At Surval, service is more than just a value — it’s a way of being. Our Charity Committee is a vital pillar of life at Surval, giving girls the chance to lead with compassion, act with purpose, and make a difference within and beyond our community.
This year, the Committee was led with thoughtfulness and drive by Maiia (Grade 10, Russia), recipient of Surval’s Service Ambassador Award and Chair of the Student Voice Charity Committee. From ongoing partnerships with local organisations to launching inspiring initiatives, Maiia has set a powerful example of student leadership.
In the final term, she worked closely with Sofia (Swiss Gap, Mexico) to bring two of the year’s most memorable events to life: the beautiful Cherry Blossom Gala Dinner, led by Maiia, and the challenging and meaningful Swimathon for Léman Hope, where both girls played key roles. Their teamwork reflected the very essence of Surval — unity, purpose, and a deep commitment to giving back.
Here, Maiia and Sofia share their reflections on a year shaped by service, and the lasting impact it has left on them and their fellow Survaliennes.
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Read Maiia (Grade 10, Russia) powerful message delivered at this year’s Graduation and Prize Giving Ceremony.
As we stand here today, marking the end of another incredible year at Surval, I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the Charity Committee—a group of passionate and determined girls who worked together not just to make a difference in our school, but in the world around us.
Back in September, we began our journey with Zoe for Life, running to support children battling cancer. It was an early reminder of how small efforts can ripple into powerful impact when we come together with purpose.
Throughout the first semester, we partnered with Cartons du Cœur, delivering boxes of food to people in need. Week after week, we visited Demain des Foyers, where girls from the Swiss Gap program brought joy and learning to refugee children—playing, teaching, and sharing moments of hope.
In December, we visited Le Byron, home for the elderly, where we shared songs, laughter, and stories to help bring the warmth of the Christmas season to those who needed it most. Around the same time, our school united in love and generosity by collecting special gifts through a school-wide fundraiser. These heartfelt packages were sent across the world to children and families in need, reminding us all what the holiday spirit is truly about.
Spring brought with it a new opportunity for impact. We joined Léman Hope, a project that supports children with cancer through healing and confidence-building experiences. Our school rallied around this cause with determination—organizing a major fundraising campaign that brought everyone together.
All of these moments, big and small, have shaped a year of compassion, action, and unity.
To every girl who volunteered, every teacher who supported us, and every heart that gave—we thank you. The world is a better place because of the love you chose to give.
Read Sofia (Swiss Gap, Mexico) powerful message delivered at this year’s Graduation and Prize Giving Ceremony.
The Surval Cherry Blossom Gala Dinner was truly beautiful; an evening surrounded by elegance, kindness, and unity. Also a massive team effort, involving organizers, sponsors, and all the people behind the scenes who brought our celebration to life with their presence and their spirit.
In my thank you message, I encouraged everyone to really cherish moments like these, to support one another, and to spread beauty wherever we go. This message of hope and togetherness echoed again with me 2 days later, when I found myself taking part in a challenging Swimmathon; our Surval team swam 5 kilometers and paddle-boarded across Lac Léman.
The Gala Dinner and Swimathon were Surval fundraising events for Léman Hope, a foundation that supports children with cancer, giving them life-changing adventures to build strength and confidence through sailing and outdoor experiences. While swimming, I thought of the children we were raising funds for—their courage, their resilience, and the hope they carry in their hearts. It reminded me once again why we do what we do: to stand for something greater than ourselves.