Catalysing Empowerment
Suyana is the word for “hope” in the indigenous languages of Quechua and Aymara.
Suyana is a non-profit Swiss organization dedicated to empowering individuals and rural communities worldwide. With over 20 years of experience, we are committed to promoting high-quality education, facilitating healthcare access, and nurturing sustainable livelihoods to achieve impactful and sustainable outcomes.
Our approach is rooted in collaboration with local communities, public institutions and like-minded partners, ensuring that our initiatives create positive change and make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.
Engaged and present in 7 different countries across the globe, Suyana constantly evolves and adapts to the specific needs of each region, deploying different working models tailored to best serve the local contexts.
Every Action Echoes Our Commitment
Our team is guided by a profound vision, a steadfast mission, and a set of core values that define who we are. We are driven by guiding principles and a shared dedication to making a difference.
Our Vision
A world where individuals, families and communities are empowered to lead lives of dignity and self-reliance.
Our Mission
Empower individuals, families and communities in need, to increase access and quality of health, education and livelihood to build engaged and self-sustaining lives. Since 2003, we combine our extensive experience with the expertise and empirical knowledge of our local teams and partners to best support the communities and achieve profound local ownership.
Our Values
We Care, We Stay, We Adapt, We are Sustainable, We Respect -This is what makes us different.
Our projects are developed with great care and respect for the individuals we want to help. We adapt our programs to better serve the community’s needs. While others might leave, we stay engaged with the communities, ensuring sustainable results.
Our Guiding Principles
we are a politically and denominationally independent foundation. We promote equality and engage with people regardless of age, ethnic group, skin colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, economic or other status.
Our holistic approach focusses on vital areas such as health, education, and livelihoods, fostering local commitment for long-lasting positive impact.
Individuals and communities receive higher quality education through greater access to materials and infrastructures, enhanced curricula, better support for teachers and improved school environment.
Individuals and communities achieve more sustainable livelihoods through vocational training, entrepreneurial skills development and environmental protection.
Communities enjoy better local healthcare through increased medical access, greater health awareness and capacity-building in the public sector.
Health
Our organization strives to bridge the gap in achieving universal health rights. We focus on ensuring timely access to healthcare and addressing underlying determinants of health, including safe food, housing, water, sanitation, and education. By empowering individuals, collaborating with authorities, and supporting healthcare workers, we aim to strengthen local healthcare systems through comprehensive projects. We take pride in our extensive 20+ years of experience and on the significant positive impacts to the communities.
- Offering dental and basic medical consultations
- Educating on basic and oral hygiene practices
- Promoting preventive healthcare methods
- Building trust and understanding of medical services to alleviate fears
- Providing specialized treatments when needed
- Enhancing public health facilities
Education
Education is crucial for personal and societal growth, yet over half of children globally lack basic proficiency in key subjects due to barriers like inadequate facilities and training for teachers. Our organization is committed to ensuring everyone’s right to quality education, particularly the socially disadvantaged. Through collaboration with families, teachers, schools, and authorities, we improve teaching quality and promote safe and inclusive learning environments, while strengthening the capacities of the public school system.
- Improving schooling infrastructure
- Promoting food quality improvement with initiatives like school gardens
- Building capacities through workshops in carpentry and marketing
- Enhancing negotiation and writing abilities
- Developing didactic materials and tailored teaching resources, including board games and colouring books
Livelihood
In impoverished areas, people face unstable incomes, hindering their livelihoods. Livelihood encompasses more than just earning money; it involves seizing current opportunities and future prospects. Small-scale farmers, crucial for global food supply, struggle with land access, education, and market limitations. Addressing environmental impact is crucial for ensuring a healthy environment and fulfilling basic rights, underscoring the need for sustainability efforts.
- Promoting healthy housing with eco-friendly features and separated spaces for animals
- Strengthening local human resources and agricultural know-how
- Improving animal health with medical care and upgraded shelters
- Implementing sustainable water management techniques
- Establishing Farmers Economic Organizations enhance partnerships and commercialization generating income opportunities
- Initiating cleanup and reforestation campaigns using local resources
Empowering Change Through Passion and Purpose
Discover Our Story
Suyana was born from a deep desire to help people and make a positive impact. In 2003, Ursula Kuhn, a native of Switzerland, established the Suyana Foundation, driven by her recognition of the privilege of being born in Switzerland and her commitment to providing opportunities to those less fortunate. The inception of the foundation, born from the altruism of a group of individuals within her Swiss network, aligned with her desire to explore and forge new paths for a better future.
Ignited by transformative encounters across South America, Ursula relocated to Bolivia in 2005. Her profound desire to generate positive and lasting change for those in need, inspired her to find unwavering support among a group of dedicated philanthropists who shared her vision and determination.
What started as a personal quest has blossomed into a collective endeavour, guided by the same unwavering passion that ignited our founder’s journey. Today, Suyana Foundation continues to embody this spirit of compassion and commitment, striving to empower communities and foster positive change wherever we go.
