Social engagement
Small Steps with Long-Term Impact
Small Steps with Long-Term Impact
At BPD International, we see business as a tool for broader, human-centered development. While our core expertise lies in export and infrastructure financing and advisory, we’re also committed to supporting individuals and communities in ways that foster long-term independence and resilience.
Our solidarity efforts are modest in scale but deeply intentional — both abroad and in Switzerland. Whether it’s funding a training course, supporting small-scale entrepreneurship, or helping rebuild a home — or a life — we aim to contribute regularly and meaningfully, always with a view toward sustainable impact.
Here are two examples:
A Brick House in the Thar Desert
In March 2021, in India’s Thar Desert, our solidarity work took a deeply human turn. A violent storm had destroyed a family’s shelter — and with it, their camel, their main source of livelihood. What began as a simple act of emergency support became the construction of a new brick home — a safe, lasting structure built with locally sourced stone and the help of the community.
For us, this project was a powerful reminder that what may seem out of reach for some can, with relatively little effort from others, become reality — bringing not only shelter, but also lasting dignity and security.
- The StormA massive dust storm sweeps across the desert, destroying everything in its path.
- What remainedThe family's makeshift tent collapsed, leaving them exposed to the elements.
- Planning the rebuildCosts agreed with local builders via WhatsApp
- First step: materials arriveA truck unloads the first stones, marking the beginning of reconstruction.
- Foundation and first layersBuilders lay the early stonework with care and local expertise.
- Community effortNeighbors and local masons join in, transforming destruction into renewal.
- Walls riseSlowly, the structure begins to take shape with arched windows and thick walls for insulation.
- Final touchesBeautiful traditional stonework frames the home’s new doors and windows.
- A new chapterThe family's daughter, smiling in front of her new home.
- The completed houseA solid, dignified home now stands where the storm struck.
Partnering with Local Changemakers
From the Streets of Cotonou to a Community Foundation
In September 2022, we met Achille Demahou, a devoted advocate for vulnerable children and young widowed mothers in Cotonou, Benin. Having grown up on the streets himself, Achille has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those he now supports.
In his free time – every evening, weekend and holiday – he organises community meals, informal education, emergency help and mentoring for families without a father.
With ongoing encouragement and modest financial support from BPD, Achille’s grassroots work evolved into the Ketoura Foundation, officially registered in November 2023. The foundation now supports, among others:
- Educational sponsorships, covering school expenses for 3 children and providing supplies to over 100 others
- Vocational apprenticeships for young mothers, enabling future independence
- Holiday community meals serving over 300 children and single mothers
In 2024, Ketoura acquired a plot of land near Benin’s economic zone, with plans to build a learning center and safe residence for orphans lacking family support. This space will offer structure, safety, and a deep sense of belonging to its community.
A Quiet Commitment
At BPD, we don’t see this work as charity — we see it as shared humanity. We’re honored to walk alongside individuals like Achille, who are already making a difference in their communities.
Our role is to support — quietly, consistently — the vision they’re working to bring to life.
A full overview of the Ketoura Foundation’s activities will soon be available upon request