{"id":4220,"date":"2020-11-12T11:16:30","date_gmt":"2020-11-12T10:16:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/educaswiss.ch\/?page_id=4220"},"modified":"2026-01-12T15:43:43","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T14:43:43","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/educaswiss.ch\/en\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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About<\/strong> EDUCA SWISS<\/mark><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

EDUCA SWISS is a Swiss foundation that promotes and finances education. We help motivated individuals to achieve their educational project, on the one hand by providing free assistance in the planning and budgeting of their professional education project, and on the other hand by arranging student loans at favourable interest rates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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EDUCA SWISS\u2019 Vision and Commitment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We wish to create opportunities together because we are convinced that every person should be able to achieve their education project. Education not only strengthens the national economy, but also promotes a healthy society. Money in the form of a student loan creates a lasting impact, increases the graduation rate and can be used again after repayment. Our guiding principles are encouragement, commitment and professionalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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More on our background and impact<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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More on our values<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Team<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Anna van der Ploeg <\/h3>\n

Project Management Network Development DreamTeam<\/h4>\n
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What role has education played for you personally?<\/strong>
Even as a child, I was very curious and wanted to get to the bottom of things, to find answers to many questions. In this way, I came to understand the world better and better\u2014both in school and beyond\u2014and learned to look beyond the obvious. That\u2019s something I wish for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What impresses you most about EDUCA SWISS?<\/strong>
I find the idea of engaging young and busy people as mentors who regularly dedicate their time to a child for a whole year truly wonderful. It reminds me of an African saying I came across during a longer professional stay in Kenya, which I find very fitting: \u201cIt takes a whole village to raise a child.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What topic could you talk about for hours?<\/strong>
In addition to my passion for education, I am fascinated by creative interior design and decoration. I love exchanging ideas about this with my daughters or friends. Together, we come up with wonderful and sometimes unusual ideas.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Anna van der Ploeg <\/h3>\n

Project Management Network Development DreamTeam<\/h4>\n
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What role has education played for you personally?<\/strong>
Even as a child, I was very curious and wanted to get to the bottom of things, to find answers to many questions. In this way, I came to understand the world better and better\u2014both in school and beyond\u2014and learned to look beyond the obvious. That\u2019s something I wish for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What impresses you most about EDUCA SWISS?<\/strong>
I find the idea of engaging young and busy people as mentors who regularly dedicate their time to a child for a whole year truly wonderful. It reminds me of an African saying I came across during a longer professional stay in Kenya, which I find very fitting: \u201cIt takes a whole village to raise a child.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What topic could you talk about for hours?<\/strong>
In addition to my passion for education, I am fascinated by creative interior design and decoration. I love exchanging ideas about this with my daughters or friends. Together, we come up with wonderful and sometimes unusual ideas.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Christina Z\u00f6ller <\/h3>\n

HR, Finance & Executive Assistance<\/h4>\n
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What was your most inspiring experience at EDUCA SWISS?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So many! But above all, the positive feedback and letters of thanks to the entire EDUCA SWISS team from candidates who have successfully completed their training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not working for EDUCA SWISS?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My favourite thing is to be out in nature with my Lakeland terrier Fina, whatever the weather. Whether on foot, by bike, on a stand-up paddleboard or with snowshoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What role has education played for you personally?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s important to me to continue my education after my studies, to learn new things and to develop myself. And that’s why I really enjoy working at EDUCA SWISS, because it gives me the opportunity to do just that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Christina Z\u00f6ller <\/h3>\n

HR, Finance & Executive Assistance<\/h4>\n
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What was your most inspiring experience at EDUCA SWISS?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So many! But above all, the positive feedback and letters of thanks to the entire EDUCA SWISS team from candidates who have successfully completed their training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not working for EDUCA SWISS?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My favourite thing is to be out in nature with my Lakeland terrier Fina, whatever the weather. Whether on foot, by bike, on a stand-up paddleboard or with snowshoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What role has education played for you personally?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s important to me to continue my education after my studies, to learn new things and to develop myself. And that’s why I really enjoy working at EDUCA SWISS, because it gives me the opportunity to do just that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Erik Kmotorka <\/h3>\n

