在 瑞士苏瓦尔国际女子学校, charity represents one of the fundamental pillars of student life, with recent initiatives showcasing the profound educational value of community engagement. This month, students wholeheartedly embraced this spirit through diverse fundraising activities including bake sales, ribbon sales, and a significant athletic event, all coordinated in support of ZOE4LIFE. This Swiss charity organization brings crucial hope to children and families affected by childhood cancer, addressing a pressing need in Switzerland where more than 250 children annually receive cancer diagnoses. The student-led efforts culminated in the Surval Race for Hope, a 5km running event that united the school community in compassion and purpose. As articulated by student Agnes from the Swiss Gap program in Russia, who serves as a dedicated member of the school's Charity Committee, these initiatives reflect the institution's commitment to developing socially conscious global citizens. Her poignant reflections capture the emotional core of the endeavor, noting how childhood cancer transforms playgrounds into hospital corridors and birthday celebrations into chemotherapy schedules, fundamentally altering the experience of childhood itself. The charity work extends beyond mere fundraising, providing students with meaningful opportunities to develop leadership skills, organizational capabilities, and deep empathy while making tangible contributions to their wider community.
The Surval Race for Hope event on September 6, 2025, demonstrated remarkable community engagement with nearly 1,000 participants gathering at dawn in Vaud. Among these dedicated runners were numerous 瑞士苏瓦尔国际女子学校 students who participated with varying levels of athletic ability but uniform determination. The event created an inclusive atmosphere where some students sprinted with competitive spirit while others maintained a steady pace alongside friends, all supported by teachers who lined the track offering continuous encouragement. Student testimonials reveal the profound impact of this experience, with Grade 12 student Mary Alex Brammer noting how the event fostered community cohesion early in the academic year, particularly appreciating its accessibility for both runners and walkers. Grade 8 student Tiffany Wang gained new perspective on how collective efforts, even through small individual contributions, combine to create significant impact for those in need. The financial implications of these charitable efforts are substantial, with last year's RunDay4Life raising CHF 33,000 and this year's goal set at CHF 50,000. These vital funds support medical treatment, crucial research, family relief programs, and most importantly, sustain hope for children battling cancer and their families. The school's additional fundraising through bake sales and awareness bracelet campaigns further amplified their contribution, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to charitable engagement that extends beyond a single event.
