Volunteering is rewarding

Strong together

When Angela Pollicelli achieved her dream, she knew it wouldn't be easy. In 2014, the 43-year-old from Graubünden bought a farm in Santa Maria with 40 goats, 4 horses and around 15 hectares of pasture. "If you clear forest at this altitude to create grazing land, you have to ensure it is well maintained. We have gorse in Val Calanca, which is very invasive and has to be pulled out by the root."

Fortunately, people like Ueli Wyrsch are willing to lend a hand. The 67-year-old from Bern used to work as a landscape gardener and in education. After retiring, he was keen to find voluntary work. He came across the Bergversetzer project online. He soon volunteered to spend a week helping Angela Pollicelli remove the invasive plants together with community service workers. "It was a wonderful experience that gave me an insight into a different way of life," says Ueli.

Both sides had to show an open-minded outlook: Angela took in a stranger, while Ueli had to get used to a completely new environment. For two years in a row now, he has found it hard to leave after completing his stint. "For a while, I really missed the tranquillity, the colours of the flowers and the magnificent starry sky over Val Calanca at night."

Info at bergversetzer.ch

Sharing moments brings people together

In winter, the fog often lingers persistently over Lucerne, where 77-year-old Lyss Oeschger lives. She suffered a stroke 21 years ago and has been paralysed on one side of her body ever since. When Reto Schmitz stopped by for his regular visit on yet another grey day, she really felt like seeing some sunshine again. On the spur of the moment, he lifted her wheelchair into his car and drove her up the Rooterberg to Michaelskreuz. A few metres before arriving at their destination, the blue sky finally appeared. "Seeing Lyss' face light up made it worthwhile," says Reto.

The 65-year-old used to work at the Paraplegic Centre in Nottwil, canton of Lucerne, before retiring four years ago. He met Lyss through the local "Zeitgut Luzern" neighbourly help organisation and has been going on short outings with her twice a month ever since. "A trip like the one to Michaelskreuz gives me a real boost for days," she says. Reto is amazed by Lyss' positive attitude to life despite her condition.

Although the pair have only known each other for three months, they clearly get on well. For Reto, it is not just about helping out. Especially since entering retirement, social contact has become important for his quality of life. "Wonderful shared moments make me feel alive, useful and connected," he says. He then helps Lyss to put her coat on. Now, it's time to head out into the spring sunshine.

Info at zeitgut-luzern.ch or nachbarschaftshilfeschweiz.ch

A kind soul in the classroom

At the age of 68, Anne-Françoise Droz is back at school once a week. But the senior citizen is neither a retired teacher nor an eternal student, she is actually a volunteer. "I help Marie Negri at the primary school in Saint-Imier, canton of Bern. Sometimes I read to the class, other times I go over maths or French with a child individually," explains "Fifi", as everyone affectionately calls her, as she takes a more in-depth look at a lesson with a pupil in the corridor.

Anne-Françoise Droz is part of "Win3", a programme run by Pro Senectute Arc Jurassien that brings older people together with schoolchildren in the classroom environment. "Being here is an absolute joy. I feel useful and valued," she explains. She has been in the classroom every Thursday since 2018.

30-year-old primary school teacher Marie Negri is still responsible for the class. But Fifi's assistance enables her to provide the children with more individual support. "Fifi doesn't assess them, she assists," she makes clear. Over the past eight years, the two women have forged a strong bond. This trust also means Marie Negri can take the class on longer trips: "Fifi always comes with us. Having a second adult carer by my side who I can trust completely is priceless."

And what about the children? They absolutely adore Fifi. This is highlighted by the warmth they show towards her – seven-year-old Finja Riedwyl gives her favourite volunteer a big hug at every opportunity.

Info at aj.prosenectute.ch/win3

A meeting that turned into a friendship

They are the same age, enjoy being out and about and love to cook, yet their circumstances could not be more different. Hannes Neuhaus lives in an apartment near Winterthur and works in tourism, while Santos Morray fled to Switzerland from Sierra Leone with his son two years ago. His asylum application was rejected, he is not allowed to work and lives in emergency accommodation in the canton of Zurich.

Here, he came across the "Kombi" project run by the Solinetz association, which organises monthly meetings over a six-month period. They provide information about the Swiss asylum system, but also access to language courses and other support services. They also give refugees the opportunity to meet volunteers like Hannes. "People whose asylum applications are rejected often live in isolation and are soon forgotten," explains Hannes.

Once or twice a month, he did some activities with Santos and his son. For example, they visited Winterthur Zoo, went for a walk and played table tennis – things that Santos' eight-year-old son enjoyed too. One of the best moments was the barbecue evening that Hannes' mum invited them to. "I've never eaten so many vegetables in my life," says Santos. He tried courgettes for the first time and loved them right away.

Even though the project has ended, Hannes and Santos still meet up regularly – the link-up has turned into a real friendship.

Info at projektkombi.ch