Our Journey
From Idea to Reality
Cintia Jaime and Daniel Winzenried, founders of the ES VICIS Foundation, recognized stark inequalities between abandoned rural areas and overcrowded urban centers facing socioeconomic and ecological challenges. This awareness fueled their mission to seek solutions, leading them to explore poverty-stricken regions in Latin America, Asia, and South Africa.
They established the ES VICIS Foundation in Basel and launched their first pilot project in Argentina. Committed to revitalizing vulnerable rural areas, they recognize that such a complex mission requires collaboration with both public and private sectors, receiving support from the Swiss government through the Swiss embassy in Argentina.
Key individuals, such as Johannes Matyassy—former Swiss Ambassador to Argentina and former Deputy State Secretary of the Federal Department of Foreigns Affairs (FDFA)— play a crucial role in their efforts. Since 2018, he has served as a board member and is now president, bridging perspectives and guiding the foundation with invaluable insights.
Our Journey at a Glance
2016-2019
PILOT PROJECT IN ARGENTINA
Cooperation with Swiss Embassy in Argentina
Selection of a Village Founded by Swiss Colonies – Matching Values
Advocacy and Cooperation Local Government: Province / Canton - Community level
√ MODEL VALIDATION
Revitalization and Repopulation Proof of Concept
6-Phases Model - Timelines
2019-2020
EVALUATION OF KEY CHALLENGES FOR SCALING UP
Lessons Learned
Revitalization and Repopulation Phases
Identification of Key Operational Challenges and Digital System-Supported Solutions: Matrix for Evaluation; Data Processing Challenges; Matching Opportunities Platform
√ MODEL AT SCALE DEFINED
Cooperation and Knowledge Sharing Supported by the Operational System
Key Digital Tools Identified
First Scale-Up in Argentina
2021-2022
MATRIX, SYSTEM AND PROCEDURES MANUAL DEVELOPMENT
Internal Development for Scalable Model Management: Assessment Matrix to establish baselines; Salesforce Customization for efficient data management; Manual of Procedures for effective knowledge transfer
Ongoing Advocacy: Collaboration with Local Government; Creating Laws for the Revitalization and Repopulation of Communities; Media Strategy
√ DEPELOPMENT COMPLETED
Assessments Matrix
Customized System MVT
Manual of Procedures
2022-2024
MATRIX AND SYSTEM TESTING IN COOPERATION MODEL
Model Scaled in Five Communities in Parallel: Shared System with Local Partners;
Transfer of Knowledge and Sharing System in the Cooperation Model: Training of a total of 15 individuals (local experts and change agents) to the revitalization of 5 communities; Sharing Manual of Procedures and Best Practices
√ MODEL AT SCALE TESTED
Operational System
Local Training for Knowledge Transfer to Accelerate Impact
Our Journey in Detail
2009-2013
Global Awareness: Recognized challenges in rural and urban development, including inequality and environmental issues.
Volunteer Experience in Urban Areas: Worked with the Ameropa Foundation in impoverished urban neighborhoods.
Challenges in Rural Areas: Observed inequality and various challenges in rural areas, driven by agricultural technification and other economic and environmental factors.
Global context
Urbanization Issues: Rapid urban growth led to socioeconomic problems, inadequate infrastructure, and high unemployment; massive migration to cities was seen as irreversible. (according to the UN in 2009).
2013
Academic Studies: Co-founder Cintia Jaime engaged with Prof. Georg von Schnurbein at the Center for Philanthropy in Basel.
Research on Migration: Studied urban residents' preference for precarious living conditions; only 9% of Argentina's population remained in rural areas. Global projections at the UN indicate that 66% of the world's population would live in cities by 2050.
Project Idea: Conceptualized the revitalization of rural communities amidst a global urbanization trend.
Argentina selected for pilot idea: This country has experienced massive migration to urban areas since decades. In 2013 only 9% of this country's population remained in rural areas.
2014
Stakeholder Engagement: Hosted the "SwissVision" event at Di Tella University. Support from Swiss Ambassador Johannes Matyassy, and various key stakeholders from the private and civil sector.
Diagnosis in Santa Fe: Conducted assessments in 14 villages, identifying the lack of services, products and local investment.
Remote Work Innovation: Remote work was pioneered by the foundation, allowing teams in Switzerland and Argentina to collaborate effectively through video calls.
Global context
As the "Smart Cities" initiative advances urban technology, rural areas lack necessary investment. This focus on agriculture limits business diversity and drives youth migration from these regions.
2015
Pilot Project Launch: The pilot project was initiated with the selection of Colonia Belgrano in Argentina, marking the beginning of practical implementation.
Local Empowerment: Established the Village Support Commission to empower youth.
EVF’ Establishment:The ES VICIS Foundation was established, creating a brand identity and launching its logo and first website for a digital presence.
Program Development and Evaluation Support: A 6-phase working model was established to guide the foundation, alongside the launch of the "Welcome to My Village" program for rural revitalization. Carla Della Maggiora’s support was vital in structuring evaluation indicators to enhance effectiveness.
Academic Accomplishment: Cintia finalized her thesis on Economic Migration and Urban Demographics, enhancing her insights into urbanization's socio-economic issues.