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The Power of Community: Martina Grossi Joins ES VICIS Foundation
We are delighted to welcome Martina Grossi, our newest Gold Member at ES VICIS Foundation! Martina’s story is a testament to the passion, resilience, and sense of community that define the Argentine spirit. Her journey to supporting ES VICIS began in a moment filled with national pride: the World Cup. When Passion Meets Purpose During the excitement of the World Cup—a time when emotions and a sense of unity run high in Argentina—Martina felt a powerful urge to contribute to her community. As the match progressed and the tension mounted, Martina remembered her mother’s example: “In the face of challenges, especially health issues, my mom would turn to her faith, asking for help with the promise of giving back to the community. That’s how I grew up, learning the value of donating and helping those in need.” “I didn’t know which organization I wanted to support,” Martina shared. “But I knew I wanted to back a cause that was making a real difference in Argentina.” Amidst the collective emotion, Argentinians made all kinds of promises if the team won the World Cup: from getting a tattoo of Messi’s name to pilgrimaging to Luján, quitting bad habits, or even naming their future children “Emiliano” or “Lionel.” This decision, made in a moment of national celebration, reflects the deep-rooted value Argentinians place on belonging and mutual support. For Martina, the World Cup wasn’t just about football; it was a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose. Why ES VICIS? After nearly a decade abroad, Martina returned to Argentina, convinced of the country’s potential and determined to invest in its future. With a new vision and renewed confidence in the land of her birth, she embarked on her own path, reaffirming her commitment to Argentina’s development and transformation. “For me, it is an honor to contribute to the cause promoted by ES VICIS. By considering Argentina as ‘my village,’ I feel I live the spirit of the ‘Bienvenidos a mi Pueblo’ program. This initiative aims to strengthen local communities, seeing repopulation as an act of reconnection and support for the development of our land. I believe the talented and dedicated team behind the foundation is doing extraordinary work, changing the narratives that no longer serve us, restoring empowerment to the villages, and ultimately to our country,” she shared. Martina discovered the ES VICIS Foundation and found a mission that resonated deeply with her values. “For me, being a member and giving back means supporting causes I believe in—ones that I wouldn’t be able to directly aid otherwise. It’s about acknowledging those actively making a difference and expanding the reach of exceptional projects, which really gives me hope,” she explained. Her story highlights the mission of ES VICIS: creating opportunities in rural communities and fostering connections that inspire collective progress. Join the Movement Martina’s journey is a call to action for all of us. Every action has the power to transform. Her story reminds us that impactful change often begins with a simple decision—to support, to belong, to contribute. Join us in this movement of generosity and help shape a brighter future in this beautiful country and beyond.
Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs in Argentina: Stories of Innovation and Impact
The ES VICIS Foundation’s “My Business ROOTED in my Village” program has empowered rural entrepreneurs in Argentina, helping them turn their ideas into impactful businesses. Here are three inspiring stories of entrepreneurs whose ventures have made a real difference in their communities. Natasha Dubrowsky: Innovating Education Through Gaming Natasha Dubrowsky, from Labordeboy, Argentina, is the founder of Synkronic Labs, a gaming studio with the mission of transforming education through play. Thanks to the “My Business ROOTED in my Village” program, Natasha took her project to new heights, securing 2nd place and proving that passion and innovation can turn dreams into reality, no matter where you are. With the support of @fundacionalimentaris, Natasha advanced her educational video game project, designed to support children with ADHD by providing engaging tools to enhance focus and learning in a fun, interactive way. [Watch Natasha’s Story here] Juan: Building Communities with Affordable Construction Solutions From Maggiolo, Argentina, Juan is transforming his community through his venture, La Roca, which produces affordable, high-quality anti-humidity wall panels. His project addresses common housing challenges in the region, offering practical solutions for local families. Through the “My Business ROOTED in my Village” program, Juan gained key business