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The triangle - our guiding imageThe transatlantic slave trade of the 16th to 19th century was an intercontinental trade triangle. Our guiding image, a West African boat with a triangular sail, is a symbol for the historic trading route between Europe, Africa and the Americas.
 cooperaxion is a Swiss charity foundation dedicated to the promotion of sustainable development and intercultural exchange on the route of the transatlantic trade triangle, on which also slaves were transported. ‘Learn from the past and find new horizons' is our motto. cooperaxion's project work focusses on the one hand on documenting the historic role of Swiss protagonists in the transatlantic slave trade. On the other hand, we support youth projects in countries along the transatlantic trade triangle.
In the time of the transatlantic slave and merchandise trade between the 16th and the 19th century, European merchants shipped cloth and industrial merchandise to Africa, where the goods were traded for people. These were shipped to the Americas and traded for sugar, tobacco, spices, silver and gold; all of which were sold in Europe for a big profit. The triangular trade was an important factor in the boom of the North - at the expense of the South. Even today there is a frequent flow of people, merchandise and immaterial goods on these routes between Europe, Africa and the Americas. Unfair conditions still mark this exchange; it also contributes to hunger and poverty in the South and the widening gap between the rich and the poor. Vision
cooperaxion is committed to helping the poorest receive a future in dignity in those areas previously affected by the transatlantic slave and merchandise trade.
Objectives
In the South, especially on the West African and South American coasts and in the Caribbean, cooperaxion assists people in creating locally based sources of income, so that they can participate in the transatlantic exchange as partners with equal rights.
In Switzerland, cooperaxion wants to draw attention to the Swiss involvement in the transatlantic slave trade from the 16th to the 19th century, and show that today's wealth is linked to the trade triangle. Awareness for development cooperation issues shall be raised and the active commitment for the disadvantaged in the South shall be reinforced.
Sustainable Development
cooperaxion promotes environmentally friendly economic and social structures through projects. They will open new horizons and guarantee secure jobs on a long-term basis.
Intercultural Exchange
cooperaxion will reinforce the intercultural exchange in countries on the route of the transatlantic trade triangle. International understanding and intercultural cooperation can be improved through communication and the concrete exchange of information, knowledge and values.
1. Future: invest in the young generation
cooperaxion supports especially the young people in the South as they are the future of their countries. They shall create a secure life in their own country and connect with the world through intercultural exchange. They shall be empowered to be able to help shape their country's destiny.
2. Sustainability: providing help for self-help
cooperaxion encourages the creation or preservation of small enterprises that are socially responsible and meet the needs of the market, or creating social organisations in the South; both is a way of sustainable and locally based construction aid. cooperaxion supports people and organisations committed to improving living conditions with their own ideas and hands. They are motivated to take fate into their own hands and improve their circumstances through education, counselling and information.
3. Basic work: anchoring the projects locally
cooperaxion does not send Swiss experts to countries in the South, but supports grass-root organisations' projects in countries on the former slave and merchandise trade routes. The foundation's objective is to reinforce the local entrepreneurs and private organisations. Projects that are embedded in the local culture and social realities, and where women and men are equally represented, will be co-funded.
4. Partnership: focussing on cooperation
In order to build on existing relationships, to use the available knowledge and to promote mutual learning, cooperaxion cooperates with partner organisations in the South and in Switzerland. The projects in the South are based on local needs and developed and implemented in cooperation with the local population.
5. Dialogue: create room for understanding
cooperaxion is convinced that the exchange of information and networking among the different actors in the South and Switzerland are crucial for fair relations along the transatlantic trade triangle. cooperaxion offers a platform for the coordination of assessment efforts, public relations and social commitment. Contacts are created and mutual trust is built through constant dialogue.
6. Transparency: information and monitoring
cooperaxion is a Swiss foundation under the supervisory authority of the Swiss government. cooperaxion's duties in information and accountability are stipulated clearly. However, transparency is not only an obligation by law, but also a principle cooperaxion is whole-heartedly committed to.
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