News Update - Education from knowitall.ch

: Published: 08 February 2026

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By Fergus Dullaghan

Almost six years ago, I ran my first self-defence course for women in Geneva. I wanted to do something to help local women after my wife was mugged. The damage she suffered wasn’t limited to stolen items, stitches and a trip to hospital in an ambulance – it was the aftermath. Months (maybe years) of jumping at shadows, disrupted sleep and anxiety.

I was also upset and angry. So as a life-long martial artist, I wanted to do my bit to stop it happening to other women in the city. The course was really successful and, although I was slowed down by the pandemic, the feedback I was given, planted the seed for me to open my own English language martial arts club in Geneva in 2023 (www.swiftacademy.ch).

Mostly, I focus on teaching my young daughters and their friends the sport of judo. But this year, I’m revisiting the theme of women’s self-defence in a series of three courses across the year. In the first course (with the kind support of La Découverte school), we will be looking at mugging again.

Why am I revisiting that theme? Well, firstly, although Geneva is a very safe city by international standards, robbery and mugging are actually on the rise here (and in Switzerland more broadly).

Secondly, it is a technically far simpler area to address than many others, so it is a good place to start for people with limited experience. Finally, (and not to underplay the trauma mugging can inflict), it is a psychologically safer topic for us to deal with first than some. Feeling at ease and safe with the group and particularly the instructor is really important, before tackling more complex topics, (which we will be doing later in the year).

Course places will be limited owing to the size of the hall, so please register to assure yourself of a place.

: Published: 27 March 2025

TheLibraryinEnglish

With the recent article about the English Library Vevey at this link, and Biblioweekend happening this weekend, we thought a catch up with Edward Brett, Librarian at The Library in English Geneva was required! We wrote this article back in 2022. It was time to hear from them again. Don't miss the upcoming second-hand book sale will be taking place from 11 to 13 April 2025!

What is the history of The Library in English?
The Library was set up in the early 1930s by a group of parishioners from the Emmanuel Church whose building it still shares. Over the years there has been significant expansion, although the Library remains essentially staffed by volunteers. There are over 10'000 books in the collection, approximately half in the Adult section, and half in the Junior section, with new books purchased and added every week.

How long have you been involved in The Library in English and what drew you to it?
I first became involved with the Library when I was looking for places to do work experience prior to undertaking a Librarian course at the Haute Ecole de Gestion. This was back in 2008. One of my first tasks was to do a stockcheck of the Library - to identify books that were missing. I subsequently was hired as a weekend student helper, then promoted to Assistant and then acting Librarian, before being confirmed as Librarian in 2018.

What is the biggest obstacle The Library in English has had to overcome in the last years?
In 2023 we changed our Library software, helped by a grant from the Loterie Romande. This has been a big change for us, and a significant improvement as the catalog is now online. This has been of huge benefit to our members, as well as to our volunteers.

: Published: 06 March 2025

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View of the Fiction and Biographies room at The English Library - Vevey

We caught up with Sue Spelling and Chairwoman Andrea Hottinger from The English library - Vevey. With the Swiss Biblioweekend this March, we wanted to find out more behind the scene at this library that will be celebrating their 140th anniverary next year. It was founded in 1886 and has been serving the English-speaking community of the Riviera ever since.

About The English Library - Vevey

The English Library - Vevey is a non-profit organisation which uses the annual subscriptions of its members for the purchase of books and operating costs. The library is run by a volunteer committee and volunteer librarians.

We use a local bookshop for our new books, which helps their business too. Every month around 20 new recently-published titles are added to our selection.

Sue explains, "When I arrived in Vevey in 1993, for my husband's work, I had no work permit and 2 young children. I have always loved reading so it was logical to get involved. It was great being able to borrow the recent releases in English and to take my children to a real library and for them to discover books.

"My first job was helping to catologue the books on to a computer so that the library could become computerised. After that I became a librarian and for several years I was part of the book selection committee. Now I look after the Junior Library and help with the English conversation group which meets on a Friday."