Support Candidate<\/h4>\n
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What role did education play for you personally?<\/strong>
During my studies, I had the opportunity to delve deeply into topics that particularly interested me\u2014namely languages. This allowed me to develop my skills in a targeted manner and gain valuable experience that prepared me optimally for my future career. For this reason, I consider access to education to be an essential prerequisite for a fulfilling and balanced life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is your motto in life?<\/strong>
Courage conquers fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What topic could you discuss for hours?<\/strong>
I am a big fan of music and movies. So: What music have you been enjoying lately? Which movie has particularly appealed to you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Erik Kmotorka <\/h3>\n

Support Candidate<\/h4>\n
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What role did education play for you personally?<\/strong>
During my studies, I had the opportunity to delve deeply into topics that particularly interested me\u2014namely languages. This allowed me to develop my skills in a targeted manner and gain valuable experience that prepared me optimally for my future career. For this reason, I consider access to education to be an essential prerequisite for a fulfilling and balanced life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is your motto in life?<\/strong>
Courage conquers fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What topic could you discuss for hours?<\/strong>
I am a big fan of music and movies. So: What music have you been enjoying lately? Which movie has particularly appealed to you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Erika Just <\/h3>\n

Managing Director DreamTeam<\/h4>\n
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What role has education played for you personally?<\/strong>
Free and constant access to education has had a strong influence on my life. Attending secondary school, going to university, and even pursuing a doctorate was a privilege that I greatly appreciate. These opportunities have not only allowed me to follow my curiosity, but also to actively contribute to answering open questions and to travel the world. I am eternally grateful for that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is promoting education and equal opportunities so important to you?<\/strong>Education is of central importance for the full development of the human personality. That is why there must be fairness when it comes to access. Also, as a society, we cannot afford to leave some of us by the wayside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What topic could you spend hours discussing?<\/strong>
Character development, plot developments, and twists in books and series. If you celebrate d’Artagnan or think GoT should have ended after season 5, you’re in my good books.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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\n \"Dr. <\/div>\n
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Erika Just <\/h3>\n

Managing Director DreamTeam<\/h4>\n
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What role has education played for you personally?<\/strong>
Free and constant access to education has had a strong influence on my life. Attending secondary school, going to university, and even pursuing a doctorate was a privilege that I greatly appreciate. These opportunities have not only allowed me to follow my curiosity, but also to actively contribute to answering open questions and to travel the world. I am eternally grateful for that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is promoting education and equal opportunities so important to you?<\/strong>Education is of central importance for the full development of the human personality. That is why there must be fairness when it comes to access. Also, as a society, we cannot afford to leave some of us by the wayside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What topic could you spend hours discussing?<\/strong>
Character development, plot developments, and twists in books and series. If you celebrate d’Artagnan or think GoT should have ended after season 5, you’re in my good books.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Ferdinand Pelzelmayer <\/h3>\n

Deputy Executive Management DreamTeam<\/h4>\n
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What was your most inspiring experience at EDUCA SWISS?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the online diary of our DreamTeam mentoring programme, mentors share the activities, conversations, highlights and concerns of their meetings with their mentees.  Seeing how mentor and mentee grow together on their journey of discovery motivates me immensely and constantly reminds me of the importance of friendships and role models in our lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What has been your most unusual job so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I was a student, I worked at the kiosk in Basel Cathedral. However, my services at the kiosk were rarely in demand and I was often alone. I was able to immerse myself in the silence and majesty of the place and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. That was great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What subject could you talk about for hours?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My favourite subject is music. So I’d love to discuss your Spotify review of the year over a coffee – or two.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Ferdinand Pelzelmayer <\/h3>\n

