Volunteer coaching for individual educational support

Our model of direct educational support offers an encouragement-based process of planning, funding and coaching that builds trust from one person to another. We do this by building on the volunteer-based and professional commitment of individuals who are willing to put their expertise and social skills at the service of educational progress. Our coaches are part of the organization like employees, and their contribution is flexible in terms of location and time.

Anne-Kathrin Winzenried

Coach

„Motivation is the fuel, but a solid financial plan is the vehicle. Our goal is to bring both into harmony. When financial worries recede, our candidates can fully concentrate on their education. That’s the moment when potential truly unfolds. And once the loan is repaid? Then I know that we haven’t just financed an education—we’ve enabled a future. The candidates move forward, but a part of their success story always remains with us.”

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Regula Müller Thut

Coach

„Since 2017, it has been a great joy for me to support people on their educational journey. We encourage, motivate, and challenge our coachees to realize their plans. Along the way, we have the privilege of being part of diverse life stories and using our experience to make a positive impact. In this way, EDUCA SWISS makes a valuable contribution to education as a resource and to equal opportunities.”

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Renate Labora

Coach

„Going to work in the morning with joy and coming home in the evening feeling fulfilled is a privilege that too few people experience. As a coach at EDUCA SWISS, I have the opportunity to support motivated individuals in achieving this goal. The interaction with a variety of people and the engagement with the complex Swiss education landscape continuously brings me great joy.”

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Martin Grossenbacher

Coach

„As an EDUCA SWISS coach, I can put my experience from the diverse education and training I have received to meaningful use. Supporting young people in realizing their future plans, even after my retirement, is incredibly fulfilling. Each successful coaching session is not only a personal achievement but also a contribution to equal opportunities. The chance to share my knowledge while continually learning new things makes this role especially valuable to me.”

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Jacqueline Loubrie

Coach

„As a volunteer coach at EDUCA SWISS, I have been supporting individuals in their educational development since January 2023. Our free coaching helps candidates evaluate and implement their projects. With enthusiasm and an encouraging approach, I support each person, fully convinced of the value of education for personal growth.”

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Britta Lüscher

Coach

„Since 2019, I have been supporting people on their educational journey as a coach at EDUCA SWISS. My goal is to help both young people and adults access the education and training they aspire to. Our coaching not only assists with obtaining educational loans but often also with finding alternative financing options. I particularly value the flexibility of EDUCA SWISS in addressing diverse situations.”

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Viola Dietschweiler

Coach

„Hearing the diverse life stories of the candidates is very rewarding for me personally.”

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Our success speaks for itself

2,600+

Educational projects

We have already supported over 2,600 vocational training and continuing education projects through coaching.

12 million+

Education Loans

We have already granted over CHF 12 million in education loans.

95%

Financing

We find funding for 95% of those who apply.

Become a coach

Would you like to volunteer and support especially people at a financial disadvantage? We are looking for wise personalities who would like to work with us as volunteer coaches to make education possible. Click below for the details about this role.

Frequently asked questions

How to become an EDUCA SWISS coach: frequently asked questions.

Are there regular meetings or exchanges with other coaches at EDUCA SWISS?

Yes, there are monthly one-hour online workshops for in-depth thematic discussions and case discussions, annual regional meetings and an annual EDUCA SWISS team event in Zurich to exchange ideas with all coaches, the management and the Board of Trustees. Here you can find impressions of this this years team event.

Can I, as a coach, choose the specific field or type of educational projects that I oversee?

You choose your coachees yourself

How long does it usually take to accompany a candidate?

The initial coaching before the approval of an educational loan typically includes 2-3 sessions, each lasting 1-2 hours. Afterwards, you will support the candidates until the loan is fully repaid, with annual progress meetings and additional coaching sessions as needed.

What challenges am I typically confronted with as a coach?

As a coach at EDUCA SWISS, you meet people at very different stages of their lives. One of the challenges you face is providing access to educational opportunities while also promoting financial responsibility. You need to balance supporting educational goals with avoiding over-indebtedness. It can be emotionally demanding to decline unrealistic funding requests, even though it is in the best interest of the candidates. Your task is to communicate empathetically and work together to find sustainable solutions. A team of office staff and coaches is always available to offer support.

Will I be introduced to my commitment by EDUCA SWISS?

You will go through a complete onboarding process. Upon completion, the coaching team will be happy to meet you officially and EDUCA SWISS will feature you on the website. In addition, there are regular one-hour monthly online workshops, usually at lunchtime, as well as annual regional meetings in small groups in your area and an annual EDUCA SWISS event in Zurichdirectly on the lake with all coaches, the office staff and the Foundation Board.

