We are thrilled to welcome Jon Schmidt as our new representative in Switzerland.
Jon, a 37-year old psychologist and family therapist from Lausanne, met Matthieu Ricard in 2005 and became enthralled by our work. In 2011 he organized a benefit conference for Karuna-Shechen with Matthieu and Swiss philosopher Alexandre Jollien. Four years later, when Matthieu Ricard asked him to join our Swiss affiliate, he happily accepted the volunteer post.
Jon will work with Ursula and Daniel Vollenweider who first established Karuna-Shechen’s affiliate in Switzerland. They were inspired to help our work after their trip to Tibet in 1997. Since then, they have been essential in providing long-term support for our projects and will continue to work with us. We are very grateful for their invaluable and selfless dedication over the years.
Jon recently visited our projects in India to get better acquainted with our activities:
” I had the opportunity to meet many inspiring people during my visit to India. The villagers seemed eager to learn new skills and to contribute to the well-being of their communities. In Chando, I met a lady who we had trained in solar panel engineering and who had helped bring electricity to most of the households in her village. I was also struck by this lovely young girl who, although she had so few material possessions, was very positive. Her glow of happiness brought smiles to my heart.”
June 5 2020
During the unique period of lockdown, environmental experts have noted a sharp pollution decrease, a return of the animals to their natural habitat and a more luxuriant nature. These images have had a...
May 28 2020
On this International Menstrual Hygiene Day, Karuna-Shechen reaffirms its commitment empowering women in India and Nepal so that they have access to a better life. The menstrual cycle - a natural but...
May 22 2020
PROTECTING BIODIVERSITY MEANS PRIORITIZING ALTRUISM OVER SELFISHNESS The diversity of living species on Earth is fascinating. We appreciate its beauty and, since the beginnings of science, have so...
May 12 2020
[Our experts have the floor] Interview with Shalav Rana, Karuna Shechen’s country director in Nepal. Shalav Rana is the country director of Karuna-Shechen in Nepal. He hasover 15 years of experi...
April 29 2020
20 years of rural exodus: between opportunity and illusion Over the past two decades, India has witnessed a massive exodus from rural areas. The last census in 2011 showed that the population was s...