Deputy Executive Management DreamTeam<\/h4>\n
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What was your most inspiring experience at EDUCA SWISS?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the online diary of our DreamTeam mentoring programme, mentors share the activities, conversations, highlights and concerns of their meetings with their mentees.  Seeing how mentor and mentee grow together on their journey of discovery motivates me immensely and constantly reminds me of the importance of friendships and role models in our lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What has been your most unusual job so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I was a student, I worked at the kiosk in Basel Cathedral. However, my services at the kiosk were rarely in demand and I was often alone. I was able to immerse myself in the silence and majesty of the place and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. That was great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What subject could you talk about for hours?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My favourite subject is music. So I’d love to discuss your Spotify review of the year over a coffee – or two.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Ivana Komsic <\/h3>\n

Coaching<\/h4>\n
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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 carri\u00e8re, elle a acquis une vaste exp\u00e9rience dans les domaines de l’\u00e9ducation et de la sant\u00e9. Aujourd’hui, elle dirige son propre cabinet de consultation psychologique et de coaching, o\u00f9 elle met \u00e0 profit son expertise en psychologie scolaire, projets \u00e9ducatifs, sant\u00e9 et management. En tant que coach EDUCA SWISS, elle aide les personnes \u00e0 atteindre leurs objectifs professionnels. Ses comp\u00e9tences multilingues en croate, anglais, bosniaque et serbe, ainsi que son niveau avanc\u00e9 en allemand, lui permettent d’accompagner un large \u00e9ventail de candidats.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Ivana Komsic <\/h3>\n

Coaching<\/h4>\n
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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 carri\u00e8re, elle a acquis une vaste exp\u00e9rience dans les domaines de l’\u00e9ducation et de la sant\u00e9. Aujourd’hui, elle dirige son propre cabinet de consultation psychologique et de coaching, o\u00f9 elle met \u00e0 profit son expertise en psychologie scolaire, projets \u00e9ducatifs, sant\u00e9 et management. En tant que coach EDUCA SWISS, elle aide les personnes \u00e0 atteindre leurs objectifs professionnels. Ses comp\u00e9tences multilingues en croate, anglais, bosniaque et serbe, ainsi que son niveau avanc\u00e9 en allemand, lui permettent d’accompagner un large \u00e9ventail de candidats.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Julia Kauffmann <\/h3>\n

Co-lead of Coaching<\/h4>\n
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Why is promoting education and equal opportunities so important to you?<\/strong>
I am the first in my family to go to university. Due to a lack of support, I financed part of my studies with a student loan. It is only thanks to this degree that I can stand here today and say that I have arrived in my career and I am happy. I know from my own experience how important education is for social advancement and the difficulties and hurdles you have to overcome in the educational and professional world because of your background. Through my work, I want to help people who cannot afford to pursue their dreams of education or training, so they can\u00a0live\u00a0a happy and fulfilling life\u00a0in\u00a0their chosen profession. In this way I would like to contribute to more equal opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What was your most unusual job so far?<\/strong>
I worked as an exhibition hostess and promoter during my studies. I had the most boring job – as a “clicker” I spent three days counting how many people visited a particular conference room with a clicker in my hand. But I also had the coolest job – as a promoter for a major beer brand, I spent a day playing football and table football with customers outside a supermarket, barbecuing with them and giving away free beer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you like to do best when you’re not at EDUCA SWISS?<\/strong>
I dance salsa, bachata and kizomba, so in my spare time you can find me either training, at a dance festival or at a party.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Julia Kauffmann <\/h3>\n