Can I organize my coaching flexible and conduct it from home?

You work flexibly from home and schedule your online coaching sessions directly with candidates. Of course, face-to-face meetings are also possible if you prefer.

How much time do I need to invest per week?

Around 4 hours per week, which you can plan with your coachee and your calendar accordingly.

What qualifications do I need to become a coach at EDUCA SWISS?

Empathy and openness to a variety of life paths, an interest in education and a flair for budget figures, a good dose of wisdom and a down-to-earth attitude.

Our Coaches

Schlick Adrienne 2024

Adrienne Schlick

Schlick Adrienne 2024

Adrienne Schlick

Adrienne works as a coach and organisational consultant and has a wide range of professional experience in a variety of sectors. She has worked in the management of a polyclinic, as a study coordinator in the healthcare sector, as a vocational trainer and in the editorial department of an international daily newspaper. The individual and personal development of people is close to her heart, which is why she enjoys supporting and accompanying motivated and committed people in their educational projects for EDUCA SWISS.

Hergert Andrea EDUCA SWISS Coach

Andrea Hergert

Hergert Andrea EDUCA SWISS Coach

Andrea Hergert

After her education and a long career in the hospitality industry, followed by a stint in consulting, Andrea began working in human resources in 2010. While working as an HR specialist and leader, she completed her Executive MBA in Leadership & Management at the Berne University of Applied Sciences.

For Andrea, people are at the center of everything, and she values mutual inspiration. She has successfully guided transformations in international companies and has specialised in leadership consulting, as well as organisational and personnel development.

Andrea believes that access to education is the key to a fulfilled life. As a coach at EDUCA SWISS, she is passionate about supporting people to achieve their professional and personal visions.

Anne-Kathrin Winzenried

Anne-Kathrin Winzenried

For over 15 years, Anne-Kathrin has worked in the healthcare industry in international corporations – supported by a degree in International Business Administration. As a leader in product management, marketing and sales, her strength lies in developing people, teams and sustainable business growth. Education has always been and continues to be her key to success. This personal experience shapes her passion today as a coach at EDUCA SWISS, where Anne-Kathrin supports people in realising their own educational dreams.

Barbara Bühlmann

Barbara Bühlmann

Barbara studied environmental engineering and science in Germany and the USA. She has over 30 years of international management experience in environmental protection and occupational health and safety in the heavy industry. Strong assertiveness and tact were necessary to build a safety culture, in this world dominated by men, that will help to sustainably prevent life-changing or fatal accidents. Today, Barbara wants to give back to society. She is passionate about helping young people get a good education at the start of their careers as well as inspiring young women to pursue STEM subjects. This is the reason why she is involved with EDUCA SWISS.

Britta Lüscher

Britta Lüscher

Britta is a natural scientist and has spent the last 30 years working in various roles in the industry – most recently at Novartis in Basel. This was only possible through continuous education and the courage to follow her own changing interests. Britta has always been involved as a coach and mentor during her professional career to support people in their development. She is very pleased to now help other people achieve their educational goals as a coach at EDUCA SWISS.

Corina Löpfe

Corina Löpfe

After a commercial apprenticeship, Corina Löpfe worked as a human resources specialist in the justice sector. While continuing her studies at the ZHAW, she worked as an HR manager in the financial sector. Corina is convinced that development and the realisation of professional dreams and goals contribute to a fulfilled life. She also believes that everyone deserves this opportunity.

Eva Maria Szabó

Eva Maria Szabó

Rooted in strategic marketing and experienced in business development and innovation, Eva Maria is very familiar with the professional and scientific information market. During her many years of management experience, she has enjoyed building and developing many new teams. She is particularly passionate about empowering individuals to achieve their potential. As a systemic coach, this will be a particular focus of her work in the future. She believes that curiosity, a love of learning and the ability to acquire new skills are the key competencies that make us fit for the future. At EDUCA SWISS, Eva Maria is able to support people who have exactly these skills.

Franziska Wirz

Franziska Wirz

Franziska studied agricultural economics at the ETH Zurich. She later trained in public management, mediation and conflict resolution, and coaching. She has over 30 years of experience in consulting, project management, lobbying, communications and business development in agricultural associations and administrations. Franziska would have loved to be coached by EDUCA SWISS as a student – if the foundation had existed at that time. She now values the opportunity EDUCA SWISS gives her to accompany people in educational projects.

