Teaching and Training
Fondation Novandi is actively commited to supporting schools and institutions dedicated to educating future generations. It backs initiatives aimed at fostering educational innovation and promoting learning that addresses tomorrow's challenges.
In 2024, Fondation Novandi renewed its support for the EPFL initiated program "Coding Club des filles", whic encourages the promotion of science among young girls aged 11 to 15 in the Canton of Jura.
As it does every year, Fondation Novandi provides scholarships to deserving students pursuing higher education.
By supporting EPFL's "Social Scholarships" program, the foundation actively contributes to promoting equal opportunities, enabling every student to continue their studies in a secure and supportive environment.
EDUCATIONAL, SPORT AND YOUTH ASSOCIATIONS
Each year, Fondation Novandi is involved with different educational, sports and youth associations, notably by supporting the organisation of summer camps and different sporting occasions.
In 2024, the Foundation notably supported the Jura-Basket Association of Boncourt and the IdéeSport Foundation.
Fondation Novandi also supports various educational projects, such as the publication of educational books and cultural events in the Canton of Jura.
LAUNCH OF BOOK 1942-1944 BONCOURT, un dilemme suisse
In 2022, to mark the release of the book "Boncourt, un dilemme suisse", Fondation Novandi organized two launch events - one in Boncourt and an other in Geneva. Several speakers presented the book and explained the importance of recounting these historical events. Among them where the author, Philippe Turrel; Régis Burrus, President of the Foundation; and Bernadette Burrus, co-founder of the Foundation. Eddy Houlmann and Eric Mégevand, representatives of the Swiss Red Cross, also spoke about the crucial role played by the organization. Marie-Thérèse Boiteux shared her personal story and experience of being welcomed in Switzerland.
Videos of various testimonials are available here.
Following the publication of the book, Fondation Novandi and the Musée jurassien d'art et d'histoire (MJAH), in collaboration with the Department of Education of the Canton of Jura (SEN), organized in 2024 an exhibition of the Foundations's image collection, along with a school conference at the Collège de Delémont.
Théâtre du Jura in Delémont
Supported by Fondation Novandi, the new Théâtre du Jura in Delémont opened in October 2021. This theatre offers greater access to cultural and educational development for young people, thanks to its different training opportunities.
In 2024, the Foundation supported the "Student Festival" program, an event that showcases stage creations by secondary school students.
Collège Saint-Charles in Porrentruy
The Collège Saint-Charles in Porrentruy is a private school, established by its founders as an alternative and complementary choice to state-run school.
During the centenary year of the Collège in 1998, its buildings were renovated and its equipment brought up to date thanks to Charles and Bernadette Burrus.
Since then, the Foundation has supported several initiatives within the Collège, enabling teaching and training to be improved. In 2019, for example, the foundation supported the Collège to equip a science room in line with new norms, thereby enabling the Collège to be accredited by the international baccalaureate.
Since 2020, the Foundation has supported the scholarship fund for students from the Jura region attending the Collège.
Porrentruy ice rink
To enable young sportsmen and women to benefit from an adequate environment for training or simply to encourage young people’s development, Fondation Novandi has decided to support the project to expand and equip the Porrentruy Ice Rink. This ice stadium was inaugurated in 2022.
Chevenez equestrian centre
In 2003, Fondation Novandi has placed its trust in Dehlia Oeuvray Smits, an international horse rider with many years of experience. Dehlia has inspired and motivated many young Swiss riders.
Charles and Bernadette Burrus also sponsored the creation of the Chevenez equestrian centre in 2005 with the aim of perfecting training for young amateur riders and promoting horse riding. The centre has become a place for amateur riders and their families to meet and exchange.
Fondation Novandi also supports the young people’s equestrian challenge that takes place in the month of October every year.
Association Ukraine-Ajoie
In 2022, Fondation Novandi supported the Association Ukraine-Ajoie which has been helping Ukrainian families, mainly women and children, since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.
In particular, the association has helped Ukrainian families to find host families. They have also supported refugees with administrative procedures and with integration into daily life in Switzerland.
The association has also organised holidays within Switzerland for a number of families, with the aim of offering a break from the dramatic situation they are facing.