued to practice using the machine and plans to incorporate the new model into lessons in the coming weeks.

Usthi is pleased that the machines are now ready for use. We hope that the new equipment will help the trainees to further improve their skills and thereby gain a foothold in the job market after completing their training. We thank Bernina for their support and look forward to further joint projects.

Schools in both India and Nepal are slowly resuming operations. After months of homeschooling, school children at several sites in India have been able to attend classes again since the beginning of September. The schools at Usthi’s project site in Nepal will also open next week.

After India and Nepal were hit hard by a second wave of corona in April, the number of cases has been steadily declining since mid-July. This development now allows activities to restart at the Usthi school and education project sites.

In the state of Telangana in India, classroom teaching has been allowed again in all schools since the 1st of September. The Back-to-School project, which enables children to return to school, has been resumed. Likewise, the tutoring centres in Hyderabad have reopened and offer support to school children to restart classes.

The situation in Nepal is also improving steadily. Thanks to falling case numbers, the government plans to open the schools already next week. At the project site in Dhading, classes can start again. Usthi’s local partner used the time during which the schools were closed to refurbish the classrooms. The renovation work in the schools is going well and is in its final stages. Ceilings and walls are being freshly painted and letters and numbers are being painted for the lessons. The equipment for the classes and the materials for the students are then being prepared to be ready for the opening of the school on Monday.

On the 15th of September, a charity event of the Dorftheater Utzenstorf will take place. Directed by Charles Benoit, the production “BurrenLenz” will be performed. All proceeds will contribute to the projects of the Usthi Foundation.

Founded in 1992, the Dorftheater Utzenstorf has been producing high-quality amateur theatre ever since. “We are always looking for the new, the surprising,” says president Susanne Höchenberger. “We work out everything ourselves. There is just a great atmosphere in the whole team.”

Charles Benoit, who has received many awards for his radio plays, has been working as a director on various productions at the Dorftheater since 2004. As a long-time supporter of the Usthi Foundation, he now arranged a charity performance.

In addition to the regular dates, the show will be performed on Wednesday, 15th of September. The performances will take place in the parish hall of the Reformed Church at Gotthelfstrasse 15c in Utzendorf.

More information about this year’s production can be found HERE.

Usthi and the Dorftheater Utzenstorf are looking forward to many visitors!

The Covid situation in the state of Odisha has hardly improved. Although the number of cases is decreasing, the restrictions have not yet been lifted. The mobility of the regional residents – and thus our project activities – are still determined by the measures to contain the pandemic.

In the Somagiri region, the tribal health centre makes an important contribution to the population of the 133 surrounding villages. Since the beginning of the pandemic, it has remained open for patients and is participating in the regional vaccination campaign. The lack of vaccines continues to be a problem. The hospital’s staff have dedicated themselves to raising awareness among the region’s population on the issue of Corona. In addition, protective masks are being distributed.

Since the connections to the surrounding villages have been reduced and the population is afraid of a third wave, fewer patients than usual are currently coming to the hospital. Doctors are allowed to move between villages.

Although the health care workers are only allowed to act within their respective villages, they make a valuable contribution in identifying new cases. They refer patients to quarantine or send them to the hospital. Since gathering in groups is not allowed, no health events can currently take place.

Therefore, the health and education program cannot be realized at present either. Child care by the social workers is not allowed to take place. However, the children can always refer to the social workers in case of illness.

In general, the situation for the local communityies is very difficult. Since the indigenous population holds nearly no land of their own, they are dependent on daily wage work. However, this is currently hard to find throughout India, which leads to financial problems. For the families, who already lived below the poverty line before the pandemic, the government now promised to distribute rice rations again.

Normal schooling is still a long way off in the Usthi education projects. The schools are forced to teach the children and young people online. Only the skills training courses can currently take place physically.

For a short time, our partner organisation in Hyderabad hoped that the children from the Usthi projects would soon be able to participate in face-to-face classes again. However, with the threat of a third wave, online classes now continue. Shortly before the planned relaxation, the local government decided not to allow physical classes. The three Usthi schools Ananda, Thaddeus and Penthakata have resumed classes after the summer holidays, lessons are still held digitally.

The skills training courses are held in the teaching centres in compliance with the protective measures. Normal operations could be resumed here and the courses are already well attended. Many of the participants are women from the Usthi women’s shelters. The tuition centres in Hyderabad continue to operate on a reduced scale. The students are taught in small groups and can request assistance by phone.

Schools in Nepal also remain closed. The lockdown will continue until at least mid-July. In January, a first distribution of school supplies for 151 children had already taken place. Our local partner is currently waiting for permission from the authorities to carry out the next distribution. Usthi’s local partner organisation is using the current situation to start renovation work in several schools in the Kathmandu Valley. In particular, school rooms for kindergarten classes are being improved.

On 1st July, Tiana Glatt joined the Usthi team. Together with Christian Rübensaal, she will be responsible for public relations and fundraising. Olga Egli, who was previously in charge, will leave Usthi at the end of the month.

Since 2018, Olga Egli has been responsible for the public relations and fundraising of the Usthi Foundation and, in case of absence, occasionally also deputised for the executive director. By introducing a new contact database and optimising administrative processes, she had a lasting impact on fundraising and donor relations. After three years of dedication to Usthi, she is leaving the Foundation at the end of July to go travelling with her family.

With Christian Rübensaal, Usthi already has an experienced employee who is very familiar with the Foundation’s fundraising. In future, he will be responsible for fundraising and, together with Tiana Glatt, for the Foundation’s image and donor relations.

Tiana Glatt joined the Usthi team at the beginning of July. In future, she will be responsible for the Foundation’s public relations and support Christian Rübensaal in fundraising. During a two-year stay in Uruguay, she gained her first experience in the non-profit sector in a foundation that aims to enable young people to enter the labour market. The studied education and culture manager is skilled in communication and is looking forward to using her know-how for the Usthi Foundation in the future.

Usthi is looking forward to working with Tiana Glatt and wishes Olga Egli all the best for her future.

After a little more than two months, Usthi has almost reached the target of CHF 67,000 for the Covid-19 emergency relief. This enables urgently needed support at four Usthi project sites in India and Nepal. At the end of the current distribution activities, Usthi will have provided food to over 3,000 families.

Despite falling case numbers, the aftermath of the second wave of Covid-19 is still evident in India and Nepal. The labour market has not recovered yet and many people have not been able to find new jobs. Without income, it is hardly possible for them to make ends meet for themselves and their families.

Already in May and June, several distribution activities took place in Hyderabad. This month, another 300 families will be provided with food. By the end of the distribution in mid-July, Usthi will have ensured the distribution of 2,100 packages in Hyderabad.

This week, the distribution of food and protective material has also started at the two schools Ananda and Penthakata. Most of the distribution is addressed to the families of the Usthi school children. All staff are volunteering to help with the distribution. The local police have announced their support and assistance for the campaign. Already 260 food packages have been distributed in Penthakata and 270 in Ananda. Further families will collect their support packages in the next few days.

In the meantime, 350 food packages have also been distributed in Nepal. Considered are families in the Usthi project region of Dhading who are in urgent need of help. Local employees are carrying out the distribution together with the local schools and authorities. The distribution of another 150 packages is planned for the next few days.

The realisation of Covid-19 Emergency Relief is only possible for Usthi thanks to the generous support of numerous private donors, foundations, parishes and the public sector. For this we say thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Numerous Covid-19 emergency relief donations have already enabled Usthi to distribute food in India. In the last few days, food and protective material could also be provided to the first families in Nepal.

Thanks to the great solidarity of Usthi donors, Usthi is also able to provide Covid-19 emergency aid in Nepal. Together with a local organisation, Usthi is in charge of a new educational project in the country. The families of the supported school children and other people in need are currently receiving urgently needed help provided by Usthi’s partner organisation.

After the sharp rise in the number of infections, Nepal imposed a strict lockdown in the region. Even some of the bigger supermarkets had to remain closed. In the Usthi project region of Dhading, many families live within very precarious conditions. Many people in the villages have lost their income due to the strict lockdown. In this emergency situation, Usthi supports the families with food packages and protective material.

The first packages have already been distributed in the last few days. More will be distributed within the upcoming days. Usthi would like to thank all donors for their great solidarity. Without you, Usthi’s work would be unthinkable.

The second wave of Covid-19 hit India and Nepal hard. Now, fortunately, the number of cases has been falling for several weeks and the situation has improved slightly. First regions have decided to ease the measures. This also applies to the Usthi project site Hyderabad.

Developments in India and Nepal are beginning to look a little more encouraging. The number of infections has been falling for several weeks. Whether the worst is over is hard to say. Individual regions, such as Puri, where Usthi runs the Penthakata School, are still severely affected. The greater spread in rural areas without medical infrastructure also raises fears of high numbers of unreported cases.

For the moment, however, a little normality is returning to some parts of India. In several Indian states and also in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, the lockdown was extended once again. In the Usthi project location Hyderabad, the lockdown was lifted on 10th June. This also allowed some project activities to be carried out.

After several inhabitants of the Usthi women’s shelters were able to complete their vocational training before the lockdown in April 2021, they were able to leave the Usthi project. Since the 12th of June, 29 young women could be newly accommodated in the project. On 14th of June, the professional skills training could be reopened under protective measures and new students could be welcomed.

On 14th June, the children and young people supported by Usthi in Hyderabad started the new school year. All classes are currently being taught online and at a distance again. The tutoring centres were also able to reopen and offer support in small groups and by phone.

Thanks to generous donations from private donors and institutions, Usthi has already been able to provide much-needed aid and provide people with food packages in Hyderabad. Based on the current funding status, the operation is being extended to other locations.

When Usthi decided to provide Covid-19 emergency relief again at the end of April, the target of CHF 53,000 seemed high. By mid-May we had already reached our target and decided to increase it. Donations for the emergency relief are still coming in. We are overwhelmed by this great solidarity and thank all Usthi donors for their commitment.

While the distribution of food in Hyderabad could already take place in several drives, the planned vaccination drive proved to be difficult to implement. Since access to vaccine is difficult, only a few people from the surroundings of the Usthi projects could be vaccinated so far. The local partner organisation is now focusing on long-term support for people in need. For example, independently of Usthi, it plans to take in children who have lost their parents due to Covid-19.

In order to provide urgently needed aid as soon as possible with the remaining emergency relief funds, Usthi has decided to carry out food distribution at additional locations. Together with the local partner organisation, the distribution of food to 450 families from the Penthakata School area and 270 families from the Ananda School area is planned for the next few days. Besides food, the packages will also contain soap and masks. The distribution may take place on the school premises, but will be staggered according to school classes so that not everyone picks up their packages at the same time.

Besides India, Nepal was also hit hard by the sudden increase in Covid infections last month. Therefore, Usthi is now also providing emergency aid in the project region of the new education project in Nepal. Packages containing rice and lentils, but also soap and masks, are being distributed. The families of the school children supported by Usthi and other persons and families in need will be considered. The packages are distributed by the employees of our local partner organisation and volunteers.

We are impressed by the generosity of our donors and the flexibility of our local partners and staff who make this much needed help possible. Thank you very much!

The official Corona case numbers in India are declining. But it is too early to breathe a sigh of relief. Lockdowns have been extended at all project sites in India. A strict lockdown has also been in place in the Kathmandu Valley since the end of April. First relaxations are planned for this week.

Corona infections in India are decreasing day by day. Nevertheless, thousands are still falling ill every day and fighting for survival. The vaccination campaign is still progressing slowly. Therefore, a renewed increase in numbers cannot be ruled out. The situation in Nepal also remains tense.

In a large part of the Indian states, curfews have been tightened. The relaxation of the measures depends not only on the infection figures but also on how many risk patients have already been vaccinated. In the three states of Odisha, Telangana and West Bengal, where Usthi is responsible for projects, the lockdowns have been extended. A very strict lockdown was also imposed in the Usthi project region in Nepal at the end of April – even supermarkets had to close. This week, this measure is to be relaxed a bit.

Last week, Usthi feared that Cyclone Yaas, which hit the east coast, could also affect the Usthi projects. Fortunately, this did not happen. Nevertheless, the storm destroyed countless houses and many people had to flee. In Penthakata, some families were able to take shelter on the grounds of the Usthi school. Only a week earlier, Cyclone Tauktae hit the west coast of the country. Natural disasters like this further complicate the fight against Corona.

The current situation will continue to have a strong impact on Usthi projects in the current project year. Despite declining numbers, Usthi considers a resumption of classroom teaching in the Usthi projects to be out of the question in the near future. In Telangana and thus Hyderabad, the summer holidays have been extended until mid-July. After the holidays, the children and youths at all school locations will have to resume classes at a distance.

Fortunately, the Usthi children have adjusted well to the new situation. Several children from the Usthi children’s homes graduated from high school this spring – again with top grades. Usthi is happy to have enabled these children to build a perspective for themselves and is proud of their good achievements.

The coronavirus is spreading rapidly in the states of Odisha, West Bengal and Telangana, where the Usthi projects are located. All three states are under lockdown since early May until the beginning of June. A prolongation seems likely given the continuing precarious situation. India faces a shortage of vaccines, hospital beds and medical supplies throughout the country. Due to the lockdown, lack of work and also deaths in the families, people are barely able to buy food. It is a struggle for survival.

All Usthi schools, Tutoring Centres and the Back-to-School Programme had to close. Fortunately, school children are currently in their summer holidays. We expect that classes will resume via distance learning in June. All exams were cancelled by the authorities and students have been promoted to the next level based on their results in the pre-exams. Employees of our partner organizations and schools are doing well and some also vaccinated.