Co-lead of Coaching<\/h4>\n
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Why is promoting education and equal opportunities so important to you?<\/strong>
I am the first in my family to go to university. Due to a lack of support, I financed part of my studies with a student loan. It is only thanks to this degree that I can stand here today and say that I have arrived in my career and I am happy. I know from my own experience how important education is for social advancement and the difficulties and hurdles you have to overcome in the educational and professional world because of your background. Through my work, I want to help people who cannot afford to pursue their dreams of education or training, so they can\u00a0live\u00a0a happy and fulfilling life\u00a0in\u00a0their chosen profession. In this way I would like to contribute to more equal opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What was your most unusual job so far?<\/strong>
I worked as an exhibition hostess and promoter during my studies. I had the most boring job – as a “clicker” I spent three days counting how many people visited a particular conference room with a clicker in my hand. But I also had the coolest job – as a promoter for a major beer brand, I spent a day playing football and table football with customers outside a supermarket, barbecuing with them and giving away free beer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you like to do best when you’re not at EDUCA SWISS?<\/strong>
I dance salsa, bachata and kizomba, so in my spare time you can find me either training, at a dance festival or at a party.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Katharina Cuthbertson-Merki <\/h3>\n

Support for Candidates and Lenders<\/h4>\n
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What has been your most inspiring experience with EDUCA SWISS?<\/strong>
It’s great when our candidates are able to complete their dream training programme with the help of EDUCA SWISS and express this in their thank-you emails to us. That makes me very happy and motivates me enormously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What has been your most unusual job so far?<\/strong>
As an archaeology student during my year abroad in Edinburgh, I worked for a few weeks on an excavation in the Scottish Highlands. We were looking for Neolithic cup marks and traces of settlements. Unfortunately we were not very successful. But I have fond memories of working in the bog, in the wind, in high boots and yellow raincoats, and of the daily journey in the windy, rumbling jeep. I fell in love with the country and its people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you like to do best when you are not working for EDUCA SWISS?<\/strong>
Kriens – Roteflue – M\u00fclim\u00e4s – Kriens: On foot on Mount Pilatus, 800 metres in altitude, 15 km, 4.5 hours.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Katharina Cuthbertson-Merki <\/h3>\n

Support for Candidates and Lenders<\/h4>\n
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What has been your most inspiring experience with EDUCA SWISS?<\/strong>
It’s great when our candidates are able to complete their dream training programme with the help of EDUCA SWISS and express this in their thank-you emails to us. That makes me very happy and motivates me enormously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What has been your most unusual job so far?<\/strong>
As an archaeology student during my year abroad in Edinburgh, I worked for a few weeks on an excavation in the Scottish Highlands. We were looking for Neolithic cup marks and traces of settlements. Unfortunately we were not very successful. But I have fond memories of working in the bog, in the wind, in high boots and yellow raincoats, and of the daily journey in the windy, rumbling jeep. I fell in love with the country and its people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you like to do best when you are not working for EDUCA SWISS?<\/strong>
Kriens – Roteflue – M\u00fclim\u00e4s – Kriens: On foot on Mount Pilatus, 800 metres in altitude, 15 km, 4.5 hours.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Ladina Scholz <\/h3>\n

DreamTeam programme management support<\/h4>\n
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What has been your most unusual job so far?<\/strong>
When I was a teenager, I conducted interviews with prominent Swiss personalities for the parenting magazine “Fritz und Fr\u00e4nzi”. Among others, I interviewed Joel Basman, Anna Rossinelli and 77 Bombay Street. I travelled around Switzerland a lot to earn some pocket money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What role has education played for you personally?<\/strong>
Education opens your eyes to areas of interest and makes you curious about certain topics. I think it helps you find your way in the complex world we live in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you like to do when you’re not working for EDUCA SWISS?<\/strong>
I like to make small pieces of furniture from wood.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Ladina Scholz <\/h3>\n

DreamTeam programme management support<\/h4>\n
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What has been your most unusual job so far?<\/strong>
When I was a teenager, I conducted interviews with prominent Swiss personalities for the parenting magazine “Fritz und Fr\u00e4nzi”. Among others, I interviewed Joel Basman, Anna Rossinelli and 77 Bombay Street. I travelled around Switzerland a lot to earn some pocket money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What role has education played for you personally?<\/strong>
Education opens your eyes to areas of interest and makes you curious about certain topics. I think it helps you find your way in the complex world we live in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you like to do when you’re not working for EDUCA SWISS?<\/strong>
I like to make small pieces of furniture from wood.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Nadine L\u00fcchinger <\/h3>\n

