The association for Bateau Genève offers a safe harbour to people in precarious conditions in Geneva. Necessary renovations works on the old ship that hosts the association provide exceptional opportunities to boost employability for underprivileged people in the Swiss city.
(Programme concluded and no longer supported by the Trafigura Foundation)
Bateau Genève is an historical boat moored on the shores of Lake Léman. It is also the headquarter of the homonymous Swiss association that offers support and guidance to migrants, refugees or people facing critical situations, such as homelessness, substance abuse, social exclusion and unemployment.
Each morning, circa 150 beneficiaries comes to “Bateau Genève” to receive free breakfast and benefit from the social, welcoming environment that reigns on board. During summer, the association runs the restaurant “La Buvette” to employ beneficiaries of social welfare to work as interns and fund the association's activities.
If the benefits that Bateau Genève offers are unquestionably useful, the space available on board is not anymore suitable to the good performance of the association’s daily activities. The heating, ventilation system and sanitation facilities are obsolete. Because of increase of beneficiaries frequenting the boat, the association faces major energy costs. This is why it was imperative for Bateau Genève to improve and optimise the boat’s infrastructure in line with current and future needs.
During 2020, the works have been suspended because of the pandemics and part of the Foundation’s grant has been dedicated to distribute food and personal protective equipment to people in need.
In 2021, the Trafigura Foundation renewed its support to Bateau Genève to help the association deliver its services to disadvantaged communities, whose needs have dramatically increased during the pandemic.
Between September 2021 and February 2022, seven beneficiaries where recruited as part of the Bateau’s “Cash for work livelihood program” and helped with the main activities offered by the association (meal preparation, serving and cleaning).
These collaborators received training, individual follow-up and assistance throughout their period on board.
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