On the occasion of its 75th anniversary in Switzerland, OSEO, the Swiss workers’ aid organization, has given itself a new name: SOLIDAR SUISSE. “Solidar” is emblematic and self-evident. It clearly expresses our central message and core value: solidarity. 
“Solidar” affirms our partnership approach. The notion of “relief work” has now disappeared from development cooperation because it expressed the paternalistic attitude of “development aid”. We, on the contrary, define ourselves as a development partner, working on the ground with grassroots civil society organizations, supporting and strengthening them in their struggle for fundamental rights and better living and working conditions.
“Solidar” attracts the right associations. In numerous discussions, we noted that the name “Å’uvre suisse d’entraide ouvrière” was not immediately associated with the field of development cooperation. The new name will contribute to greater clarity in this area. As a member of the European Solidar network, Solidar Switzerland networks with over 50 NGOs and aid organizations. Its President is Socialist National Councillor Hans-Jürg Fehr. Its director is Ruth Daellenbach.
“Solidar” is written and pronounced in the same way in our national languages, as well as in the main languages of the countries in which we operate (English and Spanish).
The name changes – our commitment remains! OSEO has been active in Burkina Faso since 1974, and has a very good reputation for the quality and seriousness of its work among state institutions and civil society organizations. This merit is recognized by the highest authorities. From May 2011, we will be known as SOLIDAR Switzerland. The guidelines of Solidar Suisse in Burkina Faso remain unchanged, and can be summed up as follows: innovation in education, promotion of human rights, capacity building and rural development.
Solidar bears the ZEWO seal of quality, guaranteeing that your donations are used with the utmost care. In terms of management and organization, Solidar meets the requirements of the Swiss NPO-Code, the code of conduct for major Swiss aid organizations.
Paul Taryam ILBOUDOReprésentant Résident de Solidar Suisse au Burkina Faso