Co-lead of Coaching<\/h4>\n
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What role has education played in your personal life?<\/strong>
Education has always been the cornerstone of my life \u2013 my compass, my driving force and my favourite life philosophy. To me, it is a key, a door opener, a source of strength and the engine of the future. Without it, I would not have been able to shape my path so independently \u2013 from schools and universities to diverse professional roles in companies and educational institutions, and ultimately to founding my own coaching business.
For me, education means self-efficacy, creative freedom and the ability to recognise and seize opportunities. It enables continuous development and growth \u2013 and it is precisely this passion that drives me to support others on their educational journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you enjoy most when you\u2019re not involved with EDUCA SWISS?<\/strong>
When I\u2019m not on the road for EDUCA SWISS, you\u2019ll most likely find me with my family \u2013 my emotional anchor. I also love spending time on the ski slopes, occasionally venturing off-piste. I find calm and clarity on my yoga mat or outdoors in nature. Travelling, in turn, offers me new perspectives and fresh inspiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What was your most unusual job?<\/strong>
My most unusual job was during my studies, when I spent one winter working on piste construction in various ski resorts as part of the FIS Ski Cross World Cup tour. It was physically demanding but incredibly fun \u2013 and it allowed me to experience elite sports up close.
Another equally formative, though very different, experience was my time as a volunteer in a children\u2019s home in a favela in Brazil. There, I witnessed how much strength can emerge when people believe in one another, even under challenging circumstances. This experience has had a lasting impact on my commitment to equal opportunities and my dedication to supporting others.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Nadine L\u00fcchinger <\/h3>\n

Co-lead of Coaching<\/h4>\n
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What role has education played in your personal life?<\/strong>
Education has always been the cornerstone of my life \u2013 my compass, my driving force and my favourite life philosophy. To me, it is a key, a door opener, a source of strength and the engine of the future. Without it, I would not have been able to shape my path so independently \u2013 from schools and universities to diverse professional roles in companies and educational institutions, and ultimately to founding my own coaching business.
For me, education means self-efficacy, creative freedom and the ability to recognise and seize opportunities. It enables continuous development and growth \u2013 and it is precisely this passion that drives me to support others on their educational journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you enjoy most when you\u2019re not involved with EDUCA SWISS?<\/strong>
When I\u2019m not on the road for EDUCA SWISS, you\u2019ll most likely find me with my family \u2013 my emotional anchor. I also love spending time on the ski slopes, occasionally venturing off-piste. I find calm and clarity on my yoga mat or outdoors in nature. Travelling, in turn, offers me new perspectives and fresh inspiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What was your most unusual job?<\/strong>
My most unusual job was during my studies, when I spent one winter working on piste construction in various ski resorts as part of the FIS Ski Cross World Cup tour. It was physically demanding but incredibly fun \u2013 and it allowed me to experience elite sports up close.
Another equally formative, though very different, experience was my time as a volunteer in a children\u2019s home in a favela in Brazil. There, I witnessed how much strength can emerge when people believe in one another, even under challenging circumstances. This experience has had a lasting impact on my commitment to equal opportunities and my dedication to supporting others.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Nicole Maczko <\/h3>\n

Office Management<\/h4>\n
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Was war bis heute dein ungew\u00f6hnlichster Job?<\/strong>
W\u00e4hrend meines Journalismusstudiums habe ich einen Sommer lang alle St\u00fctzmauern entlang der Bahngleise vermessen. Zusammen mit einem Ingenieur und einem Sicherheitsw\u00e4rter bin ich quer durch den ganzen Kanton gewandert. Auch ungew\u00f6hnlich war mein erster Job als Junior-Texterin: Chefredaktorin der Metzger-Zeitschrift \u00abEn Guete\u00bb. Als Vegetarierin hoffte ich bei jedem Interview, dass mir kein Metzger ein Wurstr\u00e4dli anbot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was ist dein Lebensmotto?<\/strong>
Spontan, neugierig und offen f\u00fcr Neues bleiben.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was \u00fcberzeugt dich bei EDUCA SWISS am meisten?<\/strong>
Chancengerechtigkeit ist leider keine Selbstverst\u00e4ndlichkeit. Wie stark der Bildungserfolg von der sozialen Herkunft abh\u00e4ngt, wurde mir besonders durch die Schulzeit meiner Kinder bewusst: Was von ihnen verlangt wird, wie – und vor allem wer – gef\u00f6rdert wird und wie schnell man durchs Netz fallen kann. EDUCA SWISS setzt genau hier an: gegen Bildungsungerechtigkeiten, f\u00fcr Chancengerechtigkeit. Das \u00fcberzeugt mich am meisten.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Nicole Maczko <\/h3>\n