The Women’s and Children’s Homes remain open and offer a safe environment during these uncertain times. Currently available spots in the Women’s Shelters are planned to be filled in June in order to accommodate as many women as possible. Many children have lost their parents during the pandemic. We are currently in discussion with our very engaged partner organization to provide a home and solid education to covid-19 orphans.

The first professional training block course of the year could be completed prior to the second covid-19 wave. Unfortunately, the summer crash courses had to be cancelled. Many women have lost their husbands due to the pandemic and thereby the family’s main breadwinner. Together with our local partner we plan to provide to 30 of these women a professional skills training and empower them to be financial independent and take care of their families.

Many young people have also lost their parents and face great challenges. These young women and men shall soon be offered a safe home and a three-month professional training. In this way we aim at protecting them from human trafficking and providing them with a perspective for a financial independent future.

Also from the tribal area in Somagiri a number of corona infections have been reported. The government has responded by setting up quarantine centres. The Usthi health workers support authorities by identifying and helping people with symptoms. However, the Tribal Health Centres lacks vaccines and medical supplies. Most of the health workers could already be vaccinated.

The Health and Education Project (HEP) is closed until June 1 and the social workers are currently not allowed to visit the children at home. We hope that the day-care centres will reopened soon so that children’s development can be best supported.

The situation in Nepal has deteriorated drastically during the past weeks. The lockdown, which is in place since three weeks, has been extended to almost the entire country. Throughout Nepal health centres are running short of vaccines, medical supplies and beds for patients. Many day laborers have lost their jobs and a major hunger crisis is also looming. All project activities have been paused since two weeks. Our partner organization is in close contact with schools and families and evaluating what kind of support would be most needed. Schools are also preparing for alternative teaching methods such as online classes. However, in some cases the infrastructure for this is lacking and we are planning to provide support.

We continue to appeal for support for the people in India and Nepal. Thank you very much for the great solidarity you have already shown!

Numerous private donations and a grant of CHF 20,000 from the lottery fund of the Canton of St. Gallen make it possible to distribute more food parcels in India. In order to be able to provide additional urgently needed aid in India and Nepal, Usthi is raising the donation goal for the Covid Emergency Relief.

For a few days now, new infections with the coronavirus in India have been declining. However, the developments are not yet sufficient for an optimistic prognosis. Experts assume that the number of unreported cases is high, both in terms of infections and deaths. Besides India, Nepal is now increasingly affected by a second wave. A scenario like the one in India could be imminent.

To support people who have lost their livelihoods, Usthi launched a fundraising campaign at the end of April to support local partners in their emergency relief activities. Numerous donations from private supporters have already enabled food distribution in Hyderabad over the last few weeks.

With a commitment for a contribution of CHF 20,000 from the Lotteriefonds of the Canton of St. Gallen, the initial donation goal of CHF 53,000 has almost been reached. Usthi is currently in contact with its partners in India and Nepal to explore the possibilities for further distribution activities. Usthi is therefore increasing the donation target for Corona’s emergency relief in India and Nepal to CHF 67,000. Meeting this target would allow another 1,000 food parcels to be distributed.

Furthermore, Usthi is committed to improving access to protection for people who cannot afford a vaccination against Covid. As part of these efforts, local employees of Usthi projects are also supported in accessing vaccination in order to secure the operation of long-term Usthi projects. This is the key to ensuring Usthi’s commitment to education, health and protection from trafficking and violence.

Usthi would like to express its sincere thanks for the great solidarity of its donors and the trust of the Canton of St. Gallen. Without this great support, our urgently needed help on the ground would not be possible.

Usthi is very grateful for the great solidarity with the hard-hit people in India. A large number of donations for the covid emergency relief have already made it possible to distribute 300 more food packages in the last few days.

At the end of April, the Usthi Foundation again launched an emergency aid campaign to support the people in the current Corona crisis in India. In the last few days, Usthi has been receiving a large number of generous donations for the emergency relief. Usthi is impressed by the great solidarity.

Thanks to the support of Usthi donors, another 300 food packages have already been distributed to families in need. The packets were distributed to migrant workers and single mothers, who could no longer feed themselves and their families. Many single women have either lost their direct income or are suddenly on their own due to the death of their husband. For them, every contribution is of great importance.

For the distribution of the food aid, Usthi’s partner organisation in Hyderabad is supported by volunteers. Thus, the distribution was done in nine teams, each consisting of three to four local employees and volunteers. Usthi’s partner organisation is also well networked with other aid organisations. The regular exchange helps to coordinate the emergency relief operations and avoid overlaps.

Usthi is hoping to be able to continue providing urgently needed aid in the upcoming weeks. We thank you very much for your trust in the Usthi Foundation and your great solidarity.

The second wave of Covid-19 is hitting India with full force. The Indian health system is overburdened and not all patients are receiving medical assistance. To support families in this humanitarian crisis, Usthi is seeking emergency aid donations.

After the first wave of Covid-19 in late summer 2020, the situation in India seemed to have stabilised. Within a few weeks, however, there has been a rapid increase in the number of cases. In recent days, India has recorded more than 300,000 new infections per day. The Indian health system is overburdened and in many places it is no longer possible to treat new patients. There is a lack of oxygen, which is urgently needed for ventilation. Fortunately, the first oxygen supplies are currently arriving from abroad. But these will probably not be enough. News services around the world are showing shocking pictures of patients who have been turned away. Many of them die while waiting for a hospital bed.

Due to the current crisis, many day labourers are once again losing their livelihoods for themselves and their children. In addition, many families suddenly lose their income due to the death of the breadwinner. Without support, they can no longer feed themselves and their families. Indian newspapers report of parents who take their own lives and those of their children because they no longer see a way out. To support families in need, our partner organisation in Hyderabad started distributing food parcels again on 19th April 2021. The packages secure supplies for a family for about a week. With only CHF 14, a family can be provided with food. Usthi has set itself the goal of enabling the distribution of a further 2,000 food parcels.

Poverty-stricken families are also particularly exposed to the risk of becoming infected, as they cannot afford protective material or contacts are unavoidable at work. In addition, access to the vaccine is more difficult. People have to queue for several hours outside public hospitals to get vaccinated. This is not possible for physically fragile people. Day labourers who still have a job cannot allow themselves to be away from work for long periods of time, and single mothers cannot leave their young children alone. Poorer families cannot afford the more easily accessible vaccination in a private clinic. Our partner organisation, in cooperation with private clinics, now wants to make vaccination possible for 1,000 people. With only CHF 20, a person affected by poverty will have access to the potentially life-saving vaccination.

Usthi is asking for donations to help in the current crisis. Every contribution is of great importance to those affected. Thank you for your solidarity!

The Annual Report 2020 has been published. It offers an insight into the work of the Usthi Foundation and reports on the successes and challenges of the past year.

2020 will long be remembered as the “Covid Year”. The Usthi projects in India and Nepal were also affected by lockdowns and school closures. To address the most urgent need, Usthi distributed food parcels to severely affected families. Usthi schools quickly switched to distance learning so that all children could continue to access education.

There were also some changes in Switzerland. At the beginning of the year, a new Foundation Board was constituted, in the middle of the year Alessandra Grosse took over the management and in September Mirjam Hirzel joined the team as programme coordinator.

We are impressed by the great commitment and flexibility of our partners and overwhelmed by the great solidarity we experienced last year. Our thanks go to all those who make our work in India and Nepal possible year after year. Thank you for being a part of Usthi.

The Annual Report and the Financial Report 2020 can be downloaded here as a PDF. If you would like a printed copy, this can be ordered free of charge at hello@usthi.ch or +41 55 511 21 25.

A sharp rise of Covid-19 case numbers in Nepal leads to renewed discussions about school closures. The failure of new supplies of vaccine doses brings Nepal’s immunization campaign to a halt.

Only four weeks ago nothing pointed to a new wave of Corona. Schools and sports venues as well as bars have had returned to normal operations. Now, new mutations seem to have reached the country. Last Friday, Nepal reported four times more cases than in mid-March.

Especially concerning for Usthi is the fact that in comparison to last year significantly more children are contracting the virus and showing symptoms. Therefore, the Ministry of Health endorses the closure of schools, which would be a big challenge for school operators. The experience of the last year showed that neither the students nor the schools are adequately equipped. While the government has already postponed the end of the ongoing academic year by two months, another school closure could delay it once again.

An improvement of the situation is hardly in sight. Nepal is impatiently waiting for more vaccine doses to arrive. Against India’s promise not to ban the export of vaccines, the supply is now temporarily on hold, which leaves Nepal with the big uncertainty of when to be able to pick up their vaccination drive again.

While Usthi originally had planned to work on the improvement of the infrastructure, the foundation now focuses on supporting the schools in Janajagriti und Bagbhairab for their possible transition to distance learning. As in the previous year, this implies the provision of learning materials with which the children could continue learning from home in case that the schools are closed again.

Usthi hopes that new measures will be taken in time, to counteract the number of cases and hence allow the schools to stay open.

While first segments of the population are currently being vaccinated in India, the Corona case numbers have risen sharply again in just a few weeks. Schools could be completely closed again. In the Somagiri region the projects are continuing with slight restrictions and are making an important contribution.

At the beginning of the year, the Corona situation in India filled the Usthi team with optimism. The decreasing numbers gave hope for a normalisation in the projects and a broad vaccination campaign should contribute to a further improvement of the situation. In many places, the pandemic was hardly visible. The masks disappeared. But now India was also caught up in the second wave.

Only a few weeks ago, there were hopes for further opening steps for younger schoolchildren. At the beginning of April, these seem to be a long way off again. Now, in many places, even the higher classes will have to switch back to distance learning. In the state of West Bengal, where two of the Usthi schools are located, no decisions have been made yet. However, the Usthi partners believe that a national decision to close the schools may be taken soon.

In Telangana state, another closure is already a reality. Following a government decision, all schools had to switch completely back to distance education. This affects the children and young people supported by Usthi in Hyderabad, who now all have to work on their school material at home again. In March, they took their first online exams. Despite the special circumstances, the children once again did very well in the exams. Usthi is happy that the children have adapted well to the new situation and still achieved good learning results.

The second wave is also emerging in the Somagiri region around the Usthi tribal health centre. Although there are currently only a few cases, gatherings of people have already been banned again. The health centre staff is currently being vaccinated. As of this month, the public can also be vaccinated at jungle hospital. In comparison to the big cities, the people in the surrounding villages are more disciplined in dealing with Covid and adhere to the mask requirement and other measures. The health workers are able to work again without restrictions and carry out home visits in several villages. They play an important role in sensitising the population to follow hygiene measures to contain Covid-19. The high level of trust in the health network could also have a positive impact on the willingness to receive the vaccine.

The care centres of the early childhood project HEP have also reopened and are well attended. However, until the situation has stabilised, opening hours have been restricted. Several workshops for staff and children are being planned for 2021 as part of the early childhood project. Also, if the situation allows, a health camp will be held again in 2021 to sensitise the population on health issues and how to deal with Covid-19, and to offer health checks. If a large event is not possible, several smaller events on individual health topics will be held.

For 45 years, Usthi founder Kurt Bürki has been committed to promoting access to education and healthcare. To this day, he dedicates his time to supporting young people in India and Nepal. Now he and his commitment are to be honoured in a a documentary.

When Kurt Bürki talks about his past and his numerous experiences in India and Nepal, one is quickly fascinated. There is no doubt that his life offers enough material for a movie. The two filmmakers René Graber and Daniel Kempter shared this idea. They met Kurt Bürki in 2016 and accompanied him with their camera to the projects in India. This joint trip led to the documentary “40 Years of Usthi” and the lasting bond with Kurt Bürki and his commitment. Today, the two filmmakers are part of the Usthi Foundation Board.

Now they are tackling another film project that is entirely dedicated to the person Kurt Bürki and his eventful life. The film will not only show the impact of Kurt Bürki’s work in India and Nepal, but will also shed light on what shaped the Usthi founder, how he grew up and which people accompanied and inspired him on his way. Together with a small crew, the first research and filming took place at the beginning of 2021. The vision of the film crew is to have completed the documentary about the pilot and philanthropist Kurt Bürki in 2023.

On the website of the documentary you can find all information about the vision and the progress of the project (in german).

While the lower classes in India remain in distance learning, the situation in Nepal has gradually returned to normal. Since last autumn, declining cases allow all children to be taught on site again and the new Usthi project can be further expanded.

In contrast to India, no second wave of Corona is evident in Nepal so far. Since the end of 2020, the numbers have been declining. This allows schools to teach children of all levels in the classroom again. Also, larger groups of people are allowed to gather for activities again.

For the new Usthi education project in the Kathmandu Valley, it is now possible to expand the project’s activities. In January, the first distribution of school material was completed. 151 children were provided with school materials, clothes and a school bag.

In February, the first workshops took place at two schools on the issues of child rights, child marriage, child labour, health and hygiene. At Janajagriti School 54 girls and 18 boys and at Bagbhairab School 21 girls and 22 boys participated.

Further activities are planned for the upcoming months. For example, in exchange with the schools, it will be analysed how the schools can best be supported in improving the infrastructure. Some teachers would benefit from a more in-depth study of pedagogical approaches and of important topics related to childhood and adolescence. In order to support them, training in various areas is planned.

Due to Covid-19, the school year has been postponed a little and the new school year will probably not start until May. With the start of the new school year, the next distribution campaign of school supplies, clothes and bags will take place.

After almost a year of distance learning, a full return to face-to-face teaching still seems a long way off for most Indian schools. In Hyderabad, at least students from grade 6 can now return to classroom learning.