Liaudet Gabriela sw

Gabriela Liaudet

Liaudet Gabriela sw

Gabriela Liaudet

HR professional with extensive experience in conflict transformation, mediation, conflict resolution and corporate mentoring. Strong in emotional intelligence and resilience. Has worked in public administration as a human resources professional, experienced conflict transformation expert, human resources consultant and job coach, specialising in supporting adolescents, young adults and the long-term unemployed in their search for employment. Experienced in career counselling and career transition support. Expert in promoting employability and integration of the long-term unemployed.

Ivana Komsic

Ivana Komsic

Ivana est titulaire d’un master en psychologie et d’un CAS en management, ainsi que de la certification de psychologue FSP. Au cours de ses 17 ans de carrière, elle a acquis une vaste expérience dans les domaines de l’éducation et de la santé. Aujourd’hui, elle dirige son propre cabinet de consultation psychologique et de coaching, où elle met à profit son expertise en psychologie scolaire, projets éducatifs, santé et management. En tant que coach EDUCA SWISS, elle aide les personnes à atteindre leurs objectifs professionnels. Ses compétences multilingues en croate, anglais, bosniaque et serbe, ainsi que son niveau avancé en allemand, lui permettent d’accompagner un large éventail de candidats.

Loubrie Jacqueline_sw

Jacqueline Loubrie

Loubrie Jacqueline_sw

Jacqueline Loubrie

Jacqueline holds a Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance and has a wealth of experience in financial and business management, in structures of varying complexity and in different countries. She has always been a strong advocate of internal and external training for her teams in order to create satisfaction and dynamism. As a coach, she is keen to put her expertise at the service of motivated people, bringing clarity and enthusiasm to their projects.

Morchetti Jean-Luc - EDUCA SWISS Coach

Jean-Luc Morchetti

Morchetti Jean-Luc - EDUCA SWISS Coach

Jean-Luc Morchetti

Jean-Luc has extensive experience in leading customer care, business consulting and sales organisations, as well as managing transformation projects. As a department head and member of the executive board of an IT company, he is now actively involved in shaping change processes.
A passionate learner, he began his career as a precision mechanic. Building on this foundation, he obtained an engineering degree in microtechnology, a master’s degree in human systems engineering with a focus on organisational development, and a dual executive MBA from IMD Lausanne and CKGSB China. His recent coaching certification completes his profile.
Jean-Luc is looking forward to bringing his passion for learning and coaching to EDUCA SWISS in a meaningful way.

Martin Grossenbacher

Martin Grossenbacher

Martin is a business economist with a focus on marketing, sales and management. This was only possible through continuous education and receptiveness to new things. During his professional career, Martin was always involved as a supervisor and mentor to support others in their development. As a coach at EDUCA SWISS, he enjoys helping people to achieve their educational goals.

Martina Frank

Martina Frank

Martina Frank is a public health specialist who has worked in global health and education for over 25 years. She studied social anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley, and public health at Columbia University in New York. After graduating, she worked for several international NGOs and educational institutions, developing and managing programmes for children, youth and vulnerable communities. Inspired by postgraduate studies at ETH Zurich, she is currently working at the intersection of nutrition, health and sustainability. For Martina, access to education and equal opportunities are key aspects of personal and social development. As a coach at EDUCA SWISS, Martina enjoys supporting people from diverse backgrounds to realise their educational projects.

Maurizio Valli

Maurizio Valli

Maurizio Valli is an experienced IT team leader, project manager and Scrum master. Since 2019, Maurizio Valli is also a partner of the learning and coaching center WissensWerk and actively involved in the further development of ideas, strategic planning and the range of services offered. He lives out his creativity as a visual coach, putting ideas and goals on paper and using symbols to represent the decision-making processes. Maurizio Valli enjoys using his passion to coach for EDUCA SWISS and to support motivated people in fulfilling their educational project.

Melanie Scheiwiller Joos

Melanie Scheiwiller Joos

Melanie studied natural sciences at the ETH Zurich University. After her PhD and a few stops in mushroom research and as a high school teacher, she worked for “Big Pharma” in quality assurance in research and development. She spent 26 years in senior positions in a global, ever-changing environment. After her early retirement, Melanie is now involved in various areas that are especially important to her. As a coach at EDUCA SWISS, she directly applies her wealth of experience when communicating with a large variety of people and gives back to society through what she has learned.

Modesta Reifers

Modesta Reifers

Education is a critical factor in personal and professional success. Everyone should have the opportunity to achieve their career goals. So says Modesta Reifers. She takes great pleasure in accompanying people on this journey and sharing her experience. Together we can set the course for a successful future and realise our full potential!

