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For everyone
Whether in the form of a book, exhibition, film, or podcast, educational projects play a central role in reappraising compulsory social measures and placements in Switzerland. They make the results of research accessible and give a voice to those affected.
Many projects are helping to communicate historical findings to a wider audience and ensure that these insights inform the daily work of the authorities and professionals. These projects strengthen social cohesion and enable a respectful culture of remembrance.
Exhibitions
FOSTERED, LOCKED AWAY, FORGOTTEN? The History and Stories of Compulsory Social Measures in Switzerland
The national touring exhibition “FOSTERED. LOCKED AWAY. FORGOTTEN?” sheds light on the history of compulsory social measures and placements in Switzerland, and how the country has come to terms with them. The exhibition brings this story to all regions of Switzerland. Lower and upper secondary school classes can participate in a guided educational programme in the form of a dialogue-based tour. Educational materials are also available to teachers for use in preparation for and follow-up after the exhibition visit.
L’enfance volée
Exhibition in Fribourg: Kunst und Erinnerung From November to December 2025, Galerie J.-J. Hofstetter will exhibit works by victims of compulsory social measures – including Simone Hohmann, Alain Meylan, Louisette Buchard-Molteni, Daniela Yildiz and Michel Cattin. The exhibition explores art as a means of resistance, overcoming trauma, and establishing identity. It is accompanied by educational resources and an opening event on 21 November 2025.
Vom Glück vergessen
This exhibition focuses on five individuals who were subject to compulsory social measures. In walkable cardboard rooms, audio plays and archive documents recount their stories. It invites visitors to consider the impact of state intervention on people’s lives, both then and now, and to reflect on how society treats the most vulnerable.
Nationale Gedenkstätte für Heim- und Verdingkinder [National Commemorative Site for Children in Care and Contract Children], Mümliswil
The Guido Fluri Foundation established and maintains this commemorative site in a former children’s home that operated from 1939 to 1973. School classes can visit the site free of charge by prior arrangement.
Events
Erzählbistro [storytelling bistro] – a meeting place for people affected by compulsory social measures
The Erzählbistro offers a space for dialogue, conversation and shared activities for people affected by compulsory social measures. As well as moderated storytelling cafés with life stories, there are also creative studios, shared meals, informational resources and regular events. Affected individuals are increasingly creating their own programmes, supported by the Erzählbistro, to share their stories. These can be accessed via the extensive media library on the website.
Le Petit Clément – event series
As part of the “Le Petit Clément” project, a number of events dealing with compulsory social measures and placements are planned, including concerts and talks in Western Switzerland and in schools in particular.
Web platforms
Swiss Historical Dictionary – an online dictionary
A freely accessible, scholarly, multimedia online dictionary on Swiss history.
Our Faces – Our Stories
This platform features biographical portraits, interviews and background information, documenting the stories of individuals affected by compulsory social measures and placements and making them accessible to the general public.
Ursula Biondi
Ursula Biondi’s website showcases her life experiences and her decades of work to achieve recognition, reappraisal and rehabilitation for women and men who were subject to administrative detention. The site is clearly structured and shares personal storiesand background information, as well as providing details of public appearances.
Kinderheime Schweiz [Children’s Homes in Switzerland] – a platform for the history of children in care and contract children
The Kinderheime Schweiz project was the first to conduct academic research into past abuses, mistreatment and assaults based on the experiences of former children in care, as well as on files, images and literature.
Publications
Durch die Tinte – Graphic Novel
This graphic novel makes knowledge from the National Research Program NRP 76 and current research accessible to a broad audience, particularly young people. Based on the life story of someone affected, it helps raise awareness of the enduring impact of placements in Switzerland.
L’enfance volée – magazine book
This project is developing a magazine-book (“mook”) that explores the theme of stolen childhood through text, photographs and illustrations. Multimedia content, such as videos and audio files, can be accessed via an augmented reality app.
Starkes Ding – graphic novel
Illustrator Lika Nüssli tells the story of her grandfather, who was a contract child, through striking illustrations.