Board Switzerland
Christine Jäggi (1961), Managing Director, is a mother of two children, worked as a radio-journalist and is freelance tour-guide for Globotrek. Christine has previous project experience with charities; one of these was the Salaam Bombay project for street children in Delhi in 1990. Christine is a keen traveller and in the past has lived in Asia for over a year.
"Children should be well cared for so that they can focus on their future, e.g. go to school and play, instead of living on the streets and struggling to get by. Going to school is keeping them from falling into the poverty trap and having no education. The cold Mongolian winters make life as a street child very difficult and dangerous. Our work is in preventing them having to live on the streets".
Martina Zürcher (1980), Managing Director, bachelor in journalism and corporate communications. She was financing her studies with part-time jobs as a radio-journalist and tour-guide in Mongolia for Globotrek. Martina has work experience with Helvetas, a Swiss development organisation.
"My motivation to work for Bayasgalant is in my love for Mongolia, a breath-taking country which sadly is often forgotten. As a token of gratitude for the wonderful time I've spent there, I would like to help improve the lives of the less fortunate Mongolians".
Flavia Grossmann (1983), President, finished her studies in 2009 and has a degree in history, sociology and communication from the University of Basel. After having worked in various jobs, she now works as a research assistant at the University in Basel.
"When I first went to Mongolia, it was like a dream come true and it changed my life. I couldn’t ignore the conditions in which some children have to grow up, some living on the streets even in winter when temperature drops to - 40C. Therefore, my commitment to Bayasgalant is unwavering".
Sabine Willach (1977) is a trained nurse and holds a bachelor's degree in Islam and Central Asian studies from the University of Bern and a Master in Central Asian Studies at Humboldt University in Berlin. Since her first journey to Mongolia in 2003, Sabine has become addicted to this country.
"My work for Bayasgalant has provided me with insights into the needs of many families in the Ger district of Ulaanbaatar. I have also learnt what is needed to improve the lives of the children and the positive effect this has on their families when delivered. Through Bayasgalant, I want to continue with my commitment to the street children of Ulaanbaatar".
Sabine Leuba (1980), is an economist and PR professional. She enjoys sport and travelling.
"I support Bayasgalant because I can be part of the team's mission in improving children's lives in Ulaanbaatar".
Alexandra Bucheli (1957) is a mother of two grown-up children and a physiotherapist by profession. For more than 30 years Alexandra has travelled Asia, and since discovering Mongolia in 1997, has paid numerous visits to this beautiful country.
My own children had the luck of growing up well cared for and in a safe environment. Hence, with my children soon to leave home, I want to express my gratitude by helping poor families in Ulan Bator, so that they can care for their childrens' well-being.
Andreas Leuenberger (1980) finished his studies at the university in Bern as a bachelor of political sciences. He is working currently in Haiti for the Welthungerhilfe. His first contact with Bayasgalant was through a benefit concert.
"When I saw how committed and enthusiastic the board members were in reaching their goals to improve the lives of Mongolian children, I wanted to learn more about the organization. I'm fascinated by the fact that the focus is always on the kids. I am committed to Bayasgalant in order to support people who are in need of help and who are living in difficult situations".
Legal advisor
Thomas Rudin (1959), a lawyer by trade, has been a member of the senior management in a Swiss SME for over 8 years.
"I have always been fascinated by foreign cultures, people and their way of life. Working for the ICRC for 5 years has given me profound insights into some fascinating places and cultures. Bayasgalant now allows me to renew my commitment to help people in need. I fully endorse Bayasgalant and the work they do".