The Pestalozzi Children's Village Foundation has been awarded the Allianz Lifetime Award 2026. Allianz Suisse presented the award on 17 October 2026 during the Swiss Diversity Award Night. The award recognises organisations and personalities who have taken responsibility over many years and have had a sustainable impact on society.
For 80 years, the Pestalozzi Children's Village Foundation has been committed to ensuring that children and young people, regardless of their background, language or life circumstances, have access to education and can develop their potential. Its work strengthens children's rights, promotes intercultural dialogue and creates opportunities in Switzerland and beyond.
"Education creates opportunities, builds bridges and enables the future. The Pestalozzi Children's Village Foundation has embodied this conviction for generations. With its long-term and consistent commitment, it makes an important contribution to increasing equality of opportunity and social cohesion. It is precisely this sustainable impact that we wish to honour with the Allianz Lifetime Award," said Hans-Peter Nehmer, Chief Communications Officer of Allianz Suisse, at the award ceremony.
The children's village in Trogen, Appenzell, was founded in 1946 as a symbol of hope after World War II and continues to be the heart of the Foundation today. In educational stays, school classes from Switzerland and children and young people from across Europe meet and engage with diversity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. In 2026, the Foundation celebrated its 80th anniversary.
For Foundation President Rosmarie Quadranti, "this award is a great honour and a valuable recognition for 80 years of commitment to children and young people. It honours all those who have shaped our work over generations with dedication, conviction, and vigour. The Allianz Lifetime Award is also a mandate for the future: We will continue to work to ensure that education creates opportunities and children can live their rights."
During the award ceremony, former resident Kumar Basappa shared his personal time in the children's village and how this experience shaped his further life journey. Along with Foundation President Rosmarie Quadranti and CEO Martin Bachofner, the future challenges for education, children's rights and intercultural understanding were also addressed.
With the Allianz Lifetime Award, Allianz Suisse underlines its commitment to diversity, equality of opportunity and an inclusive society. Previous awardees include Kurt Aeschbacher, Doris Gisler Truog, Heinz Frei, Birgit Steinegger, Walter Andreas Müller, Michael Steiner and Aids-Hilfe Schweiz.
About the Pestalozzi Children's Village Foundation
The Pestalozzi Children's Village Foundation is a unique Swiss non-profit organisation headquartered in Trogen AR. Its work ensures access to good and equal education for all children and young people in Switzerland and in 12 programme countries worldwide. The implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child forms the framework of its projects. The children's village is a place of encounter and the heart of the Foundation. In 2026, the Foundation celebrates its 80th anniversary. www.pestalozzi.ch
Press contact:
Allianz Suisse
Nadine Schumann, Senior Spokesperson
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