Welcome to U4U Volunteers, the Swiss CrowdCaring iNGO
We are a global volunteer network, empowering vulnerable communities across Switzerland and Europe to integrate and thrive.
Through innovative, non-verbal therapies and volunteer-driven integration, we transform lives—matching resources directly to needs with minimal overhead and maximum impact.
U4U Key Commitments
Language-free Integration
Art. Music. Movement. Animals. Nature. Sport. Cooking. At U4U, we focus on universal languages that unite people no matter their origin or path in life. These languages take them to the roots where every human life and human connection stems from.
Under the guidance of highly qualified professionals and partner institutions, we use the most advanced, unconventional non-verbal tools as part of our approach to recovery and integration. By removing the stress of a foreign language - or any language - we see immediate and powerful results. Verbal communication in a foreign language comes naturally, word for word, as it does to children. As it does to each of us.
Beneficiaries as Volunteers
Our integration model focuses on engaging U4U beneficiaries as volunteers.
We believe that volunteering empowers people in distress such as refugees, victims of violence, disabled or the elderly by providing a sense of belonging and self-worth. It helps build skills, regain self-reliance and dignity, learn new languages and customs, and fosters community connections. It also allows beneficiary volunteers to receive reimbursement for meals and transportation. This accelerates integration and makes it more meaningful.
We provide guidance and training not only to volunteers but to participating institutions, who may not have sufficient experience with vulnerable communities.
Direct Aid
Our unique, non-hierarchical structure ensures that every donation directly supports vulnerable communities.
With minimal overhead, we efficiently match real needs with available resources, We have tested this through our signature "CareVan" and "CareFair" projects, "CareVan" brings help to the doorstep of those who cannot access it directly for health of other reasons. "CareFair" turns the donation of clothes and food into a social community gathering, where beneficiaries meet their needs and share their stories in a warm, friendly environment.
This approach fosters a linear and cost-effective structure. It also ensures seamless integration and maximum impact. We call it CrowdCaring!
"U4U Volunteers give us hope, dignity, a sense of belonging, and an exciting opportunity to volunteer! Realizing that your skills are valued and helpful, even if you don't speak the local language, makes a key difference to integration.”
Mariam, Medical nurse, Syria
U4U Key Programmes
Kid2Kid Club
Kid2Kid is a safe and happy place. We create an immersive and multicultural environment where kids choose their activity, engage, share and learn through play.
In addition to creative clubs, we are welcome guests at universities, museums, nature parks, science labs, libraries, theatres and festivals.
We also have vacation clubs and exciting outdoor adventures. We foster curiosity, freedom and self-expression.
We are lucky to learn from kids how to love the world in all its diversity.
Lets speak games!
OK'TAVA Open Arts
A unique collaboration lead by academia, cultural venues, medical professionals, artists and UN partners. OK’TAVA explores the impact of arts and healing traditions on persons who have experienced trauma. It expands and blends the boundaries of traditional art therapy and medical health practices. Its key mission is to develop a new language rooted in the 5 senses and the arts, which will unite people and promote helth for all.
For more information, please visit www.oktava.ch
Lets speak culture!
U4U Sports
We are proud of our award-winning U4U Badminton Club in Lausanne, Switzerland. It is run by refugees for refugees. An easy and familiar game, badminton lifts the spirit and instantly creates a happy community without the need for the same language or background. At U4U, we’ve seen firsthand how sports can break down barriers and unite people from all walks of life. Sports foster connections and understanding, allowing people to build friendships and a sense of belonging without the pressure of finding the right words.
Lets speak sports!
“U4U Volunteers have transformed the lives of many in our community. Their unique approach to healing and integration through universal languages known to us all - arts, cooking, sports - take us back to our roots, make us communicate, is both effective and heartwarming. We feel welcome and ready to recover, learn and integrate!"
Alina, Classical pianist, Ukraine
Contact us
U4U Volunteers
11-13 Chemin des Anemones
1219 Chatelaine, Geneva
Switzerland
info@unitedforu.org