In Geneva, in 2024, we have achieved a calm stability and a climate of trust, despite some very difficult situations. The team is close- knit, employees have confidence in each other, and work is efficient.

GENEVA

At the beginning of the year, Silvia Melo, one of the cleaning ladies, was diagnosed with a brain tumor, fortunately benign, but which required several weeks of downtime and heavy, stressful examinations. She has to have regular MRIs to monitor it, but so far, so good. At the same time, I had the traumatic experience of losing my house in a brutal fire. It also took me several weeks of downtime to get my life back on track.

But in the meantime, thanks to the whole team, Silvia and I were able to concentrate on our personal concerns without worry, knowing that Marylin, Leila, Isabel, Kamel and David were handling the situation perfectly. They did everything they could to ensure that we didn’t have to worry about work, and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts for this kindness.
From Easter onwards, the team was complete again and we were able to resume our routine with peace of mind.

We organized three major festivities: Saint-Justin in June, the welcome for new residents in October and the Christmas celebration.
We also organized a free Lenten soup distribution for all residents, every Tuesday evening for 5 weeks. The event was a great success. Just like the chocolate bunnies we distributed to every room for Easter!

As far as occupancy of the Foyer is concerned, all our rooms remained occupied throughout the year. Requests are numerous, and we can’t satisfy everyone, but we’ve done our best to adapt on a case-by-case basis to help as many students as possible. Diversity is still the priority at our Foyer, and we are proud to have welcomed 81 different nationalities in 2024, spread evenly across all continents. Another year rich in learning and encounters.

Renovations 2024 :

• Renovation of paintwork in studios 404, 501 and room 617
• Laying resin on balconies on floors 5, 4, 3 and 2
• Installation of anti-pigeon netting on terrace balconies
• Installation of a new layer of waterproofing around the domes on the terrace (above the great hall)
• Carpeting in the chapel
• Installation of a water softener
• Modification of the flushing mechanisms on the floors (installation of a pneumatic system)
 

In 2024, we also consolidated several annual rentals of the Great Hall. We welcome a group of Senegalese on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings, and a group of Brazilians on Monday and Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings.

This provides us with a regular income to finance maintenance costs. On the other hand, we have decided to stop renting out our hall for parties, birthdays and similar celebrations. We try to concentrate our rentals on groups that make sense in terms of our Mission.

FOYER OF LAUSANNE

The 6 rooms in Lausanne were occupied all year round. Requests are pouring in, and we hope to see this home grow in the future! The cohabitation between residents and members of the Parish is going very well, with a few adjustments from time to time, but overall a great success that we hope will last. Leila, Silvia and Isabel have been cleaning our Lausanne home on a regular basis, and Kamel also goes there whenever necessary. I also go there once a week or so to maintain the link between the parish, the residents and our work.

Zoé Impini Mc Hugh