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<\/a>Alex Wettstein in action: planning, helping, healing, and building solutions for rural communities.<\/p><\/div>\n
Hello to everyone, it’s Alex.<\/a> How are you today?<\/p>\n How are you? How are you feeling? Do you realize that in just twelve days<\/strong>, it will be Christmas? As 2024 comes to an end, I feel the need to take a moment to share with you a personal reflection, some introspection, and, above all, deep feelings of gratitude.<\/p>\n A few times a year, most recently last August<\/a>, I take the time to write “<\/i>A Word from Alex<\/i><\/a>“<\/i>. These are, admittedly, (very)<\/em> long open letters that are entirely spontaneous, directly from my thoughts and everything that makes me a thinking<\/strong> and creative<\/strong> human being. They are addressed to everyone: my family, my friends, my colleagues, those we help, and even people I don\u2019t know.<\/p>\n These letters allow me not only to keep you informed<\/strong> about events but also to pause amidst the constant, exciting whirlwind<\/strong> that is my, our, daily life here in the far east Indonesia. These moments of writing\u2014outside of the articles we publish on the Swiss Foundation\u2019s website<\/i>\u2014are rare, yet they are essential for me to (re)<\/i>connect with all of you and to strengthen what we have been building together since 2008<\/strong> and even earlier.<\/p>\n This year has been particularly intense, mentally, physically, and emotionally<\/strong>. Each day brought its share of challenges, sometimes overwhelming ones. It was difficult then, and it remains so now. However, thanks to your unwavering support<\/a>, the exceptional dedication of our teams on the ground, and the strength of our shared vision, we are holding strong. Together, we have faced these trials, and it is this unity, this solidarity, that constitutes our greatest strength. Thank you for making this possible. Thank you<\/strong> for being here, year after year.<\/p>\n A young girl in an ultra-rural village discovers the sound of her heartbeat, a moment of amazement and learning.<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n Every day of this year has been a true challenge. There have been overwhelming responsibilities I often bear alone, colossal projects on the ground in which I am deeply involved, and unforeseen events that have required immediate responses, often on the spot. Administrative constraints, sometimes absurd, could have discouraged me, but I never gave up (or if I did, I quickly got back up)<\/i>. Not because it was easy, but because the beneficiaries of our work, those tens of thousands of people, remind us almost daily why and for whom we do all this.<\/p>\n And then there is a thought that rarely leaves my mind, one that drives me: that of my biological father, Axel Kahn<\/a>, who passed away on July 5, 2024. A tireless and brilliant worker, an extraordinary man. During the three months before his death, he chose to publicly share every moment of the end of his life with rare lucidity and humanity. Through this act, he sought to shed light on a topic often considered taboo: death, and more specifically, the experience of one\u2019s final moments\u2014a subject of societal debate for a long time, which greatly fascinates me. Until the very end of his earthly life, he wanted to share his final moments.<\/p>\n Like him, I am driven by an unending quest for balance and social justice. Axel<\/a> passionately supported scientific progress while keeping human dignity at the forefront of his concerns. This duality, this effort to harmonize sometimes contradictory values, is a constant source of inspiration for me. I often think of him and our last phone call, just a few days before his death, during which he congratulated me on our work.<\/p>\n It is in this spirit that my commitment to Fair Future<\/a> makes perfect sense. Innovating, building, and addressing the essential needs of the most vulnerable while respecting their humanity, culture, and dignity: this is the guiding principle of our actions. Like Axel, I ask myself daily: How can we reconcile progress, balance, and humanism? How can we combine pragmatism and justice in our work? How can we be heard, and then, most difficult of all: understood? These reflections are not a burden but a compass that motivates both me and the foundation to go ever further.<\/p>\n Returning to 2024 after this familial digression… The projects carried out this year\u2014be it deep drilling, healthcare, medical care, social aid, or various training initiatives in schools or the construction of sanitation facilities\u2014have been, for the most part, successful. Faced with the challenges encountered, we have learned to adapt and persist in our efforts. It is our resilience and ability to move forward despite obstacles that make Fair Future<\/a> strong. I am deeply convinced that our efforts are never in vain; that every action and every small step helps transform lives and build a better future. This conviction lies at the very heart of our mission\u2019s<\/a> meaning.