For almost a year, schools in India have been closed for most pupils. For the children and teenagers supported by Usthi, the conditions for learning at home are usually anything but ideal. Usthi would therefore very much welcome a resumption of classroom teaching for all levels as soon as possible.

Recently, we received good news. In Hyderabad, the green light has been given to resume classroom teaching for additional grades. As of this month, all students from 6th grade onwards are again allowed to attend classes in Hyderabad. There is hope that more grades will follow soon.

The situation in West Bengal is less optimistic. In western India, Corona case numbers are rising again and regional lockdowns are occurring once more. Fortunately, the regions where the Usthi schools are located are currently not affected. The schools will remain open for the final year classes and hopefully the exams can take place in June as planned.

For the younger school children, the situation remains challenging. A return to face-to-face teaching for all classes is still not in sight and is not expected until early summer at the earliest. The impact on the pupils’ learning success is still difficult to assess. In order to ensure that the school children do not keep up, the teachers make home visits to check and support the learning successes.

John’s Academy School was built by our local partners in Hyderabad last year and will enable almost 300 children to attend school from summer 2021 independently of Usthi. To equip the computer room, nine more computers have to be purchased. Therefore, Usthi is asking for donations.

Usthi’s partner organisation in Hyderabad is active in several areas together with Usthi. Now the partner in Hyderabad is realising its own school project, which will give children and young people access to quality education in the future. The operation of John’s Academy will start in June 2021 and will be financed independently of Usthi. In the first year, about 280 children will be able to start their school education. For the next three years, a continuous expansion to a total of 400 children is planned.

The construction of the school has already been completed and the classrooms are equipped with everything necessary for an efficient and pleasant learning environment. Further, sports facilities have been installed and the operation has been approved by the government.

Computer labs are a key element for the children’s learning success and IT skills are of great importance in the Indian context. The school now is in need of financial support to equip the computer lab.

With a donation for the computer laboratory of John’s Academy, you contribute to a high-quality education for the children in Hyderabad and enable them to acquire important skills for their future. Thank you very much!

Since the very beginning, Usthi has been advocating for a world in which girls and women can build their own future in a free and self-determined way. On International Women’s Day 2021, this cause is unfortunately far from over.

International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8th March. While there are many achievements to celebrate in the fight for women’s rights, the commitment to equality and against discrimination and violence is unfortunately still as relevant in 2021 as it was a hundred years ago.

Girls and women around the world still have to overcome countless hurdles and are all too often denied a self-determined life. In India and Nepal, they are often disadvantaged from an early age. And where money is barely enough for the son’s school education, the girl often has to take care of the chores at home or is married off at a young age. Since the beginning, Usthi has campaigned for girls’ access to education. A good school education empowers them to build an independent future.

Violence and sexual assault are no exception and happen not only outside the home but also in the private sphere. Often, women can only escape these adverse circumstances by running away. In India, single women enjoy little respect in society and sometimes struggle to find employment. This exposes them to the danger of human trafficking and inhumane work in the informal sector. With women’s shelters and professional skills training courses in Hyderabad, Usthi is committed to support young women. With the vocational training, the women can take the step towards financial independence and, at best, escape the threats of abuse and violence.

We wish all girls and women around the world a wonderful 8th of March. We will continue our effort for fair access to education and a dignified future for girls and women again this year.

BERNINA is supporting the Usthi schools in Ananda and Penthakata with five quality sewing machines. These are already being used in handicraft classes.

With the CHANGE 4 GOOD campaign, customers can trade in their old model when buying a new BERNINA sewing machine. The used sewing machines are reconditioned by BERNINA and then put to use again in charity projects.

Five donated machines were brought to the two locations of the Usthi schools Ananda and Penthakata by BERNINA International and BERNINA India. There they are already being put to use. Since the older students are back in attendance classes, handicraft lessons can be held again for certain classes.

We are grateful to BERNINA Switzerland for the sewing machines and look forward to further cooperation.

By early February, all Usthi school sites could soon see the resumption of face-to-face classes for all grades. The day care centers of the Early Childhood Development Project can resume operations this month.

In Hyderabad, classes for final year students have been back in the classroom since the beginning of February. The partner organisation in Hyderabad expects a return to face-to-face teaching for all classes and a return to full capacity in the Usthi tuition centers soon. For the children supported by Usthi with school sponsorships and tutoring, a quick return to face-to-face teaching is important, as the conditions to study well at home are often not given. To protect children from spreading infections to each other, Usthi’s partner organisation in Hyderabad distributes cloth masks to Usthi supported children and street children. Usthi contributes to the cost of the masks.

In West Bengal, at least the graduating classes were able to start the new school year in January in the classroom. At Thaddeus School, students in last year’s graduating class are also able to prepare for their exams, which have been postponed to June. The remaining classes are still in distance learning. A decision on possible further openings is to be made these days.

In Odisha, the tenth grade has been able to return to classes since January. Students who will take their final exams in May are allowed to prepare on the campus of Penthakata School. On 8th February, the care centers of the Early Childhood Development Project in the Somagiri tribal region will also be able to resume full operations. The social workers have been trained on what to do when a child is symptomatic and how to comply with measures to contain Covid-19.

The Covid-19 situation has improved significantly at the Usthi project locations. However, the Usthi schools are still exclusively open for the senior classes. At the beginning of 2021, it is not yet possible to speak of a return to normality within the Usthi projects.

Covid-19 case numbers are declining in India and the situation is also improving at the Usthi project sites. This allows all Usthi schools to continue to have their graduating classes studying in the classroom. For the younger students, however, it is still necessary to work from home. Schools are advised to prepare for the resumption of classroom teaching. At present, it is still unclear when this will actually take place.

Fortunately, since the end of 2020, the professional skills training courses in Hyderabad can take place again. At the end of January, the first young people who have completed a course after the long campus closure may now receive their graduation certificates.

In the Somagiri region, the tribal health centre is providing care to the surrounding areas. Under strict protective conditions the health network is travelling more and more to the villages again to provide medical care to the people. The childcare facilities of the Early Childhood Project (HEP) will remain closed until at least the end of the month. If possible, activities for infants take place at the families’ homes.

In the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, classroom teaching has been taking place again since last fall already. The project setup continues and the process of providing school children with school materials is in full swing. Usthi aims to achieve school attendance for the children supported by Usthi as soon as possible.

Usthi hopes for the resumption of face-to-face classes for all Usthi school children very soon, as in many cases the conditions for learning at home are challenging. Nevertheless, Usthi is proud of the flexibility with which our project partners and the children in the projects are coping with this difficult time.

The much-awaited results of the Government Skills Training Exams are out and our graduates achieved best marks. For our schools in India, light relaxations of the Covid-10 measures were implemented during the last few weeks.

Graduates of our professional skills training courses took the Government Exams just before the lockdown in March 2020. Good news reach us before Christmas: They all passed the exams with best grades. We congratulate the graduates and wish them all the best for their future.

In recent weeks, relaxations of the Covid-19 measures have been announced for our schools in India. For instance, to support the students from grades nine and ten in their final exam preparation, they have been given permission to access their respective campuses, where they also receive help with revisions and remaining questions. Younger students continue to be taught in distance learning. We very much hope to be able to return to normal operations in the near future.

Those interested in Nepal who missed the opportunity to watch Eliza Kubarska’s impressive documentary at the cinema can now catch up online.

“Eliza Kubarska’s film evokes the majesty of the alpine world in breathtaking images, but also draws attention to the problems of a globalised world in which tradition and spirituality are at risk of being lost.” Irene Genhart, Movie News (Translated by Usthi).

The documentary THE WALL OF SHADOWS shows a Sherpa family breaking a taboo and climbing one of the holiest mountains to earn the money for their son’s education. They accompany an expedition on the east face of Kumbhakarna, which has never been climbed before.

The movie will be available in Switzerland as video on demand on various streaming platforms from Friday, 18th December. Click here to stream on Vimeo. From 15th January, the film will also be available for purchase on DVD, for example on CEDE.ch.

The Usthi team can warmly recommend this powerful film to anyone interested in the daily life of Nepalese Sherpas and the breathtaking summits of the Himalayas.

We wish our supporters a happy holiday season and a good start into the new year.

For many, this year’s festive season will be a little different than usual. Whether you gather in a small circle around the Christmas tree or toast the New Year via Skype – Usthi wishes you and your loved ones a happy and peaceful holiday season.

For 2021, we wish you good luck and good health and look forward to continuing our commitment to young people in India and Nepal together with you in the New Year.

In her latest book “Social Enterpreneurs and Change Makers”, Brindarica Bose tells Usthi’s story, among others. Founder Kurt Bürki and Executive Director Alessandra Grosse shared their thoughts on Usthi with her.

The book on “Social Enterpreneurs and Change Makers” presents seven non-profit initiatives from the USA, India, Africa and Switzerland. One of them is Usthi. In an interview with the founder of the foundation, Kurt Bürki, and the executive director, Alessandra Grosse, readers learn their thoughts on Usthi’s history and visions.

Those interested can purchase the book here. According to the author, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to charitable organisations. We are very happy to be part of this project and thank Brindarica Bose for her commitment.

Usthi looks back on an eventful year. We are impressed by the commitment of our local partners in India and Nepal and overwhelmed by the great solidarity that Usthi experienced again this year.

With new faces on the board of trustees, Usthi started the new year with renewed enthusiasm. But soon the foundation was facing its first challenges. The global spread of Covid-19 forced the Usthi team to work from home and in spring 2020 some of the local projects had to be temporarily paused.

Many families of the school children in Ananda, Hyderabad and Penthakata temporarily lost their income due to the lockdown. Thanks to generous emergency relief donations, Usthi was able to provide food aid for severely affected families. The local partners and employees made extraordinary contributions to continue ensuring access to quality education and skills training, access to medical care and protection against violence and human trafficking.

They impressed with their flexibility to implement the projects even under difficult conditions. As soon as it was made possible, the projects were continued in the best practicable way. During months of school closures, they provided the students with worksheets for self-study, recorded lessons on video and held tutoring sessions over the phone.

While in Europe the Covid-19 case numbers are increasing again, they are fortunately still declining in India. This made it possible to grant the upper classes access to their schools for exam preparation. In Nepal, too, the development of the new Usthi education project made further progress. Teaching there is currently taking place in small groups. Usthi hopes that the development will soon allow all grades to resume classroom teaching.

Usthi is extremely grateful for the great support we received this year. The Usthi team wishes you a merry holiday season and a good start into 2021.

Are you still looking for a special gift for your loved ones? If you give away a donation certificate or Usthi greeting cards, you will not only make the recipient happy, but also offer young people a perspective.

Treat a loved one with a contribution for the children and young people in the Usthi projects. The presentee will receive a gift certificate and young people will be provided with access to education, healthcare and protection from human trafficking – and thus a perspective for a dignified future. The amount can be freely chosen.

Whether you like to send greeting cards yourself or to delight a person in your environment who loves to write – with the Usthi card collection you will treat your loved ones and empower young people at the same time. For 15 francs you will receive a set with 5 motifs. All pictures were taken during project visits.

If you would like to make an online donation, please let us know in the message field under which name and on what occasion the donation certificate should be issued. You can select the postcard set as the purpose of your donation.

If you prefer to pay in the traditional way by payment slip or bank transfer, please do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail or phone (+41 55 511 21 25). We would be happy to send the gift to the address of your choice.

Fortunately, the number of Covid-19 cases in India has declined a little lately. However, a return to normality is still a long way off. The Usthi partners are doing their best to ensure access to education and healthcare even in these difficult times.

According to the Indian media, some states have resumed face-to-face teaching in early November. In West Bengal, where the Usthi schools Ananda and Thaddeus are located, the situation will be re-evaluated in mid-November at the earliest. In the state of Odisha, where the Penthakata School is located, no end to distance learning is in sight at the moment.

The teachers of the Usthi schools are doing their utmost to continue teaching and to provide the children with knowledge despite closed schools. In order not to jeopardise the completion of the highest two classes, students are currently allowed to prepare for the exams on the school campus. While respecting the protective measures, they can thus exchange information and seek advice from the teaching staff.

Covid-19 has also brought some changes to the Tribal Health Centre. Health staff are fighting against the spread of Covid-19 with health checks, but also by raising awareness. In this way, the hospital and health network are making an important contribution to containing the virus. The hospital remains open to all patients. To protect people from infection, every effort is being made to ensure that hygiene measures are complied with.

Usthi is impressed by the commitment of the local staff and thanks them for their tireless efforts to provide access to education and healthcare.

After the rapid increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in Switzerland, Usthi has followed the recommendation of the Federal Council and is now working from home again.

The majority of the Usthi team has been working from home again since the 19th of October, helping to minimize personal contacts and the use of public transport, thus protecting people who depend on commuting.

The Usthi team is fortunately used to working remotely. The office has long been set up so that the Usthi documents can be accessed while traveling in India and Nepal. Ideal conditions for working from home. Digital meetings with our partners are part of Usthi’s daily business since the introduction of video conferencing. This is now also the way to exchange ideas within the team.

The Usthi team hopes that the numbers will start to decline soon and considers itself lucky to be able to manage this changeover without major challenges.

After the last loosening of the Covid-19 restrictions, the project setup in Nepal could be continued. While attendance classes are slowly being resumed, support for school children in the Kathmandu valley can now be provided.

With great excitement our partner organisation in Nepal started to set up Usthi’s new educational project in early 2020. The aim of this project is to ensure access to a good school education. The target is to enable 150 children to attend school each year. In addition to supporting children in education, the project aims to help parents to provide for their own livelihood. This intervention is extremely important to prevent children from having to contribute to the family’s income with their work.

