Seven promising projects led a delegation of students from UNIL to UC Berkeley in San Francisco
For its second participation in the Clinton Global Initiative University, the University of Lausanne had the pleasure to witness the selection of eight students and seven innovative projects resulting in their participation to the annual conference organised at UC Berkeley, San Francisco. This conference gathers more than 1200 worldwide students and many experts.
In order to be selected and win a UNIL seed funding scholarship, projects should seek to develop one out of five global issues set by the CGIU: education, environment and climate change, poverty alleviation, peace and human rights, public health, and fits the three eligibility criteria: be innovative, specific and measurable.
Delegation (from left to right) at the top: B. Zarske Bueno, C. Messier, T. Rouaud, M. Affognon. At the bottom: D. Abate, M. Bognuda, K. Ruso, A. Ngavozafy
S. Kohli liaison officer UNIL-CGIU and the President Bill Clinton
The project leaders committed to transform their ideas into action
Already experts in their own domain and enriched with the Californian meetings, the selected students pursue the development of their initiatives.
Their ideas
• A socially responsible fashion in Madagascar, by means of tailor-made clothing for Malagasy women (Mampiandra Antonia Ngavozafy);
• A training programme of 3,5 days in Lausanne to encourage youth to become involved in favour of sustainable development (Deborah Abate, for more information);
• Data centres waste-heat recovery in order to create energy for households and companies (Bastian Zarske Bueno);
• The construction of a community primary school for the children of Mukuru slum, Nairobi (Thomas Rouaud et Clara Messier);
• An 'e-learning' training centre in Lome, Togo, to encourage teachers and students to improve their linguistic skills and their pedagogical practices using their mobile phones (Mawulikplimi Yawovi Affognon, for more information);
• A non-profit organization which will solicit books donation to be sent to a partner school in Ghana (Michelle Bognuda, for more information);
• A training centre for women in Burundi allowing them to acquire skills in textile manufacturing (Kelly Ruso Shemeza, follow-up of a project selected in 2015).
Would you like to support them?
Please contact the International Relations Office at UNIL.
Members of the Lausanne delegation congratulated by the President Bill Clinton himself. From left to right M. Affognon, K. Ruso, Bill Clinton, C. Messier, B. Zarske Bueno, A. Ngavozafy.
Inspiring visit to swissnex San Francisco
Benjamin Bollmann, Head of Science Programs and University Affairs at swissnex San Francisco, welcomed the delegation and presented the swissnex activities. swissnex’ mission being to create links between Switzerland and the United States in relation to science, education, art and innovation, the exchange of information and ideas was very much appreciated and inspired the delegation.
New in 2016: The Campus Representative
Kelly Ruso, contributor of the 2015 edition, was elected 'Campus Representative', a real bonus in the organization and preparation of new candidates who could benefit from her past experience.
Thanks to her participation in 2015, Kelly was able to advise and support the team from the drafting of applications until the final report.
A message from the participants
Antonia: "The CGI U is a not-to-be missed opportunity to be a change maker, even at a small scope... Quit Dreaming, Stop Thinking, Turn your Ideas to Action!''
Bastian: "I especially apreciated the high-level panellists and speakers who enriched the overall experience and served as sources of inspiration and empowerment."
Thomas et Clara: "This event gave us the opportunity to confront our project to expert advice which strongly encouraged us to persevere in our efforts and without limiting ourselves in terms of geography."
Mawuli: "I personally believe in the community strength founded on sharing principles which results in innovation. Thus, please join the worldwide network of "Commitment-makers" which aims at positively impacting society."
Michelle: I met great people who encouraged me and gave me the energy boost that I needed to really “turn [my] ideas into action” (CGI U slogan). Good work pays off, and this is what I took home from the conference: new friends, professional contacts, and constructive advice for my commitment (...) Believe it or not, the pieces actually do eventually fall into place.
