Then and now. Fighting poverty together.
Your gift makes a difference. Today and tomorrow.
For 125 years, change has begun by looking closer, not looking away. Together we’ve been working to rid the world of poverty, promote fairer opportunities for people affected by poverty and defend their rights. Then and now.
125 years of fighting poverty in Switzerland and around the world
Whether we’re providing emergency aid in crisis-stricken areas, access to clean water, or opening up income-generating opportunities, Caritas Switzerland has been advocating for the poor and needy for 125 years.
The challenges are changing, and our work is changing with them. In addition to providing emergency aid, we are promoting long-term solutions, strengthening local institutions, and addressing the root causes of poverty. In Switzerland and around the world.
Joining with local partner organizations, local residents, dedicated staff and donors, we work to bring about sustainable change and strengthen institutions that help people determine their future themselves.
Thank you for being part of this commitment.
Here are three stories from the present day that show what’s possible.
Poverty takes many forms. But there are just as many ways for people to rise to challenges, seize opportunities and shape their daily lives. Below are three examples from the people we work with.
Chad: Opportunities for Women
Léa lives with her children in southern Chad. After recovering from a serious illness and separating from her husband, she made a fresh start. Caritas first supported her with a cash gift; later she completed an apprenticeship as a seamstress. Today she’s healthy and makes clothing in her tailor shop for customers in her area. Her work provides her with regular income, enabling her to feed her family.
Cambodia: Opportunities for Children
Phirun attends Choeung Chab Elementary School in northwestern Cambodia. The school used to be in poor condition. Caritas Switzerland’s Blue School concept supports it in creating a healthier learning environment. Clean water, working toilets, a school gardens, and lessons about hygiene and the natural environment form the foundation. Using games, Phirun and the other kids learn how to prevent illnesses, protect nature and take responsibility for their future.
Ukraine: Emergency Aid in a Time of Crisis
Olha uses a wheelchair and lives with her son and his family in Kharkiv. The city has been a target of repeated Russian attacks for nearly five years. Until recently, this retired woman could only leave her apartment if her son carried her down several flights of stairs. With support from Caritas, the family was able to install a ramp in the stairwell. They use it to get to the air raid shelter more quickly when the alert sounds. It makes getting out of the house for a breath of fresh air easier for Olha too, improving her quality of life.
Working to rid the world of poverty: Some numbers
The three stories above are just a few examples of how Caritas Switzerland helped countless people around the world in 2026. Below are four figures to show how wide-ranging our efforts to alleviate poverty are and how they are helping:
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childrenin Cambodia gained access to clean water, which will improve their health and development.
(2026)
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farmersin Tajikistan gained access to weather and climate data, enabling them to farm more sustainably and increase crop yields.
(2026)
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women-led microenterprisesin Ethiopia created new income opportunities for their members and their families.
(2026)
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farmersin Kosovo gained greater certainty when selling their crops thanks to fixed-price purchase agreements.
(2026)
Poverty changes. Solidarity remains.
For 125 years—and into the future—we have been supporting people affected by poverty. Thank you for showing solidarity. Together for a world without poverty. ❤️
Learn more about our efforts to rid the world of poverty.
Header image: Caritas Switzerland - then and now: Archive photo from Brazil in 1997 and a recent photo from Cambodia in 2025. 125 years of fighting poverty. © Caritas Switzerland / Archive photo (left) / Nicolas Honoré (right)