<\/p>\n Yet, 2024 has pushed me to my limits. Between malaria<\/a>, dengue<\/a>, strange skin infections caused by equally strange insects, and emotional shocks linked to our environment here, I have honestly suffered from persistent fatigue. Fears and other worries, accompanied by physical pain induced by immense stress, have manifested in sleepless nights and sometimes painfully paralyzing anxiety attacks. I even had to visit the hospital urgently for tests, convinced that my heart was in danger. Fortunately, after a reassuring ECG and cardiac ultrasound, it turned out that my heart\u2014resilient through challenges\u2014was fine, or almost fine! These scares, however, underscored how serious stress can be\u2014so, please take care of yourselves mentally and emotionally, friends.<\/p>\n What has sustained me, and continues to do so every day, is observing the gratitude of those we help in these arid regions where nothing grows. A simple glance, a few words, or a smile from them is a true therapy\u2014this is my reward. Witnessing the transformations in their lives has kept me going, even during the most challenging moments of these past months.<\/p>\n Dog bites can be managed effectively with proper wound care and medical advice to prevent infections and rabies.<\/p><\/div>\n Few people truly understand what it means to dedicate over sixteen years<\/strong> of their life to a cause, especially one focused on humanity, solely in service of others. It is not just a temporary commitment; it is almost an entire existence devoted to a project that transcends oneself. Honestly, this mission still completely overwhelms me today. Over these sixteen years, I have experienced brilliant moments filled with deep humanity, as well as challenges that were almost insurmountable, yet we overcame them.<\/p>\n When situations become too difficult, as they have in recent months, a question often crosses my mind: “If you had the chance to go back, Alex, would you do it again?”<\/i> While my answer may vary depending on the moment and the exhaustion felt, 90% of the time<\/strong>, it is clear and unequivocal: “Of course, I would… with a few adjustments.”<\/i><\/p>\n Reflecting on the time spent and in this season of Christmas<\/strong>, it is hard for me to choose a specific anecdote as some often ask me to do. Difficult, I say, because each day here is a story in itself, full of challenges and small victories. What motivates me deeply is what remains to be done. My inspiration comes from my hopes\u2014or rather the dream\u2014<\/em>that I wish to turn into solutions. Thus, I would no longer need to worry about finding the necessary resources: buying medicines, disinfectants, vital submersible or surface pumps, educational materials, construction tools, and so on. Finally securing these essential means would be a tremendous relief and a step toward a more secure future for all, including myself!<\/p>\n The challenges that await us tomorrow are immense, the projects we envision ambitious, and the number of lives we can transform, even just a little, is vast. Yet, despite all this, our presence endures thanks to you. Thank you for supporting this vision for sixteen years and for continuing to inspire us as we begin our 17th year<\/strong> in February 2025.<\/p>\n Yes, it can be complicated and sometimes even absurd\u2026 But it is also incredibly beautiful, infinitely precious, and it is what gives profound meaning to every effort we make.<\/p>\n Alex Wettstein in action: planning, helping, healing, and building solutions for rural communities.<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n Next year will once again be crucial for the Foundation. While I say this every year<\/strong>, it remains profoundly true. Despite our modest size and our uniqueness as one of the few Swiss medical NGOs operating abroad, we continue to undertake ambitious, innovative, and sustainable projects. I sincerely hope these initiatives will allow us to push the limits of our mission even further and bring lasting and meaningful change where it is most needed.<\/p>\n Addressing the growing challenge of tuberculosis in ultra-rural communities with prevention and care.