skills that helped him refine his model and plan for growth. Today, his venture is not just a source of income but a testament to the power of entrepreneurship in rural areas. [Watch Juan’s Story here] Brian Savino: Revolutionizing Local Hardware Commerce In Maggiolo, Argentina, Brian Savino is reshaping the hardware retail market with his business, Ferretería La Grange. With the support of the “My Business ROOTED in my Village” program, Brian gained essential business skills to streamline his operations and expand his reach. Today, his store offers a physical location, an online catalog, and digital payment options, making shopping easier for his community while expanding sales beyond Santa Fe to other provinces. [Watch Brian’s Story here]
Ubuntu’s Spirit and Rural Revitalization at Davos 2025
Ubuntu, a philosophy rooted in South Africa, teaches us that “I am because we are.” This profound wisdom resonates with the phrase: “It takes a village to raise a child.” Yet, in today’s fast-paced urban world, these truths are often overlooked. In urban areas, children grow up surrounded by “green spaces” that serve more as decoration than as true connections to nature. Meanwhile, rural communities face the heartbreak of losing their youth to urbanization, battling narratives that sideline them. These villages—home to nearly half the world’s population—lack access to equality, connectivity, water, sanitation, education, and affordable energy. Reflections from South Africa Night During #SouthAfricaNight at Davos 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa honored Nelson Mandela’s enduring legacy. Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Yet, even when the impossible is achieved, many fail to recognize the new realities it brings. Reflecting on these words, Cintia Jaime shared: “Over the past 12 years, we’ve embraced what once seemed impossible, rowing against the current. Today, I can confidently say we’re nearing the end of this transition. What was once deemed impossible is now within reach.” ES VICIS and South Africa: A Shared Vision Thanks to the unwavering support of our country partners—ReimagineSA, #SwissEmbassySA, and #HouseofTraditionalLeaders—ES VICIS is piloting a transformative project in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. This partnership exemplifies how collaborative efforts can create pathways to equitable development. Empowering Rural Communities: The Path Forward For ES VICIS, the path to change lies in working collaboratively across sectors. Our advocacy strategy extends beyond fieldwork; we actively contribute to global discussions, launch media campaigns, and foster dialogue among businesses, academia, public agencies, and NGOs. This approach amplifies our mission to inspire transformative public policies that create equitable opportunities for all communities. Ubuntu: A Global Call to Action “Ubuntu teaches us that our humanity is interconnected. Together, we can redefine what’s possible for rural communities—not only in South Africa but worldwide,” said Cintia Jaime. Join the Movement We’re committed to working collaboratively to create lasting impact. There are countless ways you can join us in making a difference. Together, let’s turn possibilities into realities and ensure no community is left behind.
🌍 Advocating for Rural Communities at Davos 2025 🌍
At Davos 2025, Cintia Jaime represented ES VICIS Foundation, joining global leaders in conversations that challenged conventional thinking on inequality and inclusion. Her participation reinforced ES VICIS’s advocacy mission: ensuring that rural communities—home to nearly half of the world’s population—are not left behind in the global development agenda. “Davos 2025 gave me more questions than answers—and that’s a good thing,” Cintia reflected. “How do we break the cycle of inequality if we keep relying on the same voices? How do we disrupt when fear holds so many back? And most importantly: How do we ensure rural communities aren’t sidelined?” Key Takeaways from Davos 2025: 1️⃣ “Stories of regression and resistance are not the end of the story.” — Rupa Dash, WORLD WOMAN FOUNDATION 2️⃣ “If you truly want to solve the problem, ask those who have no clue what you’re talking about.” — Michael Fritz, Viva con Agua 3️⃣ “Women are not a ‘parallel economy.’” — Maria Mikhaylenko, Roland Berger 4️⃣ “The WTO doesn’t need ‘firsts.’ It needs expertise.” — Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO 5️⃣ “Great ideas don’t land because of a lack of understanding. Facts are not negotiable.” — Maacah Media, Influencer Beyond powerful quotes, Cintia highlighted a critical truth: “True transformation happens when we dare to disrupt and listen to unexpected voices. As Einstein said: ‘We can’t solve problems with the same thinking that created them.’”
