Who runs Kids of Africa in Switzerland?

Burkhard and Salome Varnholt Grisard

Life is made up of decisions that we have to make on a daily basis. Sometimes we discover that deciding to follow projects that have no clear guarantee of success are often the most rewarding. Kids of Africa was certainly not the result of a master plan. The project actually began step by step, and often it was not clear what the outcome would be. We tried to help – in a level-headed and careful way but always with a passion for the project and a view to the long term.

We concentrated on those things that were generating success, and we tried to make them even better. We are grateful and yet still constantly surprised at the incredible contacts that the project has generated, and what incredible things it has managed to achieve. Above all we are amazed that in such a short space of time, Kids of Africa has grown to become such a strong and healthy family.

Dr. med Danielle Gyurech and PD Dr. med Julian Schilling

Danielle and Julian were members right from the outset, and as well as working for Kids of Africa, they have also been running, since 1995, the Travel Clinic in Zurich which is a medical practice for travellers and those coming back from abroad. As well as dedicating their work to the health of the children and staff of Kids of Africa, they are tireless members of the committee and a great source of inspiration courtesy of their initiatives, ideas and commitment.

Julian also lectures at the University of Zurich and is a recognised expert in the fields of public health, new medical technologies and prevention. Danielle and Julian have two sons who regularly travel with them to the Kids of Africa village to spend their holidays.

Volker Varnholt

When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That is my religion.

(Abraham Lincoln)

Burkhard Varnholt’s brother Volker has been part of Kids of Africa from the very beginning. His passion for the project and for Uganda came about after his first trip to the country in 2002. Volker and Burkhard flew to Uganda to install the first foster mothers for the children as well as the other on-site staff. They also travelled around the country and enjoyed a lengthy stay in the capital Kampala which turned out to be the basis for a long-term collaboration to achieve a common dream – namely the Kids of Africa Project.

Daniela Rutz

Daniela, who has been working with Burkhard for many years now, has a passion for organisation. When Burkhard first launched the project, she offered her support without hesitation. A project of this magnitude is an enormous challenge in organisational terms – it requires coordination, event organisation, maintaining contacts with donors, travel and logistics management, and these are just a few of Daniela’s tasks. Without her selfless commitment and professional work, Kids of Africa would not be where it is today.