An additional focus of the project is to support existing school infrastructure and to train and sensitise local teachers. With this in mind, a school that was damaged during the heavy earthquakes has already been renovated this year and equipped with a science laboratory.

Due to the strict Covid-19 regulations, the further project setup had to be paused. In the last few weeks, progress could finally be made and, based on consultations with parents, teachers and school administrations, 150 children could be identified whose school attendance is to be ensured and supported by Usthi in the future.

Despite the increasing number of Covid-19 cases, the schools in Nepal have resumed classroom teaching. In order to reduce the risk of infection, lessons are held in smaller groups. Our partner organisation distributes fabric masks to protect the children at school.

Usthi is happy that the project can now finally be continued and hopes that it will provide many additional children with access to education.

Participants of the professional skills training had to wait a while until they could conclude their courses. The Covid-19 measures caused a long summer break. They finally graduated at the beginning of October.

When the lockdown was imposed in spring to control Covid-19, the professional skills training centres in Hyderabad also had to close their doors. As a result, the motivated young men and women could no longer complete their training and had to wait until the courses were allowed to take place again. Again and again, the partner organisation on site hoped that the courses could be continued.

The green light was finally given in September. Operations were allowed to resume under strict protective measures. After the reopening, the young men and women who had started the courses in spring could finally continue their training. They were able to successfully complete the last weeks of the courses and finally graduated on 2nd of October.

At the beginning of this week, the next group of young people started the courses. Usthi congratulates the graduates and wishes the new course participants a successful training.

Usthi is giving away tickets for the movie “THE WALL OF SHADOWS”: A Sherpa family breaks a taboo and climbs one of the holiest mountains to earn the money for their son’s education. They lead an expedition along the eastern wall of Kumbhakarna, which has never been climbed before.

When director Eliza Kubarska took part in a high-altitude mountaineering expedition in Pakistan twelve years ago, she was shocked by the conditions under which the local people who carried the loads had to work. She recounts this experience: ” Their task was to carry bundles of loads weighing 35 kilograms to the base camp at an altitude of 4,000 meters. On the way they built camps out of stones and at night they covered themselves with plastic sheeting and warmed themselves by a fire. Every night I heard them singing. They rose ahead of us in the mornings, served us, pitched our tents and prepared meals for us. I was ashamed.” (Quote translated by Usthi).

Many years later, in the documentary “THE WALL OF SHADOWS”, she portrays the reality of a Nepalese Sherpa family. The film accompanies an expedition across the so-far unconquered eastern wall of the Kumbhakarna and shows the dilemma of the Sherpa family. The mountain is not only more challenging than Mount Everest, but in the local Kirant religion is considered sacred and must therefore not be climbed. The father hopes to earn the necessary money for the education of his son with the expedition. But the mother, a brave woman, objects to climbing the body of God. However, to enable her son to follow his dream of becoming a doctor, she finally agrees to lead the three foreigners up the mountain.

Eliza Kubarska shows how the family tries to cope with the pressures of making the ascent possible, the extreme conditions and their religious beliefs. She captures breathtaking images of the majestic mountain world, drawing attention to the spiritual dimension of nature and the environment, and highlights the harsh reality of the load carriers. Screenings start on 7th October in French-speaking Switzerland and 8th October in German-speaking Switzerland.

Usthi is giving away 15 tickets for the “THE WALL OF SHADOWS”. The tickets can be used for any screening of the movie in a Swiss cinema from Monday to Friday. Closing date for participating in the raffle: 7th October.

There is little hope that the Covid-19 situation in India will normalise any time soon; the case numbers in Nepal too continue to rise.  The re-opening of schools is currently not in sight in either country. At least the professional skills training centres in Hyderabad will be allowed to resume operations on 21st of September. 

According to the Usthi partner organisation in Hyderabad, there has been a slight decline in Covid-19 infections in the last few days, but the state of Telangana still records over 2000 new cases every day. In the states of West Bengal and Odisha the numbers also continue to rise. There is currently no indication of a resumption of classroom teaching at all Usthi school locations. Classes will continue to be offered through distance-learning and pupils will regularly be provided with new school materials, including textbooks. The teachers from the tuition centres support them by phone whenever possible.

Fortunately, however, the government finally gave green light for the resumption of professional training courses. From 21st of September, motivated young people will again be able to attend courses at the two training locations Alwal and Medchal. In order to minimise the risk of infection, the students will have the possibility to live on campus during their vocational training in the next months. Several trainees have already registered for this option.

As infection rates in Nepal continue to rise, no opening of the schools is in sight and the development of the new Usthi project is still hampered. Currently, alternative options are being discussed regarding the form in which classes can be held in the future. Our partner organisation in Nepal is in constant dialogue with local schools and authorities. Since local travel is now permitted again, it is at least possible for them to visit the villages where the Usthi project is to be implemented. The establishment phase of the project can thus be continued slowly. The Usthi team hopes that this will enable more young people in Nepal to have access to education soon.

In the context of the Covid-19 emergency relief in India, several media channels reported on the activities of the Usthi Foundation in India. After reports appeared on Namaste Switzerland and in The New Indian Express in August, the Linth Zeitung now also reported on the food aid during the lockdown.

In early August, Namaste Switzerland, an online magazine for Indians in Switzerland and people interested in Indian culture, published an article about the history of Usthi. Aradhna Sethi reports on the foundation’s beginnings and current activities in connection with Covid-19. In mid-August, a shortened version of this report was published in the Indian daily newspaper The New Indian Express, focusing on Usthi’s Covid-19 emergency relief.

On September 8, a detailed report appeared in the print version of the Linth Zeitung. The first section deals with the difficult start of the new executive director Alessandra Grosse: “A country in lockdown – for many weeks.When Alessandra Grosse talks about the corona situation in India, her look behind the glasses turns serious. The 30-year-old is the Executive Director of the Usthi Foundation – an aid organisation set up 44 years ago by Kurt Bürki from Rapperswil. Grosse has only been in office for a few months. Travelling to India for the Foundation’s projects, getting a picture on the spot – none of this is currently possible for her. A somewhat unusual start in her new job, as she herself says.” (Translation by Usthi). Here you can open the whole article (in german) as a PDF file.

At the beginning of September, Mirjam Hirzel joined the Usthi team. From now on, she will be responsible for coordinating the Usthi projects. This makes her the first point of contact for the project partners in India and Nepal. Together with Executive Director Alessandra Grosse, she is in charge of the operations abroad.

As was already the case for Alessandra Grosse, the times in which Mirjam Hirzel takes on these new tasks are challenging. Familiarizing herself with the projects is currently only possible from afar, and local operations are still severely restricted by Covid-19. The next project visit cannot be planned at present. Nevertheless, Mirjam is looking forward to her new tasks and to establishing at least virtual contact with the partners.

After completing a Bachelor in International Development and Food Policy at University College Cork (Ireland), Mirjam moved back to Switzerland, where she did a Master in Comparative and International Studies at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich. She gained professional experience in several assistant positions already during these initial studies and after graduation she joined the Chair for International Conflict Research, also at ETH Zurich.

It was during this time that  her interest in India developed. As part of her doctoral thesis she did field research on the situation of indigenous peoples in Central India. She spent eight months in Mumbai, Delhi and Chhattisgarh, where she led a small local research team and worked closely with Indian scientists. Working together with local actors is therefore not uncharted territory for her, and she is very familiar with the Indian context.

She also has experience in the humanitarian field, which she gathered during several volunteer assignments abroad. Her career has prepared her very well for working with the project partners, providing support for the activities in India and carrying out regular project visits. The team is looking forward to the additional assistance in the programs and to working with Mirjam and wishes her all the best for her start at Usthi.

India records more than 60,000 new infections with Covid-19 every day and only the USA and Brazil are currently affected even more severely. Again and again, regional lockdowns must be imposed. Usthi does not expect schools to open soon and tries to teach Usthi students at a distance as good as possible. 

For some of the Usthi project locations, the measures to control the spread of Covid-19 were not expected to be eased until mid-August at the earliest. Since there are no signs of a significant decline in new infections, it is currently difficult to predict when the return of classroom teaching will be possible. West Bengal recently recorded a sharp increase in the number of cases and imposed another lockdown.

All Usthi schools must remain closed. The staff of the Usthi schools Ananda, Penthakata and Thaddeus are doing extraordinary work to teach the children and youth from distance. Recorded lessons are sent to the children digitally. The children are required to work hard and have to acquire a large part of the school material independently. In order to quickly resolve any ambiguities, they are supported in self-study by regular phone calls with their teachers.

Hyderabad is also experiencing a significant increase in Covid-19 cases. The school children supported by Usthi must likewise continue to study at home and the professional skills training centers must keep their doors closed. Only the garment factory operated by the partner organization is slowly restarting operations. While large orders are rare, the partner, financed by donations, is currently producing protective masks for people in need.

Fortunately, the hospital in the Somagiri jungle region is able to maintain its operation. The early childhood development program is currently not taking place in the designated rooms. Instead, the Usthi social workers are trying to continue the program in a reduced form outdoors in the villages where they live themselves.

Usthi hopes that the number of cases will soon decrease and that the projects will be able to continue in their usual form, so that young people can continue to have the best possible access to education and health care.

While in Switzerland, school life is expected to return to almost normal after the summer holidays, school children in the Usthi projects are still being taught from a distance. 

With the nationwide lockdown to control the Covid-19 pandemic, all educational institutions in India had to close. While in many places the restrictions have been eased or only apply regionally, the school buildings are still closed to the children. Nevertheless, after the end of the summer holidays in June, classes have started again and the children are taught at a distance in various forms. In the Usthi schools the teachers meet daily on the school grounds to work on the material and make it available to the children. The school lessons are recorded on video and then sent to the pupils by mobile phone. The pupils then meet in small learning groups, as by far not all families have a smartphone.

In addition to the digitally provided lessons, the children have to work on the material from the books themselves. At the Ananda school, the children can also pick up worksheets from the school grounds and bring them to the school for correction. If possible, all children are accompanied by their teachers on the phone, and at Ananda there is sometimes a personal exchange between teachers and schoolchildren, always respecting the protective measures. In Penthakata, the accompaniment is only possible from a distance, as the place is again in lockdown due to high case numbers.

Digitally supported home schooling also takes place in Hyderabad. Since many children without smartphones could not benefit from the digital teaching units, the local Usthi partner has bought second-hand mobile phones for them. Usthi had expected that at least the skills training centres would be able to resume operations in July. Unfortunately this was not yet possible. However, everything is set up in such a way that operations could start again immediately when the authorities give the approval.

According to the current state of knowledge, a decision on any further easing will be taken on 15 August at the earliest. Usthi is impressed by the flexibility of the students and by the great commitment of our partner organisations and their staff in these difficult times.

In the context of virtual celebrations of National Day 2020, the Swiss Embassy reported on the second Usthi emergency relief operation made possible by the Embassy. Usthi has produced a video for this occasion. 

After Usthi had already provided emergency relief in Hyderabad, a financial contribution from the Swiss Embassy in India made it possible to further distribute food to families of the schoolchildren of the two Usthi schools in Ananda and Penthakata. Over 700 families received food aid.

The Embassy held a virtual celebration of the Swiss National Day on 1st of August. On this occasion, the Embassy also reported on the emergency relief operations it had supported. For this event, Usthi produced a video in which Executive Director Alessandra Grosse and our project partner Ratan Barik report on the situation on site.

Thanks to the generous support of the Swiss Embassy in India, Usthi was able to carry out a second
emergency relief operation. Last week, food parcels will be distributed to over 700 families at the sites of
the two Usthi schools Ananda and Penthakata.

While the emergency relief operation in Hyderabad has been completed, the situation in other parts of
India is worsening as the lockdown continues or has been partially reimposed. The families of the two
Usthi school locations Hudarait and Pentakatha are severely affected and in need of support. Cyclone
Amphan, which ravaged several states in mid-May, has put additional pressure on the situation of the
local population.

According to current information, a return to school operation is expected at the end of July 2020 at the
earliest. The decision on this is the responsibility of the local administration. While a warm lunch is
guaranteed for the school children, this is no longer the case due to school closures and many families
can hardly make ends meet.

After Usthi has already successfully carried out an emergency relief campaign in Hyderabad, the Swiss
Embassy is now supporting Usthi to carry out a second campaign for the families of schoolchildren in West
Bengal and Odisha. Usthi was distributing food to the families affected in order to improve the immediate
emergency situation. The distribution was carried out by local school staff. The food packages contain
rice, pulses, potatoes and oil. In order to provide for the children during school closures, distribution was
made to 280 families in Ananda and 450 families in Pentakatha.

Usthi would like to thank the Swiss Embassy in New Delhi for financing this emergency relief operation and
hopes that school operations can be resumed soon.

The new Usthi education project in Nepal should start in spring 2020. Usthi was already looking forward to cooperating with the local partner organisation. After the successful renovation of the school infrastructure, Covid-19 has unfortunately delayed the further development of the project.

Both at the end of 2019 and during the visit at the beginning of 2020, the project setup of a new educational project in Nepal was planned with our partner organisation Unnati and the framework conditions were agreed upon. The first steps were taken at the beginning of the year with the renovation of school infrastructure. Subsequently, the next phase was to start, during which the target group and the schools to be supported in the future were to be selected.

But already during the project visit by Kurt Bürki in March 2020 it was clear that the project would not start as planned. Shortly afterwards, Covid-19 became a global issue and Nepal also imposed a lockdown despite a relatively low number of cases. This also meant a forced pause for the start-up phase of the education project.

