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.
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 Committee
Laura Melly
President
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A qualified social worker, Laura Melly has experience in health, humanitarian action and international cooperation. Her professional background provides the Board with valuable insight into the social and human dimensions at the heart of Omoana’s work. She currently works for Médecins du Monde Switzerland.
Chloé Collier
Vice-President
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With extensive experience in international development cooperation, she brings to the Board her expertise in partnerships, project funding and the development sector. She is also a member of the Technical Commission of the Geneva Federation for Cooperation (FGC) and currently works at the Didier and Martine Primat Foundation.
Florence Savary
Treasurer
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Involved with Omoana since its early years, Florence Savary has extensive experience in association management, administration and education. As a teacher in the Canton of Fribourg, she brings valuable expertise, particularly in relation to Omoana’s inclusive education programmes.
Caroline Coquoz
Secretary
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A medical doctor, Caroline Coquoz brings to the Board her expertise in healthcare and her understanding of the challenges involved in supporting vulnerable populations, which are central to several of Omoana’s programmes. She currently practices at Vidymed in Lausanne.
Céline Lefebvre
Board Member
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Her career in humanitarian aid and child protection across numerous crisis-affected countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Palestine and Ukraine, together with her leadership experience, provides the Board with strong expertise in supporting vulnerable populations, resilience-building and working in humanitarian contexts.
Charlotte Gaeng
Board Member
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Her experience in strategic and creative communication helps raise awareness of Omoana’s work and that of its partners. She brings expertise in communication and public engagement to the Board and currently works at the Swiss Federal Office of Culture.
Luana Roberto
Board Member
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As a lawyer, Luana Roberto brings valuable legal expertise to the Board in the areas of governance, legal compliance and risk management. Her experience in human rights and juvenile justice is also directly relevant to several of Omoana’s programmes. She practices at Oratio Fortis and is a member of the International Association of Lawyers (UIA) as well as the Committee of the Great Lakes Moot Court Competition. These roles constitute declared interests.
Mariana Groba Gomes
Board Member
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Her experience in international cooperation, peace and security, and gender issues provides the Board with valuable insight into the fragile contexts in which Omoana operates and the challenges faced by girls and young people. She currently works at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