Niklaus Roth

Niklaus Roth

Klaus worked in leading positions in cadre development and human resources in the Federal Administration and the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) for many years, then in a management function in the Federal Department of Economic Affairs and finally as head of operations in a Care Team. He accompanied and led many processes for change. Employees’ progress and development were especially important to him. After studying humanities, he completed a part-time degree in industrial psychology. His motivation to work as a coach at EDUCA SWISS is to be able to assist younger people on their educational and developmental path and in turn to gain new experiences and learn new things.

Paul Burgener

Paul Burgener

Paul Burgener

Paul Burgener

Paul studied engineering part-time and worked in international companies in a variety of roles including development, marketing, sales and service before moving into HR. For him, career progression has always meant continuing education and he has completed an Executive MBA and a Master in Coaching & Organisational Consulting. For the last 30 years, 10 of them as an independent entrepreneur, he has been responsible for training and developing people. Growing up in a rural family of seven, it was clear to him that a university education was not financially feasible, but he learnt early on that with perseverance and small steps you can achieve your goals. As an EDUCA SWISS coach, he wants to help motivated people achieve their educational goals and realise their professional dreams.

Rahel Huber-Himmelberger

Rahel Huber-Himmelberger

Rahel Huber-Himmelberger

Rahel Huber-Himmelberger

After a commercial apprenticeship in an industrial company and several years of work experience, Rahel completed her studies in social work in Zurich. She has worked with adolescents and young adults in vocational integration and has several years of experience in legal work in child protection. She currently works as a student counsellor and as a freelance supervisor, coach and mediator. Rahel is convinced of the diversity of opportunities offered by the educational landscape in Switzerland. The opportunity to support a wide range of people in realising their career aspirations motivates her to volunteer as a coach with EDUCA SWISS.

Regula Müller Thut EDUCA SWISS Coach

Regula Müller Thut

Regula Müller Thut EDUCA SWISS Coach

Regula Müller Thut

After working in business administration and management in various companies in the fields of production, trade and services, Regula later turned to human resources development. She has been self-employed in the field of coaching, supervision and organizational development for 17 years. She is especially motivated to make her skills and experience available as a coach, especially to young people starting and changing professions. EDUCA SWISS offers an ideal platform for this. Regula is convinced that education is a central component of a prosperous society on all levels.

Labora Renate 2024

Renate Labora

Labora Renate 2024

Renate Labora

Renate studied mathematics at the ETH Zurich University. After many years of working on IT projects for various banks, she finished a postgraduate degree in process management and a training as a professional masseur that led her to the healthcare sector, where she continued her career in corporate development and management. Being able to experience joy and satisfaction while performing her job is something she cares about profoundly. She is convinced that continuously making sure that one is happy in the profession is vital and that further development or reorientation should be part of this. She is involved with EDUCA SWISS to support motivated people in achieving this through their educational projects.

Rita Mc Cammon

Rita Mc Cammon

Trained as a primary school teacher, Rita took on a second mainstay in accounting and oversaw the finances of several companies during many years. With her home management training she completed a leadership training, which was very useful for her daily tasks. Promoting employees and supporting her own daughter in her career have been especially important to her. She is an active coach at EDUCA SWISS because she is interested in the education and training paths young people take and wishes to contribute her experience and knowledge.

Ruth Burri

Ruth Burri

Ruth Burri

Ruth Burri

Ruth is a marketing specialist with a passion. Her experience in various industries helps her to establish companies and their products on the market. A few years ago, Ruth found a love for teaching. Since earning her federal certificate as an instructor, she has been teaching business administration and marketing to students. Ruth often sees how difficult it is for people to achieve their educational goals alongside their job, family and hobbies, and for this reason she began supporting motivated people as a coach at EDUCA SWISS to start their own educational project since the beginning of 2023.

Sabine Clerc

Sabine Clerc

After moving to French-speaking Switzerland 34 years ago, Sabine obtained a Master’s degree in Swiss law in addition to her German licence to practise law. After her first years as a corporate lawyer, she worked for 12 years as a training officer with a federal certificate in adult education in the court system of the canton of Vaud. Today, Sabine is an independent and recognised systemic coach and NLP practitioner.

At EDUCA SWISS, Sabine can apply her passion as a coach wherever people want to realise and implement their professional goals. Sabine believes that with a little support you can achieve a lot in life. Sabine speaks German and French.

