As an airline, people are always at the center of all our activities. That is why social and environmental responsibility is a major concern for SWISS – at home in Switzerland and at our destinations. Our commitment focuses on youth development, education, integration and empowerment. As part of this commitment, we can look back on a partnership of over 20 years with the SOS Children's Villages Switzerland foundation. During this time, we have collected almost four million francs with the help of our passengers through our in-flight collection together on board our aircraft. We are proud of the success of our partnership and would like to achieve even more together with our customers and employees in the future.
Last year alone, help alliance supported more than 60,000 children and young adults in 60 projects worldwide.
In 2025, we will start a new initiative in South Africa that is close to our hearts. Together with SOS Children's Villages and help alliance, the charitable organization of the Lufthansa Group, we are launching an initiative in Johannesburg and Cape Town to support disadvantaged children and young people and help them on their way to a self-determined life.
The help alliance is the central pillar of the Lufthansa Group's social commitment and supported more than 60,000 children and young adults in 60 projects worldwide last year alone. In view of this impressive commitment and reach, SWISS will further intensify its cooperation with the help alliance in order to exploit even more synergies in the future. SOS Children's Villages, help alliance and SWISS are setting new standards to enable young people to have a better future. The alliance of three such strong partners makes our commitment even more effective. We are convinced that together we can achieve great things!
From 2025, the coin collection on board SWISS in Johannesburg and Cape Town will support the new joint project of SOS Children's Villages and help alliance. Three central initiatives will be implemented:
1. School education for disadvantaged children: orphans or disadvantaged children receive school supplies, school uniforms and support for their way to school.
2. Vocational training and mentoring for young people: Young people supported by SOS Children's Villages receive help for their professional future through vocational training, counseling, workshops and mentoring. In a country with high youth unemployment, this support significantly increases their chances of finding their first job.
3. Renovation and infrastructure projects in SOS Children's Villages: Two SOS Children's Villages are being supported with renovations, as well as the installation of solar energy and the provision of clean drinking water. This creates safe and healthy living conditions for children and young people.
We look forward to the new initiative and to making a positive change together with our partners, employees and customers.
Text: Corporate Responsibility
Published: 12.12.2024
help alliance
The help alliance is the aid organization of the Lufthansa Group and its employees. It was founded in 1999 by 13 Lufthansa employees and supports projects worldwide that primarily provide young people with access to education and empower them to lead self-determined lives. In addition to supporting selected projects, the help alliance also promotes the development of local volunteer communities made up of airline colleagues. There are currently around 30 communities active at over 70 LHG locations, with leads organizing and supporting a wide range of activities.
SOS Children's Villages
SOS Children's Villages offers a home to children in need and strengthens vulnerable families in over 135 countries. Through programs focusing on education, health and income generation, the organization empowers children and families to shape their own future. The Swiss SOS Children's Villages Foundation is a private, non-political and non-denominational children's aid organization that finances SOS Children's Villages and their associated programs to support and strengthen families in developing countries.
