History of FOTIS

It will surprise many to learn that scholarships are not a new idea for the International School of Geneva. In 1929 Mr. & Mrs. Forstall of Chicago generously established 15 four-year scholarships for students all over the world. Alas, the Wall Street crash intervened and some of the scholarships were cut short, but 12 were nonetheless able to complete their studies.

I knew one of those 12, the remarkable Vicky Stereva, who came to Geneva from Bulgaria in 1929 and stayed until 1933. She so loved the school that she later became its volunteer archivist and when she died in 1997 she left a generous legacy to establish the Stereva Foundation to maintain the archive.

It therefore seemed appropriate that on the occasion of the school’s 75th birthday in 1999, the Friends of the International School should look again at the possibility of creating scholarships. The school had always accepted an obligation towards others who were less well off and working in countries far less stable and supportive than Switzerland and I was proud that, during my time as director general, we were working on active projects in Chile, Iraq, Nepal and Tanzania.

But one important factor had changed. For sound economic reasons we had gradually closed the school’s boarding houses during the 1990’s so we no longer had the facilities to accommodate students from overseas. The answer was obvious and probably more appropriate: to provide the scholarship for the student to receive a good education in his or her own country.

It is now recognized that having an education is not enough; it is having a good education that matters. I am very encouraged by the way the Friends of the International School are turning the benefits of living and working in Geneva into practical support for young students around the world who deserve the same opportunities wherever they live.

George Walker,
Director General 1991-1999

Frequently Asked Questions

How do we help?

FOTIS is a non profit, volunteer based Swiss foundation that pays for underprivileged young people in developing countries to receive a secondary education. FOTIS raises funds that pay for a student’s annual school fees, books and uniforms. Thanks to our mentors on the ground we are even able to solve a range of logistical problems students encounter that can prevent them from getting to school.

How do we identify potential students?

FOTIS works closely with professional agencies on the ground to identify students in need according to established selection criteria. Our locally placed mentors monitor the students’ progress and ensure our donations meet the student’s needs. Fotis currently has working partnerships with WATU and Connect Suisse.

What is our commitment to FOTIS students?

Once we commit to sponsorship of a student, we pay his or her fees until graduation from secondary school.

How do we spend our money?

FOTIS is managed by a dedicated and professional group of people who donate their time and energy for this vital cause, incurring no overhead costs. Therefore, unlike many charities, 100% of the funds we raise go to educating our students.   Having strategic partnerships with professional organisations on the ground helps us to ensure that our funds are directed exactly where they are needed. These organisations also help us to ensure that our funds are being used effectively, by regularly monitoring each student’s performance.

Are my donations tax deductible?

FOTIS is a tax-exempt charity registered under Swiss law. As such all donations made to FOTIS are tax deductible in Switzerland.

FOTIS Board

President - Barbara Levy
Vice-President - Dorothy Latsis
Treasurer - François Collini
Secretary - Rea Pournaras, Emma Antonatos, Siobhan Bussetil

Committee Members
John Aram
Sharon Bylenga
Julie Anne Braddock
Fiona Felder
Pamela Gromadzski
Silvana Holstein
Anna Kennan
Liana Koch
Verena Lenz
Liz Maudsley
Eva Martin
Atalanti Moquette
Atalanta Petalas
Pamela Prach
Roberta Stabile
Jennifer Stone

Download our Statutes