What is Horyzon?

Horyzon is the Swiss development organisation for youth. It was founded in 1969 and is based in Olten.. Horyzon is part of the international

YMCA/YWCA (Young Men/Women Christian Association) and has been working with partners for over 15 years in an interdiciplanry network of aid and development organisations – primarily Swiss aid organisations and donor coordination.  Since 1969 it has its own constitution and in January 2009 it became a non-profit making foundation with no commercial aims under Swiss law and regulations.  

What does Horyzon do?

Horyzon’s budget in 2009 was 1,4 million Swiss Francs which was used to support projects and programs in national and local YMCA/YWCA’S in Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe. It focuses on bettering the living conditions of young people and providing education and training in practical areas. Project work centres mainly on vocational training, health education and supporting and ecouraging youths to stand up for their rights.

How does Horyzon work?

Horyzon has the advantage of working with national and local partners who have lived in the target areas for generations and are aware of the needs of the local population. Horyzon has conformed to the need for more professionalism in aid and development work (EZA) by focussing clearly on their undertakings and integrating competent volunteers into the processes.  With this background, Horyzon works with a  professional management team in a flexible, proactive manner. Expert knowledge and experience in international youth aid make Horyzon a well known and reliable partner.

Where does Horyzon work?

Horyzon has ongoing projects in Ecuador, Columbia, Palestine, Bangladesh, Armenia, the Balcan States and worldwide in the World-YWCA projects. In Switzerland Horyzon awakens interest in the north-south situation by sensibilisation and making inter-cultural contact between young people possible.

How much money flows into these projects?

In 2009, Horyzon worked with a budget of 1,4 million Swiss Francs in 15 projects. It is planned to increase the budget long-term to 2 milliion Swiss Francs.

Where does the money come from?

35% of the monies come from a cooperation with the Swiss Federal Department for Development (DEZA) known as „bread for all“. Swiss cantons, municipalities, private donations, church groups and the 2-hour sponsored runs that Horyzon organise bring in the rest of the money. 

How does Horyzon guarantee, that the donations reach their intended targets?

Between 2005 and 2007, Horyzon implemented a quality management system resulting in a lean, efficient administration which guarantees a careful, transparant handling of donations. The foundation was certified in 2008 with the Swiss ISO 9001-2000 and the  NPO label for Management Excellence.

Horyzon holds two ZEWO certificates – a further guarantee for diligence when handling donated monies. To conform with international standards, the financial accounting department was aligned with the Swiss GAAP FER 21 regulations in 2005. Horyzon accompanies its project partners with professional monitoring, reporting, controlling and evaluation.