Addis Guzo Association
Committed, forward-looking, in solidarity.
About the association
Addis Guzo is a non-profit association recognized in Switzerland. Since 2012, we have been running a center for people with disabilities in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. People with disabilities have access to our services regardless of their gender, age, social affiliation, political views or religious beliefs.
The association is governed by the general assembly as its highest body and by the board. Together with the management, the board is responsible for the strategic direction, the quality of the projects in Ethiopia and the funding.
By creating a management position in Switzerland in August 2024, we set the course for the future. Nevertheless, we continue to rely on the power of volunteer work.
Management
Christine Oberli
Christine has been managing Addis Guzo since August 2024. Together with Bernhard Wissler, she founded Addis Guzo and helped shape it as a volunteer for many years. Today she coordinates the association’s activities in Switzerland and Ethiopia and ensures that administration, project work and strategic development run smoothly together.
Her experience in leading social projects, her commitment to inclusive collaboration and her close ties with the local team shape her work.
Board in Switzerland
The board works on a voluntary basis.
Fabienne Stinus
More about Fabienne
Fabienne Stinus is a teacher, adult educator, and didactics expert with many years of experience as a lecturer at a teacher training college – now working in her so-called “unretirement.” She has known Addis Guzo since its early days and has remained closely connected to the project. Since August 2023, she has served as a board member with a special focus on the French-speaking part of Switzerland. She supports fundraising efforts in the region and is responsible for all French translations.
Bernhard Wissler
More about Bernhard
Bernhard Wissler is an occupational therapist, wheelchair expert, and one of the key figures behind Addis Guzo. As a co-founder, he played a major role in establishing the project in Addis Ababa and has significantly shaped its development over the years. Professionally, he ran the wheelchair company hock’n roll ag for over two decades and played a key role in developing the Swiss training program for rehabilitation technicians. Since 2018, he has led the partner organization rollaid, which collaborates closely and successfully with Addis Guzo.
Laura Marti
More about Laura
Laura Marti joins the board with a strong background in business administration and brings valuable expertise to the team. For several years, she has supported the association’s bookkeeping and contributed to its public relations efforts. Laura has a long-standing personal connection to Addis Guzo: In 2017, she traveled to Ethiopia with Bernhard and Christine, participated in the project, and explored the country. The experiences from that trip deeply shaped her connection to Ethiopia and strengthened her motivation to stay involved long term.
Kai Wissler
More about Kai
With a background in European Global Studies and a strong interest in international cooperation, Kai Wissler brings a global perspective to the board. As the son of founding member Bernhard Wissler, he has been connected to Addis Guzo from the very beginning. During two visits to Addis Ababa, he not only got to know the project but also contributed hands-on – including work in the workshop. These on-site experiences sharpened his awareness of social justice. More recently, he has been supporting the further development of the website, contributing both his technical skills and conceptual thinking.
Barbara Wieland
More about Barbara
Barbara Wieland is a veterinarian with experience in teaching, research, and international development cooperation in the field of animal health and disease control. She lived and worked in Ethiopia for more than six years, where she came to know and deeply appreciate both the work of Addis Guzo and, above all, its staff. During that time, she also hosted several volunteers from Switzerland. Back in Bern, she is very pleased to support and help shape the future of Addis Guzo as a member of the board.