Who we are | Avallain Foundation

Our story

Avallain Foundation is the realisation of Avallain AG’s vision based on the belief that cutting-edge education technology can unlock human potential.

Avallain AG has been a pioneer in the market since 2002 providing education solutions to leading international companies. In its experience Avallain AG came across areas of need around the world where quality education was unavailable and the commercial value was not appealing enough to attract investment.

To bridge that gap Avallain AG decided to establish a permanent presence in East Africa opening a daughter company in Nairobi as part of its corporate social responsibility. As the projects in Kenya developed successfully creating job opportunities and working closely with local authorities, NGOs and other stakeholders, Avallain AG’s co-founders took their commitment further by creating Avallain Foundation. For this vision, they counted on the support and enthusiasm of the whole team at Avallain AG from the beginning. The time and expertise they contribute to the foundation and its various projects is crucial in our investment to unlock education for those who need it most.

To secure the Foundation’s continued stability and success, Avallain AG is committed to covering the administration costs, making sure that each donated dollar goes directly to those who need it most. Avallain Foundation is a fully established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisation based in the United States.

Avallain AG’s expertise lies on technology but its main drive is education and the needs of the learner. It is precisely this drive that has led Avallain AG to generously donate all the products developed for Africa to Avallain Foundation. Additionally, and in order to keep close bonds between the two entities, one of its co-founders presides the Board of Directors of the Foundation. Avallain Foundation lives up to the commitment to further develop the donated products, take high-quality digital education to those who need it most and unlock human potential.

Team

Miriam Ruiz

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & SECRETARY OF THE BOARD

“Working to make a difference in people’s lives through education is an honour and a privilege. Seeing the impact education can have on individuals and consequently their communities, is extremely rewarding and motivating. I love having a job which ultimate goal is to achieve universal access to quality education and in the meantime create choice and opportunity for as many people as possible.”

Ursula Suter

CO-FOUNDER & PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD

“From Health to Education, throughout my career I saw and applied the exponential effect of a sound conceptual approach in complex human contexts. With our foundation we aim to deliver solutions to those most in need. Being the president of the board allows me to use our experience, expertise and resources to unlock human potential which should always be the main goal of education.”

Ignatz Heinz

CO-FOUNDER

“In 1986 I used my computer to overcome the limits of my own schooling and now, with Avallain Foundation, I am hoping to do the same for as many people as possible. After more than 20 years in international education technology and ICT4D, we know how to achieve maximum impact in very diverse environments. We want to use these skills to fulfil the undelivered promise of the internet; education for all.”

Shelmith Mumbi

MANAGING DIRECTOR EAST AFRICA

“When I have to present what we do and the digital education tools that we have developed I can not help but feel a deep sense of pride. Ours is not an easy job but working in something we believe in and something we see work and have such an impact is worth all the effort we put in.”

Dr. Martina Amoth

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION EAST AFRICA

“In my role, I work closely with the end users of our digital education products. I see their faces light up when they can learn while having fun at the same time and in my position as Director of Education, I know that they are getting a good quality product that can impact their lives forever.”

Edward Anjalusi

TECHNICAL ASSISTANT EAST AFRICA

“We are an ambitious team with high hopes and we always give our best. I am happy I can use my skills to further education in East Africa. New technologies make a huge difference in the way we learn and teach and they can bring education to those that have been left behind.”

Board of Directors

Ursula Suter

CO-FOUNDER & PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD

Alexandra L. Braunstein, MD

VICE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD

“It is an honor for me to serve with an organization like Avallain Foundation that provides people with the tools to realize the best version of themselves. In my role as vice president of the board, it is my aim to leverage my professional background as a surgeon and an assistant professor of ophthalmology at Columbia University to assist in delivering crucial information and education to those who need it most so they can promote safe habits among their families and impact their communities.”

Danny Cochran

TREASURER OF THE BOARD

“I have spent most of my adult life creating and designing for education. As a Software Engineer at Google I work on digital learning initiatives and at Avallain Foundation I aim to use my skills to advise on how to foster user-centered design. Digital education and ICT can have a significant impact in education in the developing world and I am glad to be part of the foundation and help fulfill its goals.”