Simone Casagrande Valli

Simone Casagrande Valli

Simone’s professional competencies are based on her Master’s degree in Non-Profit Management from the University of Fribourg, as well as a wide range of professional development and vocational training as a business economist at a technical university. Since 2019, Simone is a shareholder and the managing director of the learning and coaching center WissensWerk and promotes the idea of passing on, sharing and building knowledge. As a coach at EDUCA SWISS, Simone is able to make a valuable contribution and support people in starting their own educational project. Simone believes that the constructive teamwork that arises from this is the key to satisfaction, success and therefore the cornerstone for something new.

Susanne Walti-Raetzer

Susanne Walti-Raetzer

After studying economics in Germany and England, Susanne worked in management positions in a multinational consumer goods company for over twenty years. Today she uses her professional experience in different cultures as an advisor and coach for companies and projects. Susanne is convinced of the positive and long-term effect of social engagement to promote education. As a coach at EDUCA SWISS, she is a successful conversation partner for people who are looking for support in planning and fulfilling their educational goals. Supporting others on their path to an independent life is a major motivation for Susanne’s commitment.

Tünde Szalay

Tünde Szalay

Tünde studied law in Zurich and passed the bar exam after graduation. After working as a public prosecutor for nine years, she moved to the cantonal administration and took on a management function. Education is near to her heart. She is convinced that education and knowledge are the basis for an independent, autonomous and fulfilling professional life. As a coach at EDUCA SWISS, she contributes her experience as well as her international background and assists and supports motivated young people in achieving their professional goals.

Viola Dietschweiler

Viola Dietschweiler

Viola studied English and German in Zurich and English literature in London. While in Taipei she learned Chinese. Afterwards she worked for almost 30 years at a cantonal school in various positions. She has experienced social obstacles in education herself, which is why she now works as a foundation councilor for education in the areas of intellectual giftedness, equal opportunities and promoting talent at all school levels. For Viola, education is the key to an independent, fulfilling life. As a coach at EDUCA SWISS, she is able to accompany individuals in their search for this essential component.

Our former coaches

Gabriela Briant

Gabriela Briant

Hans-Jörg Tschachtli

Natalie Wöhler

Rita Soland

Ruurd de Fluiter

Sacha Alibrando

Sacha Alibrando

Toni Aeschbacher

How can you support us?

Student loan

As a lender, you directly support the candidates in the fulfillment of their educational project.

Coaching

As an EDUCA SWISS coach you play a central role. You guide the candidates, question in a critical yet constructive way and help make an educational project possible.

Donate

As a donor, you promote and fund coaching for individuals facing disadvantage, directly opening up opportunities.

Do you have any questions? Use our contact form.

EDUCA SWISS is supported among others by

Beni Würth

Council of States St. Gallen

«EDUCA SWISS is a sustainable and effective complement to cantonal education funding. I wholeheartedly support this charitable civil society initiative.»

Matthias

Matthias Aebischer

National Council Bern

«Education is a human right and should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their social background or financial starting position. I am committed to this along with EDUCA SWISS Foundation.»

Matthias Michel

Matthias Michel

Council of States Zug

«I support EDUCA SWISS in its goal of ensuring that every ambitious person in Switzerland can complete an education or training program – regardless of their financial situation or social background.»

Sandra Locher Benguerel

Sandra Locher Benguerel

Former National Councillor, member of the LCH Executive Board, teacher

«Education is the key to a self-determined life and contributes to a strong and stable society. That’s why I support EDUCA SWISS in its goal to create fair opportunities.»

Professor Dr. Theo Wehner

Industrial Psychologist

Theo Wehner studied psychology and sociology, is now a visiting professor at the University of Bremen and professor emeritus at the Center for Organizational and Work Sciences at ETH Zurich University. As an expert, he works for leading foundations that finance education. His research focuses on the meaning of professional work and the act of becoming in today’s society. How do we learn through experience – especially in dealing with mistakes and failure? What is the nature of volunteer work? How do we define effective support and guidance for people in their professional development? These questions are highly relevant for the EDUCA SWISS’ work especially.

Peter F. Weibel

Expert on Business and Foundations

Peter F. Weibel studied business administration at the University of Zurich and spent many years in leading positions for leading companies in Switzerland, including as CEO of PwC from 1988 to 2003 and as a member of the Board of Directors of Credit Suisse Group from 2004 to 2012. For 15 years now, Peter F. Weibel has committed professionally to education, social issues and culture. He was awarded the Medal of Honor of the City of Zurich for his services as long-time President of the Festivals. He contributed to the development of several foundations, including the Pestalozzi Foundation. Since 2012, he has presided over the Foundation of the University of Zurich. For EDUCA SWISS, Peter Weibel’s experience in professional governance, sustainable fundraising and especially in impact-oriented leadership is particularly valuable.