Education connects: Opportunities in Switzerland and Peru

Three years - that's how long my adventure as an apprentice clerk at ena lasted. Three years full of highs, challenges and valuable experiences. In Switzerland, education is often taken for granted. But in other parts of the world, this means long journeys, high costs and personal sacrifices. I have seen this time and again through my work at ena - as in the story of Jak Antony from Peru
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Luna Sautter

Even during my training, I was able to try things out, make decisions and sometimes make mistakes - and it was precisely these steps that made me braver. I learned to take responsibility, make independent decisions and be courageous - to express my opinion, contribute ideas and see mistakes as valuable steps on the way forward. For me, education is not just about knowledge, but also about personal growth.

Taken for granted in Switzerland - courageous work elsewhere
While we usually take training for granted, the reality in many countries is very different. During my time at ena, I have repeatedly come across projects that show this: Education is often associated with major hurdles. I was particularly moved by the story of Jak Antony from Peru.

Jak is 16 years old and lives in Ranracancha, a small village at an altitude of 3,200 meters. Everyone there knows everyone else, but if you want to continue learning after school, you have to leave your home - a big step that requires a lot of courage. Jak was rather shy for a long time. He worked alongside school to buy exercise books for school and helped out a lot at home. In 2024, he made the decision to dare to do more. His teacher motivated him to take part in the "Crea y Emprende" (create and develop for the market) competition. Supported by the ena partner organization "Paz y Esperanza", he learned how to plan a project, calculate costs and present it convincingly. Step by step, his self-confidence grew. His team won the local competition phase, and even if it was "only" enough for third place regionally, this was a great victory for Jak - he had found his voice.

Shortly afterwards, his classmates elected him school mayor. Later, he even became deputy district mayor for the student body. He stood up for the rights of his fellow pupils, spoke in front of groups and represented his community - something he would never have dared to do before.
Peru: Jak Antony took part in a competition.
Even if it "only" resulted in third place, it was a great victory for Jak.

Education connects - across borders
His story reminds me of my own journey. I too have learned to grow beyond myself through education. It gives me courage, a voice and perspectives. Jak in Peru and I in Switzerland - our paths in life are very different, but what connects us is clear: education opens doors.

A new chapter
Things are now moving on for me: from September, I will be able to hit the ground running as a marketing assistant at ena. I look back with gratitude and look forward with confidence - excited about everything that is yet to come.