According to our local partner, there is currently no prospect of a complete easing of the lockdown. In addition, the number of cases is currently rising sharply, which also diminishes hopes of a soon return to normality. Travel to the project region is currently only possible to a limited extent. The state has now imposed new conditions on the education sector, which must be integrated into the project.

The exact start of the project can currently only be speculated. A delay until the end of the year is unfortunately not unlikely. Usthi hopes to be able to continue the project shortly and thus support young people in Nepal in their schooling and education as soon as possible.

As of 22 June 2020, the Usthi Foundation has a new executive director, Ms Alessandra Grosse. In future she will be responsible for the management of the foundation and thus for its day-to-day operations. In addition, Olga Egli returned from her maternity leave at the beginning of June and is now again responsible for fundraising and public relations.

It is not an easy year to take over the management of an NGO. It is difficult to foresee the long-term impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the donations market and the implementation of projects in India. It is therefore all the more exciting to take over the leadership of the Usthi Foundation during this time. After an introduction by the founder Kurt Bürki and the existing Usthi team, Alessandra Grosse will take up this challenge and will be responsible for the foundation’s operative business in the future.

Ms. Alessandra Grosse, who grew up in the Italian-speaking Calanca Valley, studied biology and environmental governance at the Universities of Basel and Freiburg i. Br.. She then gained experience in development cooperation during several assignments abroad as part of her studies, an internship in Indonesia for the German Cooperation for International Cooperation (GIZ) and subsequently for almost 3 years as project coordinator for German development projects in Asia. She is thus well equipped to take responsibility for the foundation’s operative business in the future.

India is not unknown territory to her. In the context of her master’s thesis, she investigated participation possibilities of marginalised population groups in Karnataka. Part of the investigation was a three-month research in the field. During the last three years she has also travelled regularly to India, especially Northeast India, in order to coordinate the planning and implementation of German development projects together with local partners.

She will be supported in her new role by Olga Egli, who joined Usthi in 2018 and has since taken over the role of deputy in the absence of the executive director. She returned from maternity leave at the beginning of June. Together with Christian Rübensaal, she will again be responsible for fundraising and public relations. Christian Rübensaal joined the team in the summer of 2019, initially as a temporary assistant, before taking over Olga’s maternity representation in early 2020. After her return, he continues to support her in fundraising and is responsible for the foundation’s administration.

The team is looking forward to work together and is excited to continue Usthi’s long-standing commitment to education and health together with the local partners.

When India imposed a strict lockdown at the end of March to control Covid-19, public life came to a standstill in large parts of India. Despite rising corona numbers, the lockdown was lifted for the most part at the end of May. This will also enable the Usthi projects to partially resume operations. Whether the schools will be able to reopen soon is not yet clear and is the responsibility of individual states.

The Indian population had only four hours to stock up on the essentials when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the lockdown on 24 March 2020. The measures particularly affected the poorest people in the country. Countless day labourers lost their jobs and were faced with no income from one day to the next. The, for the most part, single mothers of the school children supported by Usthi in Hyderabad also lost their income. Thanks to generous donations, Usthi and our local partner were able to help them with an emergency relief campaign.

The Usthi projects also almost came to a complete stop during this time. At the end of May, the lockdown was lifted, despite increasing Covid-19 case numbers, in order to prevent a further downturn in the Indian economy and to minimise the socially devastating consequences for the population. With the end of the lockdown, the projects have  also been able slowly to resume operations.

In Hyderabad, where Usthi supports school children financially and with tutoring, it is currently thought that a return to regular school attendance can be expected in July at the earliest. Until then, however, distance learning will take place and the 10th graders who live in our homes will prepare for their final exams on their own. Vocational training programmes are able to start again from 1st July. Hopefully by then, all the girls and young women who had to leave the shelter due to official orders will be able to take up their places in the communal apartments again and continue their vocational training. In the current project year, there has also been a further expansion, which will now enable even more women to find a place in the shelter for victims of sexual abuse.

In West Bengal and Odisha, where the three Usthi schools are located, public life, as in all of India, was at a standstill and shops and schools had to close. In Odisha, freedom of movement had already been eased  at the beginning of May, as the lockdown had caused major supply shortages. Members of all social strata purchase their food daily, directly from farmers or traders. The restrictions had resulted in an insufficient supply of fresh fruit and vegetables to the population. In order to guarantee the daily supply again, easing measures had had to be taken even before the end of the lockdown.

Despite shops being allowed to reopen in both states at the end of May, it is still not  clear when the schooling centres will be able to resume teaching. Usthi is hoping that the education deficit will not become too large, since the lockdown was mainly during the long summer holidays. Wherever possible, the students are provided with teaching materials for self-study.

Kolkata was also struck by cyclone Amphan’s fury during the lockdown. The storm caused damage to the Ananda School grounds with uprooted trees and heavy rainfall. The families of the school children, in part,  lost  their belongings. They were supported at short notice by government food packages. Usthi hopes that school operations in the three school centres Ananda, Penthakata and Thaddeus can start again after the summer holidays, thus ensuring that the children receive basic food as well as schooling.

The  infant care operations as part of the Health and Education Project HEP in the Somagiri jungle region were also no longer possible due to official measures. However, since the staff of the health network and the HEP live in the affected communities, they were able to continue to provide local support in the health and hygiene sector. After initial easing of the situation, support can now be gradually rebuilt. In order to look after fewer children at once, we have started with two shifts per day. Due to the proximity of the Tribal Health Centre, the health of the children can be well monitored. Handmade masks have been made for their protection.

The Tribal Health Centre was able to continue operations normally during the lockdown. Due to restricted freedom of movement in the surrounding villages, however, the number of consultations fell considerably. After the lockdown, more patients have again been able to come to the hospital. As the people in the region live very simply, the villages will recover from the lockdown faster than urban areas. Usthi therefore believes that the two projects in the Somagiri jungle region will return to normality within a short space of time.

It is difficult to imagine how the Covid-19 situation in India will develop. At present, numbers are expected to continue to rise. Together with our partner organisation, Usthi will have to discuss the situation regularly and, if necessary, make adjustments to implementation of the projects. We hope, that we can continue our commitment to education, health and protection even in these difficult times.

After our projects and the beneficiaries of the Usthi Foundation were heavily affected by the lockdown, the Usthi projects are slowly resuming operations. Thanks to numerous donations, emergency aid for the affected families from the Usthi projects in Hyderabad was successfully provided and has now been completed.

Following our three video messages, we wish to inform you, by way of this newsletter, about the current condition of the children and young people in our care. Of course, problems have not simply gone away and we have new challenges to face after the Indian government’s decisions to lift the lock down on 29^th May.

The two videos from mid-April and early May have had an effect. After the first video interview with kurt Bürki (german), Usthi was in a position to provide food parcels to the unemployed mothers of our children. In the first week of May, we hoped that restrictions would be relaxed. When these, however, were then extended to 29^th May, distribution had to be started anew.  We reported on the success of the first distribution campaign in the second video (german). The extension of restrictions until the end of May was also part of that information. As a result of the appeal, a second distribution of food to families became possible.  Together with our local partner, we have distributed a total of more than 8,200 food parcels. With the COVID-19 emergency aid donations of 24,975.00 CHF received so far, Usthi was able to make a major contribution to this campaign. Thanks to the Usthi contribution and additional local donations, the local partner was able to distribute more than 8’200 food packages.

The lockdown in India has now been lifted, shops are open, trains and buses are running again and travel by plane is possible. These measures have, of course, not eradicated the economic damage of the past three months. Although Covid-19 case numbers continue to increase, the State has been forced to return to normality in social life.

Our children and teenagers are currently on official summer holidays until the third week of June. The State will later decide whether the schools can open again. Millions in the lowest social strata are returning to work trying to survive.  Only the future will show how the return to normality develops. We are far from being able to make clear plans. As if the lock down were not enough, Cyclone Amphan, last week, caused massive damage to our Ananda school campus in Calcutta. It is now our job to try to manage the daily changes in living conditions.

Here in Switzerland, the Usthi Foundation is facing enormous challenges. Covid-19 will become a question of survival for us. We shall not be able to cope with this alone. We shall only be able to fulfil  our mission with your help and that of the wider public. So much for the approaching period of uncertainty.

Thanks to your spontaneous and generous help, we have been able to survive the difficult time up to the end of May. We should like to take this opportunity to thank you for your solidarity. Our work for more justice and less discrimination continues. This is what we wish to achieve for all children. Thank you for standing by us!

The Annual Report 2019 is now available and gives a good general view of the activities of the past year.

All projects are running successfully. The number of professional skills graduates, tuition centers and Back-to-School sponsorships has been increased. Besides that, additional abused women were taken care of. After the devastating cyclone in May 2019, Usthi provided emergency aid to over 1,000 families and started rebuilding the damaged campus. Moreover, investigation and collaboration agreement for the Nepal project were established to be able to start the program in early 2020. We wish you an exciting read!

Usthi would like to thank all donors who made our commitment to children and youths possible. We are very grateful for your blessings and participation.

The Annual Report 2019 and the Financial Report are available online for download.
For printed copies free of charge write to hallo@usthi.ch or call +41 55 511 21 25.

Usthi Foundation Annual Report 2019 for download as PDF.

Usthi Foundation Audit Report 2019 for download as PDF..

Already 1’000 food packages distributed.

Usthi was able to distribute 1’000 food packages to single mother families of our children in the Back-to-School program and tuition center program. Because of your valuable support the diet of our children and their single mother are ensured till the first week of May.

Hyderabad has just announced to extend the Lock Down to the end of May 2020. Therefore, we have to continue with food distribution. Please help our Usthi children and mothers to overcome these difficult times with your donation. We do hope for a change of the Government measures in June.

Usthi will shortly report in detail on the COVID-19 emergency aid in the programs in India.

Life for our Children, young adults, employees and local partners gets more and more dramatic.

All Usthi programmes in India and Nepal are closed down. Excluded from the taken actions, that are enforced by the police, are the Usthi Hospital and young adults, which have no family connections at all.

Living conditions of the 200 children of our “Back-to-school” project and the more than 300 children, that get help at our “Tuition Center”, have dramatically changed. Their single mothers have lost their income as day laborers. After more than two weeks they are suffering from hunger, struggling for their lives.

Our local partners show innovative spirit, distributing food packages, which provide a three persons’ survival for ten days. One food package costs 15 Swiss Francs (one Swiss Franc and fifty Cents per day). We hope to be able to repeat such a distribution of food packages after ten days. However, we are not able to do so a second time without your help, dear Usthi-friends. Please help us!

Dramatic scenes are taking place on the streets in India every day. Hundreds of thousands of day laborers are leaving urban areas by foot, returning home to their rural villages, sometimes hundreds of kilometers away. Train and bus services are no longer available. The slowly moving fugitives are suffering from hunger and exhaustion. Food packages are distributed here too by Usthi as long as possible.

The insecurity of our future is also in Switzerland very big. However, we ask everyone, which can afford it, to help us with the distribution of food. Each package makes a difference and relieves hunger!

Thank you very much for your solidarity.

Daily routines in our Usthi programmes in India and Nepal were unexpectedly overshadowed by the Corona Virus disease at the end of February.

Whilst writing these lines, all our schools and Usthi Centres in India and Nepal are closed. The salaries of approximately 400 employees and overhead costs, nonetheless, still have to be paid. The Usthi Hospital and the Tribal Health Centre in Somagiri continue to put in enormous efforts into the maintenance of public health in the local community.

We cannot stand up to these new challenges alone. Please help us to ensure the survival of Usthi so that we shall be able to continue to work towards more fairness and less discrimination in the future. Thank you for standing by us and supporting Usthi.

At our visit in February 2020 in India and Nepal, we were cordially welcomed by the local partners, children and staff.

In the schools the final exams were in progress. All the students worked with much discipline and concentration, because everybody want to bring home good grades.

The education Center in Pentakatha and with it its daily schoolroutine have recovered from the cyclone of April 2019. In the short video you will easily feel the emotions of the participants, performing their dance in colourful costumes.

Members of the Board leaving Usthi gave us cause for changes.

For many years, successful achievements of Usthi were substantially marked by the skills and dedication of those leaving the Board, who are taking on new responsibilities now. We would like to thank them for their long lasting loyalty and the work they have done for Usthi. The new members of the board are introducing themselves on our website.

Usthi’s managing director, Tanja Lirgg, is also leaving the foundation at the end of April. She directed Usthi foundation with competence, putting much heart and soul into it. Usthi and its team would like to thank Tanja Lirgg for her vigilant leadership. The new focus on supporting abused girls and young women, brought in the programmes by Tanja Lirgg, will be continued and maintained in her sence. The Usthi team will be missing Tanja Lirgg much and whishes her the best for her future. The new managing director will be introduced in the next newsletter.

In January 2020, Usthi beneficiaries complete vocational trainings and pupils win school awards.

On 17 January 2020, 272 young men and women received their certificate of vocational training courses in Hyderabad. After completion of their of the computer, tailoring, beautician, electrical and welding courses, almost all graduates find a job with fair pay immediately after graduation. Since the start of the project in 2008, Usthi and its partners have established a good network in Hyderabad and our skills training have an excellent reputation. Thus, companies meet all our graduates and recruit directly from our campus.

We are proud that a young girl from the discriminated indigenous group “Banjara”, who is a Usthi Back-to-School beneficiary, has been awarded as the best student of the year in her school. After the death of her father, the mother had difficulties to cover basic livelihood costs and could no longer pay the school fees. With the support of Usthi, the young girl could go back to school and achieved excellent academic and extracurricular results.

Usthi wishes skill training graduates all the best for the future and looks forward sharing more successful stories throughout the year.

Usthi Foundation is launching a new educational project in Nepal.

