SWISS CHAPTER
In September 2007, a small group of entrepreneurial Ph.D. students founded Aiducation International Switzerland. As the first Scholarship-Raising Chapter, the Swiss team worked closely with the first Talent-Raising chapter in Kenya to develop the concept and processes for AiducationInternational, which laid the foundation for a global organization.
We have official charity status in Switzerland, this means donations (e.g. as an AiduMaker) to Aiducation International Schweiz are exempt from taxes (official letter). Since our founding we have raised more than 130 scholarships to cover the fees for the four years of secondary school education for our AiduFellows. All of our team members are volunteers and none of them receives a salary from Aiducation. With the additional support of our AiduPartners, it is therefore possible for us to pass on at least 90% of your donation to cover the school fees of your student. Contact us today if you would like to join our team or support a student.
Donations (e.g. as an AiduMaker) to Aiducation International Schweiz is exempt from taxes (official letter).
The Swiss team currently consists of about 20 volunteers, working out of Zurich, St. Gallen and the Romandie. We would like to introduce some of our leaders, listed below
Aiducation International in Switzerland
Postfach 4001
8021 Zurich
Switzerland
Banking Details Aiducation International in Switzerland:
UBS Schweiz
Aiducation International Schweiz
IBAN: CH 1000275275813479M1M
BIC: UBSWCHZH80A
Clearing-Nr. 275
Matthias Meier – CEO of Aiducation International in Switzerland
Manages, develops and expands the Swiss chapter on a strategic and operational level. Represents Aiducation International Switzerland at events (internally and externally). Establishes and fosters relations to existing and potential AiduPartners. M.A. in Accounting and Finance of University of St. Gallen.
“With its unique business model, Aiducation International provides an amazing opportunity to really have a long-term impact in an entrepreneurial surrounding. On a personal level the organization offers me the chance to transfer my professional know-how and to further develop my skills in various areas. At the same time I know that every effort is 100% dedicated to enable highly motivated individuals to sustainably develop their own society.”
Jeanette Blings – CFO Aiducation International in Switzerland
Creates financial statements and oversees related administrative work incl. invoicing, dealing with tax authorities etc. Former Manager at Commerzbank AG, Diploma in Economics from the University of Konstanz.
“I see investment in education as the most sustaibale form of foreign aid policy. I enjoy being part of a great team and learning more about the different countries we are expanding to as well as getting to know many interesting people - including AiduMakers, Aiducators and Aiduseekers.”
Jakob Wrulich – COO Aiducation International in Switzerland
Manages and supports various projects within the Swiss Chapter, including those for regional business development. Supports and covers for CEO Aiducation International Switzerland. Consultant at Deloitte.
“The concept of Aiducation is unique and very appealing. I believe that providing education and mentoring to smart and motivated young people enables them to make a sustainable contribution to their own society.”
Dr. Kristin Kapitza – Co-Founder of Aiducation International
Seeks partners and supporters for Aiducation International. Presents on behalf of the Chapter at events and raises scholarships.
Registration specialist in the agrochemical industry, Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from ETH Zurich, Diploma in Biochemistry.
“I enjoy being part of this amazing venture, where I can use my skills to help talented students in developing countries to become what they can be. Investing in high potentials is accompanied by a substantial leverage effect. I can’t wait to see the achievements of our AiduFellows, which will move their societies forward.”
Rebekka Thommen – Head of Sales Development Aiducation International in Switzerland
Defines and implements strategies to penetrate existing sales channels. Develops new sales channels and multiplies them on regional chapter level. Ensures knowledge management and transfer regarding best practices in sales strategies.
“I love dedicating myself to Aiducation as we focus our efforts on what I believe to be the single most important resource that we need to invest in within developing countries: education. Only through education, individuals become empowered to develop their country themselves.”
rebekka.thommen@aiducation.org
Kerstin Hockmann – City Team Head Zurich
Manages the chapter Zurich on an operational level. Responsible for the recruitment of new team members and the achievement of sales targets. PhD student at the Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems (ETH Zurich), Diploma in Environmental Sciences.
be.project member - will assist the Bern/Basel City Team in their start-up time as she already has experience in launching new City Teams.
“In terms of personal and societal development, Aiducation International is the best way of turning potential into impact and visions into reality – here in Europe as well as in developing countries. It is a tremendous opportunity for me to be member of this dynamic and dedicated team.”
Andrea Lassmann – Aiducator Zurich Chapter, responsible for Customer Relationship Management
Coordinates and creates AiduFellows‘ progress reports as part of the customer relationship management team. Involved in organizing Aiducation Events. PhD student in Economics at ETH Zurich.
“If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.’ I think Confucius had a point.”
andrea.lassmann@aiducation.org
Georgina Balint
Designs marketing materials. Freelancing Designer. Diploma from the Basel School of Design Switzerland.
“Only through scholarships from private foundations was it possible for me to use my talent and study arts in Switzerland to fulfill my biggest dream of becoming a graphic designer. Through my commitment for Aiducation International I help talented individuals in developing counties realize their potential and fulfill their dreams, thereby I can give back what I once received.”
Steve Hofmann - City Team Head St. Gallen
Co-launched the St. Gallen City Team and is responsible for all its operational activities. Recruits new team members, contacts potential AiduMakers and creates a network in- and outside St. Gallen University (HSG). Studies business administration at St. Gallen University (HSG).
"The concept of Aiducation International is outstanding as it strictly focusses on high potentials (top 10% of all students) and thus manages to maximize the sustainable outcome for society. Furthermore I really enjoy working with a team of highly motivated, professional young people.“
Sabrina Rossi - Vice City Team Head St. Gallen
Manages the St. Gallen City Team together with Steven on an operational level. Responsible for the recruitment of new team members and the achievement of sales targets. Raises scholarships. Member oft he be.project team. Student at the University of St.Gallen, Bachelor of International Affairs 2012.
„The most valuable resource, which High Potentials can have, is education. Only with education, they are able to exploit their talent and therefore develop their country economically, politically and socially. I am convinced that the investment in the education of High Potentials has its maximum impact.“
Banking Details Aiducation International in Switzerland:
UBS Schweiz
Aiducation International Schweiz
IBAN: CH 1000275275813479M1M
BIC: UBSWCHZH80A
Clearing-Nr. 275
Find our Annual Report to download here