Office Management<\/h4>\n
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Was war bis heute dein ungew\u00f6hnlichster Job?<\/strong>
W\u00e4hrend meines Journalismusstudiums habe ich einen Sommer lang alle St\u00fctzmauern entlang der Bahngleise vermessen. Zusammen mit einem Ingenieur und einem Sicherheitsw\u00e4rter bin ich quer durch den ganzen Kanton gewandert. Auch ungew\u00f6hnlich war mein erster Job als Junior-Texterin: Chefredaktorin der Metzger-Zeitschrift \u00abEn Guete\u00bb. Als Vegetarierin hoffte ich bei jedem Interview, dass mir kein Metzger ein Wurstr\u00e4dli anbot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was ist dein Lebensmotto?<\/strong>
Spontan, neugierig und offen f\u00fcr Neues bleiben.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was \u00fcberzeugt dich bei EDUCA SWISS am meisten?<\/strong>
Chancengerechtigkeit ist leider keine Selbstverst\u00e4ndlichkeit. Wie stark der Bildungserfolg von der sozialen Herkunft abh\u00e4ngt, wurde mir besonders durch die Schulzeit meiner Kinder bewusst: Was von ihnen verlangt wird, wie – und vor allem wer – gef\u00f6rdert wird und wie schnell man durchs Netz fallen kann. EDUCA SWISS setzt genau hier an: gegen Bildungsungerechtigkeiten, f\u00fcr Chancengerechtigkeit. Das \u00fcberzeugt mich am meisten.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Regula Tschopp <\/h3>\n

Project Coordinator Coaching<\/h4>\n
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What role has education played for you personally?
<\/strong>Since childhood, learning has been an exciting journey for me \u2014 that\u2019s why I wanted to become a teacher: simply because I never wanted to stop discovering new things. During my language stay in Neuch\u00e2tel, I realized that education is much more than classroom teaching; it\u2019s about encounters, growth, and expanding one\u2019s horizons.
My path led me from the classroom to studying business at the University of St. Gallen, and eventually to vibrant Bangkok. Education has been the common thread running through my life \u2014 whether as a manager, lecturer, or coach. It has opened doors for me and taught me that curiosity and the courage to embrace change are the best travel companions. Today, I\u2019m deeply committed to making education accessible to everyone \u2014 as a springboard, not a privilege.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What was your most unusual job?
<\/strong>There were quite a few! From working at a tennis club bar to teaching aerobics and even becoming a credit assessment specialist in Bangkok \u2014 life was never boring. One of the most impactful roles was as a project manager for inclusive banking services for people with visual, hearing, or other impairments. And my volunteer experience at the UEFA Women\u2019s EURO 2025? Unforgettable! So much energy, diversity, and team spirit \u2014 truly inspiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is your life motto?
<\/strong>Live and let live.<\/em>
Openness, respect, and genuine curiosity about other people and cultures shape my approach to life. I\u2019m grateful to contribute every day at EDUCA SWISS to greater educational equality and opportunity for all.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Regula Tschopp <\/h3>\n

