FAQ

  • What is the difference between Terre des Hommes Suisse and other organizations?

    We are a human-size organization. We know our partners personally and maintain direct and ongoing contact with them.

  • What are the principal fields of activities of Terre des Hommes Suisse?

    Terre des Hommes Suisse has two main objectives:
    1. To improve the living conditions of underprivileged populations, especially children and women, in Southern countries, through several development programs carried out by local partners.
    2. To raise awareness in Switzerland, especially among the youth, about the causes of North-South disparities.

  • Is Terre des Hommes Suisse state-subsidised?

    Terre des Hommes Suisse is subsidised by the State and municipalities of the Geneva canton, through la Fédération Genevoise de Coopération, Swiss solidarity and the SDC.

  • Do you conduct projects in Switzerland?

    In Switzerland, we raise the youth awareness concerning topics such as North-South development, fair trade and solidarity. We encourage them to think a world of greater fairness, to adopt more responsible consuming habits and attitudes.

  • Can I do voluntary work at your headquarters?

    Yes, absolutely.
    Terre des Hommes Suisse entrusts volunteers with tasks in the fields of project management, information, fundraising, secretarial work, handicraft, events organization, etc. For more details, join one of our information meetings. To know the date of the next meeting, contact our volunteers’ coordinator.

  • Is it possible to receive the newspaper once a year?

    Yes, you can receive our newspaper only once a year, upon request to our secretarial office.
    It will be sent in the course of the month of May.
    Phone +41 (0)22 737 36 36 / E-mail secretariat@terredeshommessuisse.ch

  • Why don't you offer children sponsorships?

    In accordance with the Zewo’s directives, Terre des Hommes Suisse does not offer individual sponsorship or direct contact with children. These sponsorships raise problems in terms of development policy and ethics, they have been the target of international criticism for years.

    The personal relationships established through correspondences or visits often lead to false expectations and hopes, both for the children and the sponsors. Sponsors have no personal influence on the child’s development. They cannot take on responsibilities concerning his or her wellbeing. False ideas lead to disappointment, on both side, and noticeably interfere with the social balance. The relationship with the child is based solely on the sponsor’s whish. Children and families in great distress are used for publicity purposes.

    For more information, please read the data sheet edited by Zewo (in French only).

  • What is the Zewo label?
    Is Terre des Hommes Suisse certified by it?

    The Zewo foundation is the Swiss service specialized in public interest organizations that collect donations. Its objective is to ensure transparency on the donations market.

    The foundation audits public interest organizations and ensures the conscientious use of donations. The Zewo label certifies an economical and effective use of donations, corresponding to its purpose. It identifies the transparent and trustworthy organizations.

    Terre des Hommes Suisse has been certified by the Zewo label since 1988.