: Published: 24 November 2024

We heard from Steve Long, director of InterSoccer, about the Black Friday discount running through 1 December 2024 and thought our readers might be interested in taking advantage of this. We asked Steve to give us a bit more information about what sports can do to help a child develop.

What advantages do children get from playing sports?
Playing sports, football in particular, offers Boys & Girls a range of developmental, physical, and social benefits:

Fitness & Health
Improved Fitness as well as also helping children develop better coordination and balance.
Motor Skills: Playing Football improves both gross and fine motor skills, as it requires running, kicking, dribbling, and quick decision-making.
Healthier Lifestyle: Regular physical activity can help prevent childhood obesity and related health issues like diabetes.
Mental, Social & Life Skills
Focus and Discipline: Football requires concentration and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
Problem-Solving and Strategy: Football allows Children to learn to assess situations, think quickly, and plan their next moves
Positive Moods: Football is great for reducing anxiety and stress
Teamwork: Football is a team sport, teaching children the importance of working together, communicating, and supporting each other
Friendship: Being part of a team allows children to build friendships, feel a sense of belonging, and develop social skills
Self-Confidence: Playing sports helps children feel a sense of achievement, whether it’s mastering a new skill, scoring a goal, or contributing to their team's success.
Leadership and Responsibility: Playing football often provides opportunities for children to take on leadership roles, whether captaining a team,being a reliable teammate.
Respect & Fairplay: Football involves following rules, respecting coaches and teammates, which reinforces discipline and respect.

What are the upcoming dates for InterSoccer?

Courses /Camps are available in Geneva, Versoix, Nyon, Etoy (Aubonne), Lausanne, Zug, Zurich, and Basel. Please note, not all Courses & Camps are confirmed yet for 2025. Autumn Courses can still be joined in for the last few weeks indoors/outdoors.

Autumn Courses - https://www.intersoccer.ch/news/autumn2024
WinterCourses 2025 -https://www.intersoccer.ch/winter-courses-2025/
Easter - Spring Camps - https://www.intersoccer.ch/news/easter2025
Spring - Summer Courses - https://www.intersoccer.ch/news/spring2025

The Black Friday discount

Steve is offering any sign-ups through 1 December 2024 a 20% discount through this link with the code FRIDAY24.

https://www.intersoccer.ch/news/this-black-friday-20-off-all-intersoccer-courses-camps/

: Published: 21 November 2024

Image 14 11 2024 at 12.00

This is the 11th edition of the Boarding Schools Show held in Geneva. It is an exclusive opportunity to meet a selection of top UK and European boarding schools under one roof and in one day. You will have the opportunity to meet admissions directors, school heads, and UK education experts face-to-face. Connect with local parents whose children are already thriving in the UK system, and discover the key strategies for a successful transition. You can also speak directly with the schools and learn more about entry requirements, scholarships, and bursaries.

Hear from the experts and gain invaluable advice on navigating the application process for boarding school entry at 11/13+ and 16+.

Who is the target audience?
The Boarding Schools Show in Geneva on Tuesday, 26th November 2024, is aimed at families based in Switzerland and the surrounding regions.

This includes expatriate parents, Swiss professionals, and families considering British boarding schools for their children.

The show is particularly relevant for those seeking a world-class education, opportunities for holistic development, and pathways to prestigious universities worldwide.

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What are the benefits of boarding school?

Academic Excellence: British boarding schools are renowned for their rigorous academic standards, diverse curricula, and outstanding exam results.
Character Development: Students develop independence, resilience, and confidence in a structured and supportive environment.
Extracurricular Opportunities: Boarding schools offer unparalleled access to sports, arts, music, and leadership programs, encouraging well-rounded personal growth.
Global Network: Living alongside peers from around the world helps students build lifelong friendships and a global perspective.
University Preparation: Boarding schools often have dedicated college counselling services, ensuring students are well-prepared for admission to top universities globally.