Who we are

Catalysing Empowerment

Suyana is the word for “hope” in the indigenous languages of Quechua and Aymara.

Suyana is a non-profit Swiss organisation dedicated to empowering individuals and rural communities across continents. With over 20 years of experience, we are committed to enabling access to healthcare, promoting high-quality education, 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 5 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 rural communities lead dignified and self-sustaining lives.

Our Mission

Empower individuals, families, and communities to increase access to healthcare, quality education, and sustainable livelihoods, enabling them to lead dignified and selfsufficient lives.

Our Values

We Care

We act with compassion and respect.

We Stay

We are committed for the long term.

We Adapt

We learn, evolve, and respond to local needs.

We Respect

We value every person and every community.

We are Sustainable

We protect the environment and build resilient communities.

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.

Quality education
Creating better learning conditions, practical skills path- ways, and access to accredited education.

Local health
Strengthening preventive health practices, access to care, and the capacities of local health facilities and systems.

Sustainable livelihoods
Supporting income generation, climate-resilient agricul- ture, selfsufficiency, and local economic resilience.

Health

Our organisation strives to bridge the gap in achieving universal health rights. We focus on ensuring timely access to health services 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.

What we do

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 organisation 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.

What we do

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 under-served rural regions, 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.

What we do

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 founded in Switzerland in 2003 by Ursula Kuhn, following years of engagement in developing countries and a strong commitment to creating opportunities for people and communities facing disadvantage.

In 2005, Ursula relocated to Bolivia, where Suyana began developing its first community-based initiatives. What started as a personal commitment grew into a collective effort supported by a network of dedicated partners and philanthropists who shared the same vision.

Today, Suyana Foundation works across Latin America, Africa and Switzerland, supporting communities through long-term, locally driven approaches that strengthen health, education and livelihoods.

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

Reaching Rural Communities Through Mobile Health Units

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

Expanding to Peru and Supporting Swiss Agriculture

Suyana establishes its foundation in Peru and launches its first initiatives, extending its Andean experience to a new country.

2010-2020

Programmes grow and evolve

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

Expanding Suyana’s 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

Extending Community Empowerment to Uganda

Suyana strengthens its commitment to African communities through the initiation of a community empowerment project in Uganda.

2024

Empowering Rural Youth Through Education in South America

The Suyana School opens in Peru, offering rural youth practical pathways to local futures. Scholarships in Peru and Bolivia further expand Suyana’s commitment to education and youth empowerment.

2025

Strengthening partnerships and long-term impact

Suyana strengthens key partnerships across regions and continues building long-term approaches to sustainable impact and systems change.