Last December, Executive Director, Tanja Lirgg, travelled to Nepal to finalise the planning for the project with the local team and to start the project in 2020. Usthi is now supporting a school in the Dhading district in order to provide education for children who are socially or economically marginalised.

In a first step, the completion of the infrastructure will be realized, which has not yet been rebuilt due to lack of financing after devastating earthquakes in 2015. With the reconstruction of the laboratory in the next two months, the infrastructure will be back to its original state.

Children from the nearby informal settlements of the quarry day labourers and children from Chepang, one of the most marginalised ethnic groups in Nepal, are supported. For 150 children per year, school sponsorships will provide access to education and a safe environment for learning, playing and growing up for three years. The parents and the entire community also receive assistance in generating income with the goal of being able to finance school education by themselves in the future. In addition, the school organizes medical check-ups and regular deworming to keep the school children healthy and to promote learning success.

With this new project, Usthi gives more young people the chance of a dignified and self-determined life.

The Usthi Foundation looks back on an eventful year and wishes its supporters peaceful holidays and an excellent start to the new year. 

Shortly after the start of the new project year and the successful expansion of the projects in Hyderabad, cyclone Fani hit the Usthi School in Penthakata. Thanks to the generous support of numerous private individuals and individual institutions, Usthi’s local partner organisation was able to provide emergency relief to the school children and their families immediately after the storm and resume school operations on time for the new school year.

The great solidarity of long-standing donors continues to impress the Usthi team. Thanks to the great support that Usthi receives day after day, the Usthi projects in India give numerous children, teenagers and young adults better opportunities for the future and a dignified life.

The Usthi Team wishes all supporters and partners a happy holiday season and a good start into 2020!

Three quarters of the Indian project year will soon have passed and Usthi’s project partner in Hyderabad celebrated Christmas like every year.

The successful expansion of joint projects is a reason to celebrate. The expansion of women’s homes and vocational training opportunities has given many young people the chance to lead a self-determined and dignified life. In addition, the tuition centres and the back-to-school programme were successfully continued. Both projects enable children and young people to successfully complete their basic school education.

Usthi is very happy to give many young people better perspectives for the future together with its partner in Hyderabad. This is only possible because of generous contributions from private donors and institutions. Thank you very much!

We wish you and your families festive holidays and all the best for the New Year.

Enjoy mulled wine and support Usthi projects: At the end of November, Usthi will be in Jona with a festive market stall and is looking forward to meeting you.

On Saturday, 30 November Usthi welcomes you between 11.00-17.00 o’clock heartily to this year’s mulled wine sale. The Usthi team is looking forward to interesting conversations and encounters accompanied by mulled wine, punch and cake. The stall is located between Allmeind- and Molkereistrasse in Jona.

In addition to hot drinks and cake, the new Usthi postcards can also be purchased. These are perfect as a small Christmas present or for your own festive greetings.

Usthi wishes you a peaceful Advent season and is looking forward to your visit at this year’s festive market stall.

On the Celebration of the 40th anniversary a film about the Usthi projects was initiated in 2016. The movie is now also available online.

The film shows impressions of the Usthi projects and gives an insight into life in India and the impact of the Usthi Foundation. It was created during a project trip with the participation of the founder Kurt Bürki and the executive director Tanja Lirgg. The movie was produced by axxaris ag.

During 35 minutes you can get an idea about the work of the Usthi Foundation in India. This is only possible through generous donations from institutions and many individuals and is very important for young people in India. Usthi would like to thank all donors who make the projects in India possible year by year.

Note: The resolution of the movie can be adjusted in the settings.

From November Usthi will be presenting new postcards. The cards with five different images can be ordered from now on. 

With the new postcards from the Usthi Foundation, you will be able to bring joy twice. By buying the cards you are supporting young people in India and providing them with education, healthcare and protection against human trafficking. For 12 Swiss francs we will send you a set with five motifs.

We will be happy to receive your order by e-mail at hello@usthi.ch.

The US Consul General in Hyderabad attended the graduation ceremony of the latest vocational training courses on 19th September 2019.

237 young women and men without school-leaving qualifications were able to successfully complete their training in the last few months within the framework of the various Usthi vocational training courses. On the occasion of handing over the certificates to the newly trained young men and women, not only the project management congratulated them, but also the American Consul General positioned in Hyderabad.

With the completion of the professionalskills trainings, the graduates receive the basis for a self-determined professional activity and the possibility to gain a foothold on the job market under fair conditions.

On a short trip to India, the founder of the foundation Kurt Bürki visited the Usthi projects in India in mid-September. This includes a visit to the school in Penthakata.

It was not an easy year for our students in Penthakata. After the cyclone Fani had severely damaged the fishing village and the school grounds in May, it took a lot of time and work to return to normality. Usthi was fortunate to be able to ensure a timely resumption of school operations thanks to generous donations.

It is nice to see that the children can now concentrate fully on learning and build an important foundation for their future. For Kurt Bürki, the visit to Penthakata is still a matter close to his heart and it fills him with great joy to see that, despite the adverse circumstances, also this year many boys and girls can be offered a school education.

On the 24th of August the traditional Usthi party took place in the Cevi hut in Rapperswil-Jona. The weather was fine and people met for sausage, beer, cake and a chat.

From 14:00 Usthi friends and people interested in Usthi arrived at the Cevi hut to have a cool drink accompanied by the best summer weather. Thanks to generous donations from Cava Rava, Getränke Weibel, TopCC, Blumen Jasmin, Bäckerei Wick and the active support of volunteers, the costs could be kept very low. The profit of the festival goes into the work of the Usthi Foundation in India.

Usthi would like to thank all partners, helpers and the Cevi Rapperswil-Jona for the pleasant cooperation and the great support and all visitors for their interest in Usthi and the beautiful afternoon.

Usthi hosts a summer party. We would like to celebrate another year of Usthi with our supporters. It would be a great pleasure for us to welcome you.

The Usthi Fest 2019 will take place on Saturday, 24th August 2019. Between 14:00 and 20:00 we would like to welcome you to a cosy get-together with food and drinks in the Cevihaus Langmoos in Rapperswil-Jona. There is no fixed programme and you can join us in the afternoon or in the evening. We look forward to meeting you in person.

You can find detailed information about the party, the journey and a registration form here. We are happy about your registration, as it makes planning easier for us.

While our school children in Penthakata have been attending school again for a while, the reconstruction of the school grounds is also slowly coming to an end. 

It could have been worse for the Penthakata School. Fortunately, the school building was able to withstand most of the cyclone Fani that struck Odisha in May 2019. Nevertheless, right after the storm, the area had to be cleared of fallen trees and exposed power lines in order to ensure safe school operations. Already at the beginning of the new school year the site was replanted with new trees together with the school children.

The next step was to rehabilitate the power and water lines on the property and repair the windows of the school building. In addition, the walls around the school grounds and the entrance gate had to be reconstructed.

We hope that the soon completion of the key renovation work on the site will bring back normality to the life of the students in Penthakata and allow them to concentrate fully on their education and the foundation for a promising future.

Since little Fionn Lewin saw the light of day on 29. May 2019, he has been supporting the Usthi projects in India.

With the money collected on the day of his birth, he helps to provide many children with education and health care.

We would like to thank Fionn Lewin, his parents and the many donors for this important contribution.

Dear Fionn Lewin, we wish you good luck and health and hope your generous act inspires further people for an engagement!

We just received exciting news from our tuition centres in Hyderabad. All the students did very well and scored excellent grades in their recent exams. And thus lay an important foundation for their future.

A total of 38 students across the tuition centres wrote their 10th grade high school government examinations this year. The results of these examinations were declared last month and we are very happy that all of them have passed with excellent grades. Two of them were even able to top their schools by scoring 10 points, which is the highest grade possible.

The students at the various tuition centres continue to perform exceedingly well in their schools. On average the children who visit our tuition centres regularly scored 83% in their recently concluded examination, exceeding the average performance by their peers and often topping their respective classes.

Our tuition teachers not only help the students academically but also encourage them to pursue extra-curricular activities in their schools. Our students play football and cricket, run relay races, dance, sing and practice other sports and cultural activities.

After cyclone Fani hit the fishing village of Penthakata hard, the local population was in need of support. Thanks to generous donations, Usthi was able to provide emergency relief in collaboration with its local partner. After the situation has calmed down and our students are back at school, the emergency relief is considered complete.

Cyclone “Fani” caused severe damage on the east coast of India and, despite extensive evacuation, caused many deaths and injuries. Countless families have lost their homes and income. Until state aid reached the village of Penthakata, they were urgently in need of help. Part of the Usthi school grounds was also damaged. The windows and a large part of the school books and computer infrastructure were completely destroyed and have to be replaced.

Since the walls of the classrooms are very massive, the rooms could fortunately be used as emergency accommodation for the families affected during the cyclone. After the cyclone, the families of our pupils and other severely affected families were able to obtain food and building materials from our partner organisation in order to make ends meet in the critical phase immediately after the storm.

Until Mid-May, hot meals were distributed daily for about 600 people. In addition to food and building materials, clothing was also handed out if urgently needed. Meanwhile a little normality has returned and the distribution of food by our partner is no longer necessary. By now many households have electricity again, which also makes the cooling of the fish catches possible again and gives the inhabitants of Penthakata back their livelihood – to some extent at least.

The clean-up work on the school grounds is already well advanced, the power supply has been restored and the school was able to resume operations on the 17th of June. This also ensures that the children continue to receive a warm meal every day. Together with the pupils, new trees were planted on the school grounds. It is still necessary to replace part of the teaching materials and the computers. Usthi assumes that these can be replaced by donations in goods.

Since the costs for the distribution of goods are slightly below the budget and the exchange rate was in favour of Usthi, the costs for the reconstruction of the school did not exceed the original emergency aid budget of CHF 55,000. The actual costs amount to CHF 54,689.

Thanks to the great solidarity of private donors and institutions, the costs for the emergency aid could be fully covered. Usthi would like to thank everyone for the great solidarity, which has enabled us to help the people of Penthakata in these difficult times.

As planned, school started again in Penthakata on Monday the 17th of June. In addition to attending school, the first new trees were planted on the school grounds.

After the devastating cyclone Fani hit the fishing village of Penthakata hard at the beginning of May and the Usthi school in the village was no exception, the clean-up work has progressed so far that the safety of our school children has been restored. Therefore the school could be resumed last week.

In addition to the usual lessons, the school children are also actively involved in the reconstruction of their campus. After a large part of the trees on the campus could not withstand the storm, our school children helped to plant new trees.

Usthi is extremely grateful for the great support after the cyclone and is pleased that this has made it possible to resume classes within a short time.

One month after the devastating cyclone “Fani”, parts of the state of Odisha are still without electricity. At the Penthakata School and in the surrounding fishing village the power supply could not yet be restored. The renovation has progressed so far that our students will be able to attend school again starting next Monday. 

After the cyclone “Fani”, the families of our pupils and other severely affected families were able to obtain food and building materials from our partner organisation in order to make ends meet in the critical phase immediately after the storm. Until mid-May, hot meals were distributed daily for about 600 people. In addition to food and building materials, clothing was also handed out if urgently needed. By now, a slight normality has returned and the distribution of food by our partner is no longer necessary.

It will be a long time before Penthakata has fully recovered from the storm. The power supply has not been restored yet, contrary to big state promises. Fishing, which is the income base of most families in Penthakata, is still hardly possible. Apart from the damage to the boats, the lack of ice to cool the fish makes it impossible to resume fishing after the storm. Tourism in Puri will also recover only slowly, endangering the existence of many local people. Usthi hopes that the promised state aid will soon be implemented and that the people will be able to regain their livelihood.

Also the Penthakata School is still without electricity. The clean-up work on the school grounds is in full swing. Next Monday our students can finally go back to school. Currently, the two graduation classes are taught in the mornings outdoors so that they do not suffer any disadvantage for their upcoming final exams due to the interruption of the school year.

We hope that some of the damaged school material can be replaced by local donations. Since the costs for the basic supplies are slightly below the budget and the exchange rate was in favour of Usthi, the further costs for the reconstruction of the school will probably not significantly exceed the original emergency aid budget of CHF 55’000. Every contribution is still of great importance for our Usthi children in Penthakata.

We are overwhelmed by the great solidarity of our donors. Thank you very much for your support. It is beautiful, to be able to count on you.

After the cyclone “Fani” hit the state of Odisha hard, the situation in the fishing village of Penthakata is still precarious. Many houses have been badly damaged. Some fishing boats and market stalls can no longer be used. Many families have lost everything and are faced with nothing. Together with its local partner, Usthi is providing emergency relief for the affected people in Penthakata.

After the emergency goods arrived safely at the Usthi-operated Penthakata School, food and tarpaulins were distributed on the 12th and 13th of May. About 550 families received rice, lentils, sugar, oil, water and bread. In addition, 1000 families could be equipped with plastic tarpaulins to seal their damaged houses so that they can protect themselves from rain and sun.

For people who have no possibility to cook themselves, meals for about 500 people are handed out daily . The clean-up work on the campus is in full swing. The trees are being removed and water and power lines are being repaired so that school operations can continue. The aim is to resume lessons as soon as possible.

With the emergency aid donations received so far, the costs for emergency aid for the last 10 days can be covered. In order to cover the further costs for the basic care of the families in Penthakata, we depend on additional donations. Every contribution is of great importance for the victims of the cyclone.

Thank you very much for your support. Your commitment is of great importance for the population of Penthakata. It is wonderful, to be able to count on you.

The relief supplies have safely reached the Penthakata School and can be delivered from there to the victims of cyclone “Fani”. Our partner is making an incredible effort to provide for the families of our pupils.

