Dear Members and Friends,
We are pleased to share with you a summary of developments in several of our recent projects.Wishing you a calm and gentle start to the winter season.
1° Syria
We are deeply saddened to report the violent and cowardly assault suffered in October by the local coordinator of the Vivere–Syria team. He sustained a broken arm and serious bruising. Despite being confined to a chair for weeks, our brave and resilient colleague, Mr N., has continued to motivate his team, who have carried on with their work at the usual pace.
Thirty-three new babies have been added to the twelve who we already support, bringing to 45 the number of children receiving nutritional supplements. This photo shows little Chahm:
2° Colombia
Play and Learn: Creative strategies for learning, culture, and nutritional support for children in rural areas
Educational and nutritional support is the bedrock of our Atucsara project in the Mangangué region and takes place in the communities of Santa Lucía, Nueva Colombia, and Barranco de Yuca.
The aim is to support children’s holistic development using pedagogical methods based on play, oral tradition, and cultural expression, complemented with nutritional support to enhance both their physical well-being and school performance.
Food support has also offered crucial relief to families, particularly in Santa Lucía, which suffers frequent flooding from the Magdalena River. In such an environment, the nutritional component has served not only as an educational tool but also as a vital show of solidarity with households affected by social and climate-related crises.
3° Burundi
In October, a member of our team spent three days working with our partner organisation, SFBSP_Burundi – Association for Women’s Rights. Our joint project, supporting the rehabilitation of sex workers, remains focused on women from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, forced into prostitution simply to survive. Prostitution is illegal in Burundi. Beyond the risks of HIV, other STIs, unwanted pregnancies and violence from clients, these women are also frequently targeted by the morality police — a force that enjoys strong public backing. They are imprisoned without trial, and without outside help, can remain in detention indefinitely. They are treated as though they were less than human.
This year, the project supported its fourth group of ten women, most of whom were able to transition to income-generating activities (IGAs) sufficient to leave sexual exploitation behind permanently. As 2025 draws to a close, we note that 80% of the 40 beneficiaries supported since 2021 have maintained their IGAs and ceased all involvement in prostitution.
Our project manager, Annick Kosel, concludes:
“The project implemented by Vivere in partnership with SFBSP-Burundi has had a very positive social and economic impact on the lives of the sex workers involved. This project truly makes a difference. It changes lives. The approach — training, financial support, and regular follow-up — is relevant, effective, and easily replicated. After the four phases of the project, I recommend that, if Vivere’s finances allow, the project be extended to new beneficiaries, in Bujumbura and/or elsewhere in the country, with SFBSP as our partner.”
Last month’s field visit enabled us to finalise the framework for the 2026 work plan, which will also extend to the Kirundo region in the north. Thanks to a substantial grant awarded to SFBSP by the French Embassy in Bujumbura, and significant financial support from our friends at Solidaires sans Frontières (Lyon, France), our project will be able — from next month — to support 60 new sex workers: 40 in Kirundo and 20 in the capital. This is a major step forward in what is vital work for justice!
4° Pakistan : Khawajasira Panah Gah, the First Shelter for the Protection of Transgender People in Pakistan
In our June update, we announced the start of this new partnership, and Vivere’s decision to support Khawajasira Panah Gah (KPG) with CHF 1,694 (EUR 1,797), primarily to cover the annual rent of its shelter. We continue to receive regular updates from this incredibly dedicated team, who persevere despite the often harsh and violent prejudice of certain sectors of the population. Below is a translation of one of this month’s messages from Sonia:
“I am delighted to share an inspiring story which beautifully reflects the true spirit and mission of KPG — a story of courage, compassion, and transformation.
A few months ago, we came across a distressing video of Zaini, a transgender member of our community, who had been in a serious road accident while under the influence of drugs. Our team responded immediately: we rescued her, provided emergency care, and admitted her to a private rehabilitation centre thanks to our collective efforts and commitment.
(She had completed her schooling up to the intermediate level at a private college. She comes from a middle-class family, but due to rejection from her family and siblings, she had been living alone. Because job opportunities for transgender people in Pakistan are extremely limited, she was unable to find suitable work and turned to sex work to survive. During this period, some clients introduced her to drugs, leading to dependency.)
The centre offered a three-month course for mild addiction and a six-month course for severe cases. We initially opted for the shorter programme, but on medical advice, we enrolled her in the six-month rehabilitation plan to ensure long-term recovery. With constant care, emotional support, and the love of our community, Zaini overcame her struggles and rediscovered her strength and purpose.
After completing her treatment, she stayed with us at KPG — her safe home — for an additional month. Surrounded by acceptance, care, and genuine affection, she flourished once more: calm, confident, and full of hope. Many visitors from the community came to see her, reminding her how deeply valued she was and that she would never face her challenges alone.
When her family learnt of her recovery, they contacted us. During her rehabilitation, her father had sadly passed away, and her mother — now living alone — longed to see her daughter again. Their reunion was profoundly moving. Watching Zaini return to her mother’s welcoming arms was a moment of pure healing — a powerful reminder of what compassion and community can achieve. For us at KPG, it reaffirmed our mission and strengthened our resolve.
Zaini’s journey embodies the resilience and spirit of our community. Yet we know there are many more ‘Zainis’ still waiting for hope and a helping hand. Each success story reinforces our belief that recovery, dignity, and transformation are truly possible.
We are deeply grateful for your support to KPG — may God grant us the wisdom, strength, and resources to continue this mission of love and service. Together, we will keep transforming lives with compassion and humanity.
With warm regards and sincere gratitude,
Sonia Naz
Director, Khawajasira Panah Gah (KPG)”
5° Vivere at the Solidarity Christmas Market
At a time when international cooperation budgets are shrinking, the 19th edition of the Solidarity Christmas Market — held from 11 to 13 December — offers a wonderful opportunity to support 40 organisations that remain creative and committed. Through them, you will also discover the rich craftsmanship of the communities they work with, all in a warm, multicultural, and festive setting. This year, a dozen additional information stands hosted by various organisations will enhance the event — plenty of discoveries in store!
The 2025 Solidarity Christmas Market takes place in a difficult global context, as many countries — including Switzerland — have reduced their cooperation funding. But when governments turn inward, it is up to citizens to choose solidarity instead: by directly supporting meaningful grassroots initiatives and strengthening the bonds between diverse communities around the world. Shopping at the Solidarity Christmas Market is a direct way to support organisations that carry out vital projects through genuine partnerships with the communities concerned. And all this in a welcoming environment, ideal for exploring, meeting people, and discovering new things.
With over 30 countries represented, you are sure to find unique, one-of-a-kind products, enjoy an impressive selection of crafts, and learn about the stories and solidarity behind them. And to top it all off, food and drink are available throughout. In short — an opportunity not to be missed!
Vivere’s stand will be located in the main hall on the 2nd floor.
OPENING HOURS
Thursday & Friday: 17:00 – 22:00
Saturday: 11:00 – 20:00
Avenue Jean-Jacques Mercier 3, 1003 Lausanne
