Who are we?
Aspiring to a youth that is confident and an agent of change, in control of its own well-being and future.
Omoana is a Swiss non-profit organisation founded in 2003. Its mission is to support young people in Uganda and Iraq in developing their prospects for the future. The organisation provides strategic, technical and financial support to local organisations and initiatives in the fields of education, mental health and psychosocial support. Our aim is to stimulate the resources of young people as players in the development and social cohesion of their country.
Our values
Solidarity
Omoana, its partners and beneficiaries are united in creating solutions for the future of young people.
Equal opportunities
Young people, regardless of their religion, gender, political opinion or any other similar criteria, should have the same chances and opportunities for social development.
Commitment
We are committed to supporting young people so that they become active players in the development and social cohesion of their country.
Trust
Omoana bases its relationships and partnerships on trust. Our programmes and relationships with our donors are built on complete transparency.
Our countries of operation
Our history
Omoana was founded in 2003 by a group of students from Fribourg. Through various events, they raised funds to finance child sponsorship in Uganda. The organisation expanded with the creation of a section in the canton of Geneva in 2007. Omoana was then recognised as a non-profit organisation in 2009.
In 2008, Omoana joined Fribourg Solidaire. This gives the association access to public funding, as well as enabling it to take part in a number of exchange platforms related to its areas of activity.
The association carries out intense fundraising efforts: concerts, evenings, sales of all kinds, as well as the Toile d’innocence exhibition, which in 2011 brought together 26 artists from Fribourg. This has given rise to a number of projects. The association works with local partners to provide comprehensive support for children affected by HIV/AIDS and war, notably by setting up the Omoana House rehabilitation centre for HIV-positive children, an agricultural training centre, a project to prevent gender-based violence, micro-credit projects for vulnerable families and a mental health project.
In 2013, Omoana is celebrating its tenth anniversary with various events in the cantons of Fribourg and Geneva, including concerts, a conference, a photo exhibition, a support dinner and awareness-raising sessions in schools.
In 2015, the association moved its headquarters to Geneva, while maintaining an active branch in Fribourg. In 2016, Omoana joins the Fédération Genevoise de Coopération, which helps to develop its activities and participate in knowledge exchanges within the canton’s associations.
In 2022, Omoana reviews its strategy and decides to focus on education, mental health and psychosocial support for children and young people affected by violence in Uganda and other countries. In 2023, Omoana opens its operations in Iraq.
In 2023, to celebrate its 20th anniversary, Omoana is organizing a musical show in Geneva and Bulle, with 6 former beneficiaries recounting, with humor and emotion, their journey in the face of adversity. Exchanges with young people are also organized in the canton of Geneva. Unfortunately, all the visas for the Ugandans to come to Switzerland are denied. Omoana adapts the show by producing digital videos.
Our team
Our staff
Adrien Genoud
Director
Adrien has over 20 years’ experience in the international solidarity sector, including 10 years in the field in Uganda and Iraq. His various commitments have led him to develop skills in the fields of psychosocial support and peacebuilding, as well as in issues relating to the situation of children affiliated with armed groups. Adrien holds a master’s degree in humanitarian action, as well as certificates in human rights, social work, peacebuilding and theater.
Chloé Collier
Program coordinator
Trained as a lawyer, Chloé specialized in international humanitarian law and human rights through an LLM at the Geneva Academy, before turning to development cooperation and the promotion of children’s rights, notably in Senegal. Having also co-founded an association in her home country, she is committed to working towards a more egalitarian world for the most vulnerable young people.
Gaëtan Bidaud
Accounting and administration manager
With a Master’s degree in public economics and public finance, Gaëtan traveled extensively before spending three years as a volunteer in northern Uganda with a local NGO active in prison and as local coordinator for Eirene Suisse. His passion for promoting equal human rights is what drives him to continue his commitment to the countries of the South.
Our Volunteers
Celina Wild
Communication volunteer
Celina joined Omoana in 2022 during her master’s degree in psychology. After working inside the project Omoana House in Uganda she wanted to continue supporting Ugandan youths. Celina takes care of our Instagram presence and supports Omoana’s external communication.
Our Committee
Laura Melly, Lausanne
President
Sophie Grangier, Genève
Vice-President
Florence Savary, Bulle
Treasurer
Caroline Coquoz, Lausanne
Secretary
Valentine Debonneville, Lausanne
Member
Marion Nourrisson, Berne
Member
Céline Lefebvre, Genève
Member
Aude Mugnier, Genève
Member
Elsa Da Silva, Genève
Member