We thank all our donors who have already made a contribution for the victims of cyclone “Fani” in Penthakata. It is wonderful to be able to count on your support.

The situation in Penthakata and throughout the state of Odisha is still precarious, countless families have lost their homes and sources of income and are faced with nothing. Every further contribution is of great importance for the people on site and ensures their existence.

Article on the Situation on aljazeera.com from Monday, 13th of May.

Here you find our latest pictures from Penthakata.

Cyclone “Fani” has caused severe damage to the East Coast of India. In the village around the Penthakata School on the outskirts of the pilgrim and tourist town of Puri, many of the houses were damaged or completely destroyed. Countless families have lost everything.

Despite the internationally praised evacuations and the decline of media interest, the situation on site remains precarious. The generally simple dwellings of the inhabitants of Penthakata could not withstand the severe storm and are currently barely habitable. According to our partner, about 3000 families have lost their homes.

Fishing boats and small market stalls, which secure the existence of the families in Penthakata, were damaged and are no longer usable. The tourism in the coastal region, which will probably be severely impaired for a long time, is likely to have a long-term impact on the income security of the inhabitants.

According to our local partner, little help has been provided until now. Access to drinking water has so far been ensured. However, the continued supply of goods is very scarce and the distribution uncoordinated and chaotic, which further complicates the situation. Deliveries of relief goods are often plundered on the way to the village. The prices for food and building materials have risen drastically.

The security situation is critical. Many areas are flooded, roads and power lines damaged. In addition, missing and damaged sanitary facilities and sewage systems pose a serious health risk. The situation is further aggravated by expected rain and intense heat. Difficult access to resources and lack of control could lead to conflict and an increase in crime.

Together with its local partner, Usthi is providing emergency relief for the pupils of the Penthakata School, their families and, if possible, for other affected residents.

In a first step, Usthi and its local partner provide food and plastic tarpaulins for the 500 families of our students. For the basic supply for the families until the end of the month, we expect costs of around CHF 42,000 due to the current increase in local prices.

It is also Usthi’s concern that the children should be able to return to school as soon as possible in order to bring a little normality back into their everyday lives. For the most urgent renovations and clean-up work on the campus of the Penthakata School, we expect an additional CHF 13,000. This is necessary to guarantee the safety of the children on the school grounds.

With a donation of about 80 $, a family can be provided with urgently needed supplies. Each contribution is of great importance for the victims of the cyclone.

Here you find current pictures from Penthakata.

The Indian school year 2018/19 had come to an end and we have received the first school reports. The children, who live in the family communities, again finish the year with very good results.

In many subjects they were able to achieve a grade of 9, which is excellent. We are very happy that the boys and girls who grow up in the Usthi children’s homes in Hyderabad are investing their energy in their school education. They are building a solid foundation for their future. We are very proud of their good performance.

Usthi’s vocational skills training courses in Hyderabad enable a good 1,000 young people every year to take the step towards a financially independent future. Last Friday, the first 251 graduates of this year received their certificates. 

The vocational skills training courses have proved very successful over the last years. With the state-approved certificate, graduates generally find a good job on fair terms immediately after completing their training. We would like to congratulate all of them on completing their vocational skills training and wish them the very best for the future.

From Friday 5 – 7 April 2019, art lovers could marvel at the paintings of the painter Gertrud Müller and do good to the Usthi Foundation at the “Alte Fabrik Cultural Centre” in Rapperswil SG.

Enthused by an article about Usthi, the painter Gertrud Müller, known as Müge, spontaneously decided to donate her artistic legacy to the Usthi children. Her paintings were acquired at a large exhibition in the “Alte Fabrik” in Rapperswil. The proceeds of about CHF 5000 go directly to the Usthi projects in India.

Usthi looks back on an exciting weekend. On the one hand, long-term Usthi supporters visited and admired the paintings. But we also welcomed many new faces and were able to have thrilling conversations about our work in India.

We thank Gertrud Müller for her generous gesture, the Gebert Foundation for Culture for making the exhibition possible and of course all visitors for their interest and their visit.

The annual report is published for the year 2018 and gives an overview of the most important activities of the last year.

In 2018 all projects could be continued and in some cases developed. For example, the range of vocational training courses could be expanded to include manual courses. In the women’s shelter, 10 additional places were created and the number of school sponsorships in Hyderabad was increased. We wish you an exciting read!

The annual report also provides information on the finances of the Usthi Foundation and includes the financial statements for 2018. Usthi would like to thank all donors and supporters who made it possible for us to continue our commitment to children in need in 2018. Thank you very much!

The annual report can be downloaded online. If you would like a printed copy, it can be ordered free of charge at hello@usthi.ch or +41 55 511 21 25. The financial report in its entirety is written separately and is accessible online. It can also be ordered in printed form on request.

Annual Report 2018 – Download PDF

Audit Report 2018 – Download PDF

This year, too, the Realgymnasium Rämibühl ‘Solidarity Association’ organised a bake sale for people in need during their public open days on 21/22 March 2019.

What began in March 2005 with reconstruction aid for an Indian village destroyed by the tsunami, has since become firmly established in the school life of the Realgymnasium: Every year, more than 200 students bake for these open days and thus provide tasty snacks to be sold in support of projects of their own choice.

From the beginning, the RG-Rämibühl has supported Usthi with these activities, and for many years a significant part of the proceeds has been donated to the Usthi School in Penthakata. This year again, we are happy to receive a donation of CHF 2000 for Penthakata. We are impressed by the commitment shown by these young people seeking to improve the educational opportunities of disadvantaged young people. Many thanks to all those involved, also on behalf of our pupils in Penthakata. Your support impacts lives – that’s what we stand for!

Usthi can now also be supported when you are shopping. According to our partner SPONSI this works like this:

“No matter whether you are buying shoes, ordering pizza or a hairdresser – with every purchase an amount of the purchase price goes to a Beneficiary selected by you: an association, an NPO / NGO, a foundation or a federation. Completely free of charge and without any obligations, you can automatically do good when shopping in the future – without paying more. The only requirement is to be a member of Sponsi”.

For more Information (in German) click here:

From 5th to 7th of april 2019 the Usthi Foundation is hosting a large exhibition of Gertrud Müller’s paintings at the “Alte Fabrik Cultural Centre” in Rapperswil SG.

Inspired by an article about Usthi, the painter Gertrud Müller, known as Müge, spontaneously decided to give her artistic legacy to the Usthi children. With the earnings from the paintings, Gertrud Müller wants to contribute to more justice and less discrimination for the children and adolescents who are given access to education and healthcare through Usthi.

Gertrud Müller’s artistic activity over the last 30 years has concentrated on watercolours, mixed media, etchings and reliefs and includes nature-related, symbolic, abstract and representational works.

The exhibition will take place at the Alte Fabrik in Rapperswil-Jona, Klaus Gebert-Strasse 5, opening with a vernissage on Friday, April 5 at 19:00. The exhibition will continue on Saturday, April 6 from 10:00 – 16:00 and Sunday, April 7 from 11:00 – 16:00.

All proceeds from the exhibition will go to the projects of the Usthi Foundation. The Usthi Team would like to thank the Gebert Foundation for their hospitality at the “Alte Fabrik” and would be delighted to welcome you to the exhibition.

Photo: © Gertrud Müller, Treibeis

Two major health events took place in the Somagiri jungle region at the beginning of 2019. They are a proven way to make access to health care easier.

On 18 January, a major eye health check was carried out at the Tribal Health Centre in Somagiri. There was widespread advertising for the services on in the region. 138 people were examined. If vision was impaired, an appointment was made directly and a large proportion of the people affected could already be treated.

On 23 January, another  Mega Health Camp, which had already taken place several times, took place. At this major health event, the team of the hospital is supported by specialists from outside. This allows a wide range of diagnoses and treatments to be carried out directly on site.

In the run-up to the event, the health care workers informed the population in the villages about the event and leaflets were distributed. In addition, the camp is advertised in each village by means of a car with loudspeakers. In this way, 1214 people could be examined and, if possible, treated directly at this year’s Health Camp.

Are you still looking for a special gift? Whether for a birthday, a wedding or as a Christmas present – with a Usthi donation certificate you are giving presents to several people and helping a young person in India or Nepal to find their way into a self-determined future.

In the case of an online donation, please let us know in the message field which name the certificate should be issued for. If you prefer to order a donation certificate in the classical way by payment slip or bank transfer, please do not hesitate to contact us by mail or telephone (+41 55 511 21 25).

The Usthi Foundation which is rooted in Rapperswil-Jona is now also supporting training opportunities for manual professions in India. Not only young men take advantage of this offer.

Click here to read the article published in the Linth-Zeitung: Linth-Zeitung of January 9, 2019

On 30 November, a sales campaign took place in Rapperswil-Jona for the benefit of the Usthi Foundation. Even the little ones can get involved in making education and healthcare possible.

At the Rapperswil-Jona day nursery, they were busy doing handicrafts. But this time it was not gifts for mum and dad, but indirect gifts for children and teenagers in the Usthi projects in India. In a pre-Christmas mood, a small sales campaign took place on Wednesday evening in the Jona day nursery.

Beautiful homemade products were sold. The proceeds go completely to the Usthi projects in India and enable the children and young people there to build up a perspective.

We are very happy that even the youngest are committed to Usthi and wish everyone a peaceful Advent season.

In summer 2018 a visit of two future teachers of the University of Teacher Education Zug to an Usthi school in India could be organized again. For the Indian as well as for the Swiss teachers the exchange seems to be an enrichment. The following report was sent to us by the two students after their visit to Puri:

“We, Carmen Suter and Olivia von Holzen, are students at the Lucerne College of Education. Over a period of two years, we have been dealing with various intercultural topics within the framework of the specialisation subject “Pedagogical Development Cooperation” and have prepared ourselves for our voluntary project assignment. In summer 2018 we had the opportunity to live 5.5 weeks in Puri and to participate in the everyday life of the Penthakata School of the Usthi Foundation.

After a long journey we were welcomed by Ratan Barik at the airport and the following day the whole school welcomed us as their guests. In the following first weeks we focused on observing the lessons. The entire school culture of the Penthakata School is very different from the one we are used to in Switzerland. For this reason it was first about getting to know and exploring the school system, the teaching methods and the organization. On the one hand these observations were extremely important for us in order to better understand the school structures and the lessons, on the other hand uncertainties of all participants could be reduced during this time, so that a mutual trust to the teachers and to the school management was won, which certainly represented an important basis for the further common exchange.

After this initial phase we were given the opportunity to teach two to four lessons per day in different classes. At the Penthakata School, knowledge is taught to the students almost exclusively through frontal teaching and it was therefore the wish of the school management that we show a different, for us familiar, variety of methods during our lessons. The teaching was a great pleasure for both of us and it was nice to see that the children also responded to our methods. We also experienced the teachers mostly interested and open to our way of teaching. An important lesson we learned from our lessons was that with a minimum of materials and little infrastructure, we can still have instructive and good lessons.

A formative insight, probably one of the main findings, was also for us to realize what an incredibly great privilege education is. While we were both aware of this, we have never seen the importance and impact of education on individuals and their lives as clearly as in India. Education so often makes the decisive difference for the future of people – we can connect this statement with faces and life stories after our stay in India.

It was certainly also very formative to see the great poverty in which many people live, especially the children of the school. In addition to the lively and colourful culture of India and the many beautiful and interesting encounters and conversations, we have also got to know India from another side, have seen many unattractive, sometimes unworthy of human beings and shocking things and therefore both had to find a personal way to deal with these experiences and images.

In addition to the many educational and cultural experiences, we also learned a lot about ourselves. We were confronted daily with situations that were unusual for us and we often did not know in advance how we would react to certain situations. Surely we were an extremely big support for each other, we could take a lot with a pinch of humor and also keep our positive attitude in case of unforeseen situations. But we also felt supported by the whole Usthi team during the whole stay, be it by the teachers or the local school management or by the foundation management in Switzerland. Therefore once again a big thank you to the whole Usthi Family! We look back on our time in Puri with many positive memories! धन्यवाद”

We thank Carmen and Olivia for their visit and commitment to the Penthakata School and the PH ZUG for their cooperation.

Since the end of June 2018, young people and young adults in Hyderabad have also been able to attend vocational training courses for craftsmen. The programme has got off to a good start and already surprises with the first female participants.

The vocational training courses have proved very successful over the last few years and most graduates find a good job directly after completing the courses. In 2017 this was the case for 92% of graduates. Since the demand for the courses is constantly high, Usthi and its local partner have decided to include handicraft courses in the programme and thus offer more course places.

In the current operating year, the two locations have new capacity for at least 1036 participants. The courses are still very well attended and we expect to be able to release over 1000 more graduates into independence by spring 2019. A more efficient use of the premises is being sought. If this succeeds, there will even be well over 1000 graduates.

The expansion of the infrastructure for the new courses went well and the courses were able to start as planned on 25 June 2018. The new infrastructure offers space for at least 150 course participants per year. With full capacity, even 300 people could attend a course. This means that in future more young people will be able to benefit from a vocational training course. It is particularly pleasing that not only male youths attend the craft courses, but also individual young women have enrolled in them. This shows the courage of the participants and gives us hope that our courses can overcome not only poverty but also classic role models.

The new women’s shelter for girls and women who have become victims of temple slavery has already helped the first inhabitants to step into a new life.

For several years now, Usthi has been offering women who have had to flee abuse and violence a place to regain courage for a step into a new, independent life. Since last year, this offer has also been available to girls and young women who have been freed from temple slavery.

