Fact Sheet

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’s / Women’s Christian Association) and has been working with partners for over 15 years in an interdisciplinary network of aid and development organisations – primarily Swiss aid organisations and donor coordination.

Having been constituted as a self-contained association during the first years, Horyzon became a non-profit making foundation with no commercial aims under Swiss law and regulations in January 2009. 

What does Horyzon do?

Horyzon’s budget in 2013 is 1.35 million Swiss Francs which is used to support a total of nine projects and programs in national and local YMCAs / YWCAs in Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe.

Horyzon 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 encouraging 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 Balkan States and also worldwide through the World-YWCA projects. In Switzerland Horyzon raises awareness in the north-south topic through sensitization and by making inter-cultural contact between young people possible.

Where does the money come from?

35% of the funds come through Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), in cooperation with Bread for all. Swiss cantons, municipalities, private donations, church parishes and the sponsored runs organised by Horyzon bring in additional funds.

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, transparent handling of donations. Horyzon was certified in 2008 (re-certification 2011) with the ISO 9001:2008 certificate and the with NPO label for Management Excellence Fribourg.

Horyzon also holds the ZEWO certificate – a further guarantee for diligence when handling donated monies. In order to aligns with international standards, the financial accounting department was adapted to the GAAP FER 21 regulations in 2005.

Horyzon accompanies its project partners with professional monitoring, reporting, controlling and evaluations.