Urban Families Explore Opportunities in Maggiolo
On November 23, Maggiolo opened its doors to urban families, showcasing its rich history, vibrant community, and promising potential. Residents greeted them with warmth and joy. Saturday, November 23, was a day of connection and hope for Maggiolo. Families from nearby urban areas visited this small town, which has been facing population decline, to discover its charm, community, and opportunities for a fresh start. The locals welcomed them with open arms, offering tours of the town’s institutions and highlighting its unique activities. This visit went beyond a simple introduction—it marked a significant step toward bridging the rural-urban divide and envisioning new possibilities for revitalization. Welcome to My Village continues to transform dreams into reality, fostering connections and inspiring change. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a success. Discover the participants’ stories and watch the highlights here:
‘Welcome to My Village’ Takes Root in South Africa: A Strategic Pledge with the Swiss Embassy
In 2024, the ES VICIS Foundation took significant steps to introduce the “Welcome to My Village” program to South Africa, focusing on partnerships and collaboration with key stakeholders. This journey culminated in a historic pledge of commitment, marking a milestone in revitalizing rural communities in the Eastern Cape. On August 23, 2024, a signing ceremony was held in partnership with Reimagine SA, with key figures from the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders, the Embassy of Switzerland in South Africa, and other partners endorsing the pledge. On 23, August, 2024, ES VICIS Foundation, in partnership with Reimagine SA, hosted a momentous signing ceremony for the “Welcome to My Village” pledge. The pledge was endorsed by four parties: Chief Mpumalanga Gwadiso, Chairperson, Representing the Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders. H.E. Ambassador Mirko Manzoni, Representing the Embassy of Switzerland in South Africa. Johannes Matyassy, Board President, Representing ES VICIS Foundation. Thando S. Gobe, Chairman, Representing Reimagine SA. The pledge represents a unified commitment to the “Welcome to My Village” program, facilitated through Reimagine SA’s Letsema Process. Together, we aim to: Create thriving rural communities in the Eastern Cape by promoting sustainable migration from urban to rural areas. Address critical issues like depopulation and economic decline by leveraging technology, fostering entrepreneurship, and enhancing local infrastructure. Support newcomers with housing, employment opportunities, and cultural integration to ensure a seamless transition into village life. Johannes Matyassy, President of the Board of ES VICIS Foundation, reflected on the program’s evolution: “In 2014, as the Swiss Ambassador to Argentina, I supported this groundbreaking model that challenges global trends. We achieved remarkable results in Argentina, a country with 92% of its population in urban areas. After successfully expanding the model there, we are now ready to bring our mission to South Africa.” The “Welcome to My Village” initiative is grounded in years of experience and a proven track record of revitalizing rural communities. Cintia Jaime, Co-Founder of ES VICIS Foundation, expressed her excitement about this next chapter: “We have shown that it is possible to repopulate and revitalize villages facing depopulation, defying global trends. Today, we are thrilled to sign this pledge to implement the program in Eastern Cape, South Africa—a region heavily impacted by urban migration. With Reimagine SA, the support of the Swiss Embassy in South Africa, and the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders, we invite you to join us in this impactful journey!” Reimagine SA has been instrumental in forging partnerships and aligning efforts to bring the “Welcome to My Village” model to South Africa. Luvuyo Madasa, Executive Director of Reimagine SA, highlighted the potential of this collaboration: “We are thrilled about the opportunity to bring the ‘Welcome to My Village’ model and our partnership with ES VICIS Foundation to South Africa. Our work in the Northwest has helped us build a strong relationship with the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders. This model offers an exciting opportunity to align existing programs and partners in a structured way, ensuring meaningful impact for communities that need it most.” Dr. Mamphela Ramphele, Founder of Reimagine SA, celebrated the generational effort driving this initiative: “Thank you for bringing this wonderful opportunity and for figuring out the alignments and partnerships. I hand over to you and your generation. Thank you.”