For almost a year they are cared for in a sheltered environment and are given the opportunity to complete vocational training in order to lead a self-determined life in the future. The first 10 women were able to complete their vocational training in 2017 and leave the women’s shelter. The training now enables them to live a financially independent life in freedom.

Unfortunately, Usthi is far from being able to meet the demand for places. However, in order to take account of the need and the very good first experiences, a further 10 places were created in April 2018 to give more women affected by this terrible fate a new perspective. It is impressive to see how the project gives these women back their courage to live in a relatively short time and enables them to lead a self-determined life.

When Olga Egli joined Usthi in April 2018, she was only supposed to temporarily support the management in fundraising and public relations. From August 2018, however, she will be a permanent member of the Usthi team and will be responsible for the foundation’s fundraising in the future.

Born in Zurich, she studied Islamic Studies, Sociology and Law in Zurich and Vienna. After a bachelor’s degree and various secondary occupations, she started working in youth work. Although she had a lot of fun working with young people, she soon realized that she most enjoyed the administrative and conceptual part of her job.

In order to further deepen her know-how in the analysis and documentation of social contexts, she took up a part-time Master’s degree in Social Work in 2017. During her work in youth work she also discovered her interest in fundraising and public relations and acquired knowledge independently. She can now use this knowledge for the Usthi Foundation, where she has been dedicated to fundraising since April and takes over part of the public relations work and thus relieves the management.

Olga is looking forward to her future with Usthi and hopes that her work will help many more children, teenagers and young adults on their way.

The annual report is also published for the year 2017. The Usthi Annual Report provides detailed information about all projects in India as well as important activities in Switzerland. With its 40th anniversary, 2017 was a unique year for Usthi, which was duly celebrated with a film premiere and an anniversary concert at Rapperswil Castle. What began 40 years ago with a simple street kitchen in Kolkata has now become a successful foundation with 12 projects and over 2,500 children and young people.

The annual report also provides information on the finances of the Usthi Foundation and includes the 2017 annual accounts. Usthi successfully passed the ordinary ZEWO recertification in 2017 and continues to be awarded the seal of quality. The ZEWO seal of approval stands for the effective and trustworthy handling of donations. Usthi would like to thank all donors and supporters who made our commitment to children in need possible again in 2017. THANK YOU!

The annual report is available online for download and can be ordered free of charge at hallo@usthi.ch or +41 55 511 21 25. The complete financial report is available separately. It can also be ordered from Usthi on request.

Annual Report 2017

Audit Report 2017

In April, apprentices celebrated their successful graduation in Hyderabad. Around 230 young women without school-leaving qualifications completed Usthi vocational training in the fields of information technology, beauty care or textile processing in recent months. A total of more than 950 young people completed such training in 2017. The 230 new graduates are the first to graduate in 2018.

Usthi vocational training was launched in Hyderabad in 2013 to enable young people without school-leaving qualifications to complete an apprenticeship. Without a school-leaving certificate, young people hardly have a chance of finding an apprenticeship. Without professional qualifications, it is extremely difficult to get a fairly paid job and the risk of being exploited as cheap labour is high. With the Usthi apprenticeship, even people without a school-leaving certificate have access to vocational training. This considerably increases the probability of a fairly paid job and a self-determined life. More than 900 young people, mainly women and single mothers, are trained and made fit for the job market every year in four-month basic and advanced courses.

The success of the Usthi vocational training is impressive: Over 92% of all graduates find a permanent job at Usthi during or immediately after their training. Others open their own businesses with the help of a microloan.

We congratulate the 234 graduates on successfully completing their apprenticeships and wish them a successful start to their careers!

What began in the 70s with a simple street kitchen has developed over the last 40 years into the Usthi Foundation with over 13 projects in which more than 2,500 children participate every year.

We take 40 years of commitment as an opportunity to toast to what we have achieved together with our faithful donors and Usthi friends. We cordially invite you!

40 years Usthi anniversary concert 

Zurich Chamber Orchestra & Leia Zhu

Sat, 21 October 2017
Doors open 18:00 – Start 19:00
followed by an apéro

Admission free | Collection
The registration deadline has expired.
A limited number of seats are available at the box office.

We look forward to an unforgettable evening with you!

Preparations for this year’s project trip to India are currently in full swing. As every year, the Usthi Team Switzerland travels to India in autumn to visit all the projects and exchange ideas with the project partners on site. Our office will therefore be closed from 24 October to 19 November. During this time, we can only be reached via email at hello@usthi.ch.

Even if the preparation requires some working hours, we are always looking forward to the trip to India. We regularly exchange ideas with our project partners via email and Skype – but nothing replaces the direct and personal exchange on site. Together with the partner we reflect on the current year and plan the budget for the coming year. In the luggage we bring along many new insights and exciting experiences, but above all one thing: a huge portion of motivation to continue to work for the Usthi children!

The Usthi Foundation in Rapperswil-Jona celebrated its 40th anniversary. The anniversary was marked by a special premiere: for the first time, a documentary film was shown which impressively records the Foundation’s work. The visitors were delighted.

Click here for the article in Südostschweiz from October 01, 2017.

40 years ago Kurt Bürki from Rapperswil founded the children’s charity Usthi, which supports street children and orphans in India. Usthi invites you to a birthday party with a film premiere.

Click here for the article in the Zürichsee Newspaper: Zürichsee-Zeitung Obersee – September 26, 2017

Usthi Foundation published the Annual Report 2016 in July 2017. The current annual report 2016 was published in July 2017 and is available to everyone free of charge.

The Annual Report summarises the activities of Usthi Foundation in Switzerland and India. 2016 was a eventful year and togetter we have achieved a lot!

Reconstruction after the earth quakes in Nepal was completed successfully at the end of August 2016. In addition, we provided schooling for over 1’600 children. 886 youths completed on of our professional trainings. Furthermore, we offered housing and protected 77 children from becoming victims to child trafficking and abuse. Finally, we reached more than 19’000 people with our prevention campaigns on human trafficking.

This year, the layout of the Annual Report was fundamentally revised and its structure adjusted. However, the projects as well as the fundamental values of Usthi Foundation remain unchanged. We support children and youths in need in order to grant them access to education and health care. For 40 years Usthi has been active in India and supporting those in needs. Our activites and programmes are only made possible through your faithful support. Thank you!

Further details about our projects and the 40 years anniversary can be found in the Annual Report 2016. We wish you a good read!

If you wish to receive a printed copy, please send us an email: hello@usthi.ch

Annual Report 2016

Audit Report 2016

Tanja Lirgg is the new executive director of the Usthi Foundation established in Jona. Tanja Lirgg stands at the Rapperswil railway station. You can’ t tell from the 30-year-old’s face that the last few weeks have been turbulent: She has just returned from a trip to India scheduled at short notice.

Click here for the entire article.

For 40 years, Kurt Bürki from Rapperswil helps street children and orphans in India to access school and health care. For the 40th anniversary of the Usthi Foundation, Kurt Bürki looks back to the beginnings – and tells us, why not everyone was grateful for his initiative.

Click here for the full article in German.

Since its very beginning, Usthi has been committed to protecting minors and enabling them to grow up in a safe environment. For many children and young women this is still not possible in India. Over 80,000 children disappear every year in this large country. That’s 220 every day, and more than 9 every hour! That not a single child in this world should fall into the hands of human traffickers needs no further explanation. Usthi is therefore actively committed to combating and preventing child trafficking.

With our new project, which we launched in January 2017, we are supplementing our previous efforts against child trafficking. The new project Jogini Women’s Shelter is a family community that temporarily accommodates former temple slaves and guarantees them safe accommodation. Temple slavery has been prohibited by law since the 1980s. But the law was never enforced and estimates currently amount to around 250,000 temple slaves in India alone.

For the time being, we have included 10 former temple slaves in our existing program in Medchal. But the request is much higher and we could immediately accept at least 60 women. But the family communities are already filled out and there is no more living space on the campus. We plan to build more houses in the near future to meet the demand. To make the construction possible and to free more women from slavery, we need your support!

In 1977 the Usthi Foundation opened the first school in India. 40 years later, we continue to support socially disadvantaged children and young people. Our commitment is only possible through your support!

For four decades, Usthi has been working for the weakest members of society with the aim of enabling them to live an independent life in dignity. With your donation you set an important sign of solidarity with these people and are a vital part of the Usthi family. We would like to take the 40th anniversary as an opportunity to thank our donors and celebrate our joint commitment with two events. Make a note of the dates in your agenda, further details will follow shortly!

29 September 2017 – Usthi Festival and Film Premiere
Usthi shot a documentary with the support of a professional film team. We are showing the film to the public for the first time at the Usthi Festival.

21 October 2017 – 40th Anniversary Concert
We are delighted that the 10-year-old violinist Leia Zhu, together with the Zurich Chamber Orchestra ZKO, is playing an exclusive anniversary concert with the Usthi family at Rapperswil Castle. We are looking forward to an unforgettable evening!

More details on the events will follow shortly, thank you for your patience.

On December 2 and 3, 2016, our untiring helpers from the Usthi family were on the road in Rapperswil and Jona with the Christmas stand. With a cup of tea and a piece of cake one could learn about the news of our foundation, spend some time with the Usthi family and buy some Christmas presents. The solidarity with the Usthi children was incredibly generous: around CHF 1,800 have been raised over the two days! Thank you very much!

At the same time, we received other important donations from private and public sources in December, which we are already using in January directly for our education and health projects in India. Your donations enable us to expand a program that is very close to our hearts: At the beginning of 2017 we will open another women’s home in Hyderabad for 10 victims of sexual violence. Here young women find refuge from exploitation and abuse. In the new home they receive medical and psychological care, training and preparation for a life of freedom and independence.

Your support makes it possible. Thank you very much for your solidarity!

We wish you a happy and successful end of the current year and a wonderful start into a great new year!

Your Usthi Team

On 2 December, the Landbote informed about the new managing director Tanja Lirgg.

The newspaper reports that Tanja Lirgg from Rheinau is the new managing director of the Usthi Foundation after several stays abroad.

The complete article has been published here in German.

I am delighted to introduce myself to you as the new Executive Director. On November 8, the Usthi Board of Trustees unanimously appointed me to head up the Organisation.

I have been active for the past 11 years in Development Cooperation. After having completed my studies in Politics and Human Rights in Paris, I gained experience with international NGOs. Now I have returned to Zurich and, together with you all, shall be pleased to lead Usthi into a future filled with prospects.

The anniversary of the opening, in December 1977, of the first Usthi Foundation school gives us the opportunity to reflect with you on 40 years of Usthi history.

Preparations for this anniversary next year are in full swing. We all agree that we wish to document 40 years of Usthi and are eagerly planning this. Hold your breath – it will be worth waiting for!  We shall be pleased to present the results at the Anniversary celebrations. We will announce the exact date shortly in our Newsletter.

The remaining equipment was delivered in March and personnel employed.  Finally, during the visit of Usthi Foundation founder Kurt Burki in April, the maternity ward was officially opened for business by the District Collector and the District Medical Officer.

A few days later, the first infants were delivered in the Tribal Health Centre.  With this inauguration, the Tribal Health Centre is now officially working within the Odisha State Health System. Experts from the Usthi Hospital and the Bhubaneswar Research Centre monitor and supervise administrative processes, regarding cooperation with the authorities. Integration into the public health system means that operations are now co-financed by the state.

This close association with the State has meant that co-operation with our local partners has had to be redefined.  With two new, young and competent executives carrying responsibility both for the Tribal Health Centre and the Health and Education Project (HEP), we are equipped and open for whatever the future may hold.

Summer is definitely over and autumn is coming. For us, this means reflecting on the current year, approving budgets and setting targets for 2017.

Tanja Lirgg has been working for the Usthi Foundation since August to support current and future projects. She will introduce herself personally in the upcoming newsletter. As every year, the visit of the projects in India and Nepal is scheduled for October. Exclusive travel details will be revealed in our next newsletter.

“The only Thing constant in Life is Change. Heraclitus ’ statement from over two thousand years ago was not only applicable to Usthi in 2015. In Nepal, it only took a few seconds to change the lives of the population completely. Deeply affected by the terrible earthquake in a country where Usthi has long been involved, we decided within hours and despite the diffi cult conditions, to offer assistance as best we could to the population and our programme-partners in Nepal.

In India we have also achieved important successes and were able positively to infl uence the lives of over 3,000 children and young people – a valuable investment in the next generation. Our educational projects enable young people to take their lives into their own hands and to contribute to changing their surroundings, e.g. in our programme against child abuse, which started in the summer of 2014, 40 abused youngsters and former prostitutes have already completed the training programme and have successfully been integrated into professional life.”

Here you can find the complete annual report 2015.

“The news from India and Nepal that makes the headlines in our media tends to be rather negative. However, during our Usthi visits to India and Nepal, we see a very different picture: children in the slums who spend hours in the tuition centres after school, working hard at their homework in order to later give their families a better life; mothers in the tribal area who give their best each day for the survival of their children; former commercial sex workers who, in the professional skills training centre, soak up every word that their teacher utters. They are all aware that education is the key to a better future. It‘s precisely these strong and courageous women and children that we are able to support with our projects. Helping them is our biggest motivation, which inspires us daily.

We are very pleased that in 2014 we made big steps forward in our Indian projects. The successful completion of the Early Childhood Development Project, as well as its expansion into more villages, the opening of the maternity unit in the Somagiri Tribal Health Centre and the promising start of the Project against Child Abuse in the suburbs of Hyderabad are just examples, but are also important milestones in our local work. In Nepal, we have somewhat reduced our engagement following the successful integration of young people, but are in the process of intensively working on the establishment of a new project.”

Here you can find the complete annual report 2014.