<\/p><\/div>\n Every day, we sadly witness the devastating effects of climate change, ecological crises, and reckless overdevelopment that disregards the well-being of future generations. In the regions where we work, these upheavals only exacerbate already widespread poverty and revive serious illnesses once considered eradicated, such as polio<\/a> and tuberculosis<\/a>, to name just two. These diseases present real health and social challenges, illustrating the direct consequences of a degraded environment, limited access to healthcare, and an alarming lack of education about these crucial issues.<\/p>\n Climate cycles are becoming increasingly unpredictable, causing lands to dry up and reducing clean water<\/a> reserves. This exposes populations to an even greater risk of malnutrition<\/a>, epidemics, and preventable suffering. We see this every day among those silently enduring a world often indifferent to their basic needs. These challenges are not isolated; they are part of a global problem fueled by selfishness and the immediate pursuit of profit at the expense of solidarity and sustainability.<\/p>\n Despite the magnitude of these crises, we (I)<\/i> refuse to sink into fatalism. With our limited resources and the support of those who believe in our mission<\/a>, Fair Future<\/a> and Kawan Baik<\/a> continue to take concrete actions. Through our programs for access to clean water, healthy sanitation facilities, healthcare, waste management, healthy nutrition, anti-smoking campaigns, and prevention for a more harmonious<\/strong> life in a healthier<\/strong> environment, we offer innovative and sustainable solutions. However, collective awareness is crucial to make further progress. The current total lack of political action, both here and elsewhere, is a significant obstacle to the meaningful change these global issues require. Without widespread education and increased public awareness, the progress we strive for\u2014starting with where we operate\u2014<\/em>will remain fragile and at risk.<\/p>\n Together, we must educate, prevent, and protect. We must stop talking about hope and instead focus on solutions<\/strong>. Climate change and environmental degradation are not inevitable, although\u2026 When I look at the nature around me, the sea, the rivers, it sends a chill down my spine. These are urgent calls to action. We are convinced that with a collective<\/strong> vision and shared<\/strong> commitment, it is still possible to turn these challenges into opportunities to build a fairer and more human future. Let\u2019s put humanity and common solidarity back at the center of our daily debates. Quite the challenge!<\/p>\n Spreading cheer and sharing love: A unique two-day Christmas celebration with the children and families of an East Sumba village, filled with gifts, food, and smiles.<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n As we approach the end of the year, a time that evokes both relaxation<\/strong> and reflection<\/strong> for me, Christmas is near. It is a special moment for me, not for what it has become\u2014however commercial it may be\u2014<\/em>but for its values: time spent with family, generosity, and the bonds that unite us. It is also the perfect occasion to sincerely wish you a 2025 filled with health, love, happiness, and precious moments with your loved ones.<\/p>\n I particularly want to use this moment to express my gratitude. To my family in Switzerland, France, and Indonesia: my children<\/strong>, their mother, and my wife Ayu<\/strong>. You are my strength and my anchor. Even when I am far away or consumed by my mission, which has become an integral part of me, you constantly encourage me. I sincerely thank you for your unconditional love and infinite patience.<\/p>\n To the teams on the ground, who strive tirelessly under often challenging conditions: you are incredible. Every day, your dedication and resilience inspire me, I promise you. What we accomplish together is extraordinary, and I am proud to walk this path alongside you. Finally, to you who are reading these words and supporting us in so many ways: thank you. You are the very soul of this Foundation, this collective masterpiece that is the major mission of my life, after my children. Without your invaluable support<\/a>, nothing here would be possible.<\/p>\n2024: A Challenging Yet Successful Year<\/strong><\/h4>\n
<\/a>16 Years of Dedication: A Challenging Yet Fulfilling Journey<\/strong><\/h4>\n
<\/a>I Look to 2025: Ambitious Projects for Tomorrow<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Facing Ecological and Health Crises: Educate, Prevent, Act, and Never Despair!<\/strong><\/h4>\n
<\/a>A Message of Thanks and Sincere Wishes<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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To our volunteers<\/a>, the many people who, everywhere, dedicate their time, energy, and hearts: you have my utmost admiration<\/strong>. Your commitment makes possible what would otherwise not be. You are a collective force whose importance I evaluate every day.<\/p>\n