About the Marche de l’espoir
Where?
Genève, departure from Quai du Mont-Blanc
when?
Running race: Saturday, 11.10.2025
March: Sunday, 12.10.2025
The largest solidarity event in Switzerland involving children
For more than 30 years now, the Terre des Hommes Suisse association has organized the Walk of Hope every October. It is the largest solidarity event in Switzerland involving children.
Since 2025, the event has been enhanced by a 5 km race on Saturday, complementing the traditional Sunday walk.
Each year, a country where Terre des Hommes Suisse is active is honored. The funds raised by participants during the weekend will be donated entirely to projects defending children’s rights in that country.
Raising funds for children's rights
Sunday, October 12 – Quai Wilson, Geneva
The principle is simple: each participant looks for sponsors who agree to donate a certain amount of money for every kilometer they walk. Sponsors are free to decide how much they want to donate.
On the day of the walk, participants get their “walking passport” stamped for every kilometer they complete. Then, each participant collects the promised amount from their sponsors and sends it to Terre des Hommes Switzerland. The money raised helps fund programs for vulnerable children and their families in a region of the world.
Nearly 32,000 children educated each year
More than an act of solidarity, the March of Hope is part of an important awareness-raising work with students in the canton of Geneva and the French border region. From the start of the school year, speakers duly trained by our team criss-cross the classrooms to present a country of action of Terre des Hommes Switzerland and address a theme related to the rights of the child.
An educational sheet is also distributed to each teacher to explore the theme in question with their students. In total, nearly 32,000 students are thus made aware of the realities of life in developing countries and of solidarity.
A big celebration of solidarity!
The Walk of Hope is also a celebration! Throughout the weekend, families and participants can enjoy food and entertainment in tents set up along the route and under the big top.
There will be a variety of activities on offer, including traditional music and dance groups, typical dishes from the country being supported, face painting, and more.
FAQ
Do you still have questions about the Walk? Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.