Dear Members,
To keep you informed about Casa Alianza Suisse’s activities in Geneva, we have decided to send you a newsletter called “QUE PASA” on an alternating basis with the journal. It will focus primarily on the association’s activities, as news from the field is generally covered in the journal. We hope you enjoy reading “QUE PASA.” If you’d prefer to receive a print version by mail, please let us know by calling or writing to our office (new address below) or by emailing info@casa-alianza.ch.
On behalf of the entire Casa Alianza team, we hope you enjoy reading it!
CASA ALIANZA GUATEMALA RESPONDS TO HURRICANE STAN
Following Hurricane Stan, which killed at least 2,000 people and left tens of thousands of families homeless in Guatemala, Casa Alianza (CAG) has launched an emergency shelter program for 300 orphans affected by the hurricane. CAG estimates that each child will need 200 francs for basic necessities over a three-month period. We immediately sent funds from our emergency fund to Guatemala and issued an urgent appeal to our members, donors, and the media. 6,000 francs have already been deposited into the organization’s account—that’s 10% of the total amount needed—so we’re counting on you to make one more effort!
There has been a great outpouring of solidarity in Guatemala since the hurricane. People are helping one another, lending shovels and tools, cooking for each other, and donating clothes and blankets. An internal fundraising drive among CAG staff raised 2,000 francs, a sum that was matched by a foreign volunteer. UNICEF has provided CAG with a nurse and a psychologist to assist orphans and the injured.
On October 22, children living at CAG, accompanied by caregivers, traveled to the disaster-stricken areas, where they brought food and water to survivors in a village that had been wiped off the map by a mudslide.
November 11, 10:00 p.m. CONCERT AT LE CHAT NOIR
For the first time, Casa Alianza Switzerland, in collaboration with Le Chat Noir and the talented singer Marianne, is organizing a benefit concert for children in Central America.
The idea came about following a meeting with Marianne, a dedicated and passionate artist. Thanks to her determination and that of Le Chat Noir to support Casa Alianza’s cause, their commitment to the arts, and their shared passion for music, the project was able to come to fruition. All proceeds will go to the orphans affected by Hurricane Stan.
Marianne captivates audiences with her energy, her sensitive yet powerful voice, and her sincere ability to stir emotions by touching the heart. After several years of performing on the streets of Montpellier, numerous trips—notably to Mexico—ten years of performing across France, and six years singing gospel with the Gospelize’it choir, Marianne, lead singer of the group Ginkobiloba, presents her first solo concert here. A synthesis of all her experiences, promising an intimate, intense, and soulful evening.
Don’t miss it for anything in the world… come one, come all!!!
Au Chat-Noir
, 13
Rue Vautier, 1227 Carouge
. Tel. 022.343.49.98
www.chatnoir.ch
Single admission price: 20 francs or 40 francs with the CD “Casa Alianza - Vol. 1”
NOVEMBER 16, 8:30 p.m. “IMPAIR ET PERE” by Rey COONEY at THE THEATRE DE L’ESPERANCE
In collaboration with the Richelieu Club and the Théâtre de l’Espérance theater troupe, we invite you to attend the play “Impair et Père” on November 16. All proceeds will be donated to the orphans of Hurricane Stan.
A plot full of twists and turns! A renowned surgeon is set to deliver a keynote speech before 300 doctors. But he finds himself confronted with a blunder from his youth. An 18-year-old man—who happens to be his illegitimate son—demands an explanation for his long silence. This surgeon, played last year by Roland Giraud at the Théâtre de la Michodière in Paris, extricates himself from each lie by inventing an even bigger one each time!
Théâtre de l’Espérance
, Rue de la Chapelle 8
, 1207 Geneva
Price: 30 francs
To order tickets, please email us at info@casa-alianza.ch or call us in the morning at 022 819 88 07.
MYRIAM, WE’LL MISS YOU!
After four years with Casa Alianza Switzerland—sometimes spending hours buried in thick fundraising files in downtown Geneva, yet with her heart always in Central America with the children to whom she devoted all her energy—our coordinator, Myriam, left Casa Alianza Switzerland at the end of October. In a few weeks, she’ll be setting off on a year-long trip around the world. A new adventure is beginning for her...
A big thank you from the entire Casa Alianza Suisse team!
Feel free to send her a quick email to wish her a safe journey!
Her email address: myriam_ernst
CASA ALIANZA IS MOVING
Starting November 1, 2005, Casa Alianza will have a new office at:
12 rue du Diorama
, 1204 Geneva
, Tel: 022 819 88 07
This space will not only serve as Casa Alianza’s headquarters but also as a place for the association to meet and connect. We look forward to seeing you at our new location!
Julia Lambert will be the administrative manager starting November 1. You can reach her by phone in the mornings or by email at julia@casa-alianza.ch.
“DE MOI A TOIT”: A Resounding Success Marking the Start of a Partnership Between the Eléphant Café and Casa Alianza Switzerland
On July 21, 2005, in a warm and festive atmosphere, many friends and members of the association gathered for happy hour, a glass of sangria in hand, to mark the start of the partnership that now unites Casa Alianza Switzerland and the Eléphant Café.
Sangria in summer, Fagote in winter! Eléphant Café supports children in Central America year-round, donating a symbolic one franc per glass.
Building on this experience, Casa Alianza Suisse is seeking new partnerships to create a solidarity network in Geneva to benefit street children. If you know of any cafés or bars that support the cause we champion and would be willing to join us in this endeavor, please don’t hesitate to contact Eliane (eliane@casa-alianza.ch
)!
INTRODUCTION TO JOURNALISM by the editor-in-chief of the Tribune de Genève
On July 15, Dominique von Burg, editor-in-chief of the Tribune de Genève, along with Jérôme von Burg, a former board member, gave a journalism workshop to the newspaper’s staff and several members of Casa Alianza.
Dominique von Burg shared his experience in newsroom journalism with great pedagogical skill. The participants, divided into small working groups, benefited from very constructive feedback and practical advice that will help improve the association’s communication with its members.
This training session provided an opportunity to rethink the objectives of the Casa Alianza newsletter and sparked the idea for this newsletter... The entire team thanks Dominique von Burg for her participation and looks forward to putting this new knowledge into practice!
DEATH OF THE DIRECTOR OF CASA ALIANZA NICARAGUA
Ms. Zelmira Garcia Cortés, a founding member and director of Casa Alianza Nicaragua, passed away on Monday, September 12.
Zelmira distinguished herself through her unparalleled commitment at the helm of this institution dedicated to defending and promoting children’s rights in Nicaragua. She led countless initiatives there to promote respect for and the dignity of children, particularly in the fight against child abuse, domestic violence, and other forms of abuse.
Although confined to a wheelchair, she was a tireless traveler who journeyed around the world to champion the cause of her country’s children.
We extend our deepest condolences to Zelmira’s family, loved ones, and many friends.
Following Zelmira’s passing, Ms. Grethel López Mendoza was appointed director of Casa Alianza Nicaragua.
The following people contributed to the editing of QUE PASA No. 1:
Nicole, Lisa, Myriam, Eliane, Maud, Aurélie, Marie-Laure
