What is the ES VICIS Foundation?
The ES VICIS Foundation is a non-profit organization rooted in Baselland, Switzerland, and has been active since 2016. Its core mission? To breathe new life into small rural communities, especially those in disadvantaged regions. The foundation tackles the big challenge of youth migration by flipping the script—turning these villages into vibrant, economically resilient hubs. It’s all about creating local jobs, attracting newcomers, and fostering sustainable development through economic growth, a welcoming vibe, and accessible housing. Working hand-in-hand with local partners, the foundation ensures these revitalized communities get access to essential infrastructure and services like health, education, connectivity, and transportation. It’s a holistic approach that’s about more than just survival—it’s about thriving.
Main Benefits of the ES VICIS Foundation’s Program
The foundation’s flagship initiative, the Welcome to My Village program, is a game-changer for small communities. Here’s a quick snapshot of what it brings to the table:
- Strengthens communities through a participatory approach that really gets people involved.
- Creates employment opportunities that help keep and attract families.
- Promotes integration, making newcomers feel right at home.
- Provides housing solutions tailored to the needs of the community.
- Built on a proven 6-phase model that partners with public, private, and academic sectors.
- Focuses on three pillars: “Welcome” (integration), “Business” (entrepreneurship and jobs), and “Home” (infrastructure and living spaces).
- Uses a digital platform for continuous monitoring and oversight throughout the program’s phases.
- Shares knowledge with local partners to replicate success across regions.
How the Program Works
The magic behind the Welcome to My Village program lies in its participatory stages. It’s not just about top-down decisions; the community and regional stakeholders are deeply engaged in assessing and evaluating their own needs and opportunities. This process uncovers hidden business and employment potentials that might otherwise go unnoticed. The foundation’s digital platform supports this by keeping everything on track and transparent, ensuring that progress is measurable and that lessons learned can be shared widely. It’s a smart, inclusive way to build momentum and trust.
Driving Economic Growth and Innovation
One of the foundation’s standout commitments is inspiring a mindset shift. Instead of sticking to traditional agribusiness, it identifies new products and services that the region actually demands. This opens up fresh avenues for business growth and job creation. And with digitalization reshaping the economy, the foundation helps rural businesses innovate and expand—not just locally, but globally. It’s about turning challenges into opportunities and making sure rural areas aren’t left behind in the digital age.
Bridging the Rural-Urban Divide
The ES VICIS Foundation is passionate about closing the gap between rural and urban areas. It advocates for decentralized development, pushing for solutions that last and truly improve people’s lives. This means better access to infrastructure, services, and opportunities, all while protecting the environment. The foundation’s approach is about balance—economic resilience without sacrificing the natural beauty and sustainability of these regions. It’s a vision where rural communities can flourish on their own terms.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by creating local jobs and supporting entrepreneurship.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through fostering innovation and developing infrastructure.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by revitalizing rural villages and improving living conditions.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – ensuring access to education as part of community services.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – by improving access to health services.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – bridging the rural-urban divide.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – promoting sustainable development that protects the environment.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Rural Revitalization
The ES VICIS Foundation’s work is a powerful example of how targeted, community-driven programs can transform rural areas. By combining economic growth, social integration, and sustainable development, it’s creating a blueprint for other regions to follow. The focus on collaboration—between public, private, and academic sectors—ensures that solutions are well-rounded and effective. And with the digital platform supporting ongoing monitoring and knowledge sharing, the foundation is setting the stage for lasting impact. The future looks bright for these once-struggling villages, now buzzing with new energy and opportunity.
