Interview with Mrs Evelyn Braun, Managing Director of AVINA STIFTUNG

For the second year in a row, AVINA STIFTUNG is providing an important scholarship to the Institute’s Executive Master in Development Studies programme (IMAS). Why?

Although, nowadays AVINA STIFTUNG is mainly active in Switzerland, it also fosters cultural exchange between Latin America and Europe, resp. Switzerland. For this purpose we collaborate with our Latin American sister foundation, Fundación AVINA, or with innovative Swiss programmes like IMAS. The programme’s participants supported by AVINA STIFTUNG are Latin American professionals engaged in social issues who are exposed to local realities; they are the types of civil society leaders that AVINA STIFTUNG is seeking to support and strengthen.

Why is the IMAS particularly relevant and adapted to such an audience?

The structure of the programme in three decentralised teaching phases (Mali, Peru, Vietnam) taking place at local, regional and international levels is quite unique. The Latin American participants chosen by AVINA STIFTUNG work in their own societies and deeply understand the realities in which they operate. The field study, the core element of the IMAS, allows them to enhance this understanding and to disseminate it. During the phase that takes place in Lima, they exchange experiences with Latin American counterparts, concentrate on regional issues/obstacles and develop alliances. Finally, the stay in Geneva is an excellent opportunity to exchange with participants from other continents and achieve synergies for the sustainable development of Latin America. Last but not least, the use of Spanish as a training language (in addition to French and English) is a unique asset of the programme and is, in itself, a strong attraction for such participants.

How does AVINA STIFTUNG add value to the programme?

Our foundation contributes to the tuition fees of participants from Latin America who would not otherwise be able to afford them. We also wish to increase assistance from participants’ employers by demonstrating that this programme contributes to the development of organisations. The new version of the programme, set to begin in 2012, is entitled the Executive Master in Development Policies and Practices (DPP) and is designed to respond to these needs. The training will be shorter and more focused on local capacity building at an organisational level, thus making it more attractive for employers. This programme has been revamped to target organisations as a whole, and not only individuals. The new concept is ideal for donors who wish to empower partners in the field. Another promising project is the programme’s virtual platform which will create a network of its Alumni and the Graduate Institute as well as its sponsors. This will help IMAS and the new Executive Master in Development Policies and Practices achieve broader impact. At AVINA STIFTUNG we believe that tools and methods are of utmost importance to offer professional and effective assistance. AVINA STIFTUNG promotes a new concept of philanthropy which combines the objectives of non-profit activities with methods and tools taken from the business world. In that respect, I think that more emphasis on management skills strengthens the programme.

More information on the IMAS programme and the DPP programme.

More information on AVINA STIFTUNG

Interview carried out by Stephanie Roy Michael, Programme Assistant, IMAS and DPP