2003
Establishing Suyana Foundation in Switzerland
Ursula Kuhn’s extensive work in developing countries, culminate in the establishment of Suyana Foundation in Switzerland. Initially focused on Bolivia, Ursula’s personally assesses the situation on-site. Her hands-on approach sets the foundation’s values.
2004
Inaugurating Projects in La Paz, Bolivia
Responding to the urgent needs of El Alto, La Paz, Ursula launches vital educational initiatives providing school facilities to vulnerable children.
2005
Expanding Presence with Suyana Foundation in Bolivia
To deepen impact and local engagement, Suyana Foundation Bolivia is established, fortifying its commitment to Bolivian communities.
2006
Empowering Communities in Bolivia
Recognizing the complexity of challenges, Suyana pioneers a holistic 3-year community empowerment project in Bolivia’s remote highlands. The introduction of the Suyana 4×4 vehicles and its mobile medical services transforms healthcare access.
2009
Establishing Suyana Foundation in Peru and Supporting Swiss Agriculture
Expanding operations to Peru, Suyana simultaneously invests in Swiss agriculture, fostering growth on multiple fronts.
2010
Launching Community Empowerment Program in Peru
Suyana extends its community empowerment program to Peru’s Andean heartland, amplifying impact across borders.
2020
Strategic Evolution and Growth
In response to changing global development dynamics and leveraging over a decade of impactful projects, Suyana initiates a strategic shift to enhance its reach and effectiveness. Exploring new avenues for growth, it broadens impact and visibility.
2021
Increasing global Presence to Greece and Sierra Leone
The new strategic direction leads to inaugural health programs in Greece and educational initiatives in Sierra Leone extending Suyana’s global influence.
2022
Venturing into New Territories in Rwanda
Suyana’s expansion into Rwanda marks a pivotal moment, reaffirming its dedication to catalysing positive change on a global scale.
2023
Sustained Outreach Efforts in Uganda
Suyana strengthens its commitment to African communities through the initiation of a community empowerment project in Uganda.
2024
Empowering Through Education in South America
The launch of Suyana School in Peru and scholarships in both Peru and Bolivia symbolize the organization’s enduring commitment to community empowerment through education, paving the way for brighter futures in the Andean region.
Meet the People Behind the Mission
Behind every success story lies a team of passionate and committed individuals who spare no effort in realizing project objectives. Get to know the faces steering the ship, each contributing their unique expertise towards creating positive change.
Alberina Copa
Alberto Arango
Alberto Arango De La Torre
Alejandra Omonte
Alejandro Berrío
Alicia Pacco
Alicia Valencia
Alipio Quintanilla
Ana Avilez
Ana Silva
Ana Stoutz
Andrea Cárdenas
Andrea Flores
Antonio Arango
Beatriz Callisaya
Brain Garrido
Carol Peña
Chiara Borner
Ciara Stevens
Daniel Catari
Daniel Sigrist
David Delgado
Denis Zapana
Dominique Ernst
Edwin Callejas
Edwin Quispe
Efraín Yanarico
Emiliana Cusi
Emily Cutipa
Emma McGeachy
Estrella Vilca
Eulalia Montalvo
Félix Forra
Frecia Velasco
Fredy Achahue
Gabriela Mar Rojas
Gary Torrez
Gerardo Yanarico
German Molina
Gilber Choquehuanca
Gissela Montaño
Graciela Caparicona
Guido Santos
Hans Waltenspuel
Ilich Céspedes
Iñigo Maté
Jhon Romero
Jhon Vera
José Condori
Juan Díaz
Judith Ortega
Julia Hartmann
Julian Murga
Katerine Sotomayor
Kathryn Jara
Liszt Vargas
Liz Suimer
Luis Castillo
Luis Jordán
Mabel Zanabria
Marco Antonio Guarachi
María Elena Ticona
María López
María Soria
Maritza Avalos
Martin Lopez
Mary Isabel Chipana
Melva Fernandez
Meret Siegenthaler
Miguel Cruz
Navira Fernandez
Oscar Apaza Mamani
Oscar Barreda
Osvaldo De La Cruz
Pablo Choque
Ramiro Mamani
Rene Rojas
Reynaldo Eguivar
Ricardo Ayala
Rocio Choque
Roly De la Cruz
Roseamery Aguirre
Rubén Dario Villca
Ruscena Cespedes
Samuel Quenallata
Samuel Quispe
Santos Céspedes
Sarah Gutierrez
Severo Choque
Teodosia Mamani
Thomas Först
Ursula Kuhn
Valentina Beeler
Vanesa Fernández
Verónica Huanca
Vidal Ramos
Waldo Medrano
Wilber Pérez
Wilfredo Chávez
Wilfredo Valenza
Ximena Mamani
Yessica Bravo
Yover Ríos
Yvon Hässig
Zulema Rumaja