Project Coordinator Coaching<\/h4>\n
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What role has education played for you personally?
<\/strong>Since childhood, learning has been an exciting journey for me \u2014 that\u2019s why I wanted to become a teacher: simply because I never wanted to stop discovering new things. During my language stay in Neuch\u00e2tel, I realized that education is much more than classroom teaching; it\u2019s about encounters, growth, and expanding one\u2019s horizons.
My path led me from the classroom to studying business at the University of St. Gallen, and eventually to vibrant Bangkok. Education has been the common thread running through my life \u2014 whether as a manager, lecturer, or coach. It has opened doors for me and taught me that curiosity and the courage to embrace change are the best travel companions. Today, I\u2019m deeply committed to making education accessible to everyone \u2014 as a springboard, not a privilege.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What was your most unusual job?
<\/strong>There were quite a few! From working at a tennis club bar to teaching aerobics and even becoming a credit assessment specialist in Bangkok \u2014 life was never boring. One of the most impactful roles was as a project manager for inclusive banking services for people with visual, hearing, or other impairments. And my volunteer experience at the UEFA Women\u2019s EURO 2025? Unforgettable! So much energy, diversity, and team spirit \u2014 truly inspiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is your life motto?
<\/strong>Live and let live.<\/em>
Openness, respect, and genuine curiosity about other people and cultures shape my approach to life. I\u2019m grateful to contribute every day at EDUCA SWISS to greater educational equality and opportunity for all.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Simon Merki <\/h3>\n

Managing Director and Delegate of the Board of Trustees<\/h4>\n
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What brought you to EDUCA SWISS?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I started studying international relations with the desire to work in development cooperation. However, I quickly realised that what I was learning was too far removed from the concrete situation of each individual. So I switched to the “front line” and completed a degree in social work at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences. At the same time, I worked mainly with young adults. This taught me a lot about the importance of intrinsic motivation and people’s needs. Almost every day I asked myself: What can I do to help my counterpart take control of their situation and, ideally, improve it? I am a firm believer in the concept of helping people to help themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before I was allowed to take over the management of EDUCA SWISS, I gained important experience working with volunteers and coaching other social workers. My profile was therefore an ideal match for the existing expertise of the team and the Foundation Board, which is heavily involved in operations. Source and more at: https:\/\/www.fundraiso.ch\/de\/blog\/interview-mit-simon-merki-geschaeftsfuehrer-der-stiftung-educa-swiss<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you like to do best when you’re not working for EDUCA SWISS?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Camping trips with my daughter (1 year old) and my partner, preferably on unknown trails somewhere in the middle of nowhere. And if there’s not enough time, walks in the countryside.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Simon Merki <\/h3>\n

Managing Director and Delegate of the Board of Trustees<\/h4>\n
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What brought you to EDUCA SWISS?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I started studying international relations with the desire to work in development cooperation. However, I quickly realised that what I was learning was too far removed from the concrete situation of each individual. So I switched to the “front line” and completed a degree in social work at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences. At the same time, I worked mainly with young adults. This taught me a lot about the importance of intrinsic motivation and people’s needs. Almost every day I asked myself: What can I do to help my counterpart take control of their situation and, ideally, improve it? I am a firm believer in the concept of helping people to help themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before I was allowed to take over the management of EDUCA SWISS, I gained important experience working with volunteers and coaching other social workers. My profile was therefore an ideal match for the existing expertise of the team and the Foundation Board, which is heavily involved in operations. Source and more at: https:\/\/www.fundraiso.ch\/de\/blog\/interview-mit-simon-merki-geschaeftsfuehrer-der-stiftung-educa-swiss<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you like to do best when you’re not working for EDUCA SWISS?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Camping trips with my daughter (1 year old) and my partner, preferably on unknown trails somewhere in the middle of nowhere. And if there’s not enough time, walks in the countryside.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Our Coaches<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Executive Management & Foundation Board<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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News and Events<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Keep up to date with our news and events agenda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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News and Events<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Our history<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

EDUCA SWISS has become an indispensable part of Swiss education. Learn more about our history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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History and Impact<\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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EDUCA SWISS is supported among others by<\/h4><\/div><\/div>
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