Chay Ya Austria
CHAY YA AUSTRIA is a non-profit organization for the global fight against poverty, which focuses its projects primarily on remote, hard-to-reach areas. “Chay Ya” comes from Tibetan and means something like “let’s do it”. The organization is mainly active in the Nepalese Himalayas in sustainable poverty reduction. The focus of our aid projects is on education and disability learning centers, medical care (maternity wards), waste separation, permaculture school gardens and organic farming projects, empowerment of women and girls, reconstruction after the tragic earthquake of 2015 and disaster relief.
Sabine Klotz
Chairwoman & Founder Chay Ya Austria
Responsibility: Project planning and control, fundraising and public relations.
Qualification: Master in International Development at the University of Vienna, has been working in the social sector in Nepal for 11 years.
Motivation: I believe in a humane life for ALL – every human being has the right to education, food, health care and self-determination! Radiant children’s faces after school, women giving birth in a clean environment with the support of a midwife, girls & boys who become responsible citizens and can make political decisions and thus change their country for the better, whole villages that have an income and healthy food through organic farms.
Veronika Klotz
Vice Chairwoman & Treasurer Chay Ya Austria
Responsibility: Organizing Christmas and spring markets. Decorating and handicrafts with students of the secondary school in Wolfurt. Assistance at beneficial concerts.
Qualification: Secondary school teacher, passionate gardener and handicraft enthusiast.
Motivation: To improve the bad living conditions of our kids in Kailali by healthy food, clean beds and clothes, as well as to give them more joy of life by giving them a great playground, sports and toys. The improved quality of the teaching also contributes to this. Make the kids smile!!!!
Doris Bauer-Böckle
Secretary Chay Ya Austria
Responsibility: Protocols, donations and good spirit
Qualification: Qualified social workers; for more than 30 years in psychosocial fields of work; volunteer work – as long as I am able to can think at home and abroad
Motivation: Human dignity, education and the possibility of self-determination are important values for me! Independent of gender, income and geographical location.
Support with HEART – BRAIN – HAND – let’s go for it!
Christoph Gsteu
Member Chay Ya Austria
Responsibility: Public relations, Website
Qualification: HTL for electronics and communications engineering, general nursing diploma (with special training in intensive and anaesthesia care), voluntary placement at the Dhulikhel Hospital in Nepal and at the Hôpital Protestant Ngaoubela in Kamerun
Motivation: Since my first trip to Nepal 20 years ago, I have had a deep connection with the Himalayan state and its inhabitants. It is only because of our birth in Central Europe that we are so privileged compared to many other people in the world. To spend a part of my free time to help the association is for me the possibility to give something back to the people of Nepal.
Barbara Barvinek
Member Chay Ya Austria
Responsibility: Godparenthood support, Proofreader
Qualification: Secondary school teacher
Motivation: Education is a human right and every sponsorship offers a child the chance of a good education. In my opinion, those who live in prosperity themselves have a moral obligation to help those who have been less fortunate.
Katharina Becker
Project Management
Responsibility: Grant applications, Social Media, Research and Database Maintenance, Report drafting, Fundraising support
Qualification: Currently undertaking a M.A. in Global Studies from the University of Graz, with a focus on Gender Studies and Human Rights
Motivation: The wealth and security I am privileged to experience in the Global North is a product of a centuries-long oppression and exploitation of the Global South. I therefore believe it is my responsibility to acknowledge the systems and structures in place that promote this injustice and participate in dismantling them. One such possibility to do so lies in empowering the people; through access to education, health care, shelter, nutrition and employment. Through these pathways, they gain the resources needed to become active players in and for their communities.
There’s no participation without education, so let’s do it together.
Lena Pichler
Project Assistance
Responsibility: Grant applications and fundraising support, managing donations, research and database management, report drafting, drafting publications
Qualification: Master in International Development from the University of Vienna, 10+ years of experience in the community development sector across the globe with a focus on women’s and human rights and human trafficking
Motivation: I am passionate about human rights. I believe that all people are entitled to a life with dignity and self-determination. I want to work towards a world where all individuals are equal, respected and given the opportunity to maximise their full potential. I believe in informed aid that empowers people and fosters independence.
When I first visited Nepal back in 2011, I was immediately taken by the beauty of this unique country and its people. Whilst I was very privileged to meet so many wonderful individuals, I also witnessed poverty and lack of access to basic human rights, particularly in remote areas of Nepal. Here’s to working toward a sustainable and brighter future together.
Magdalena Karnassnigg
retired Genius
previous Responsibilities: Contact with potential volunteers, coordination of the stay, supervision, planning & support of the stay, assistance with internal affairs, email communication, coordination of homepage and graphic design
Qualification: Running Master in Sustainable Development, active for 3 years with Chay Ya Austria & Nepal, personal experience in the field of volunteer work
Motivation: Some of today’s greatest problems were and are largely created by the global North. The global South, however, is often the victim of the consequences, including Nepal as one of the least developed countries in the world. I believe that this fact, this privilege of being born in Europe, also implies a certain duty to help those who simply have not been so lucky in their lives and are stagnating under the consequences of our actions. A common future as a human species on this planet, which is our basis of life, is only possible through sustainable development in the environmental, social and economic fields. I believe that this is possible through active cooperation that transcends borders and generations, and through the transfer of knowledge on an equal footing. My heart beats for the creation of a better and humane future for all, humans, animals and nature.
Alexandra Müller
Member Chay Ya Austria
Responsibility: Assistance with grant applications
Qualifications: Studies of technical physics and MBA
Motivation: I think that the work of Chay Ya is socially useful and that people from different parts of the world should support each other.
Martin Hanser
Member Chay Ya Austria
Responsibility: Event organization
Qualification: Many years of involvement in the former non-profit association Namaskar
Motivation: I myself was in Nepal in 2012 as a tourist. When I got to know Sabine through a work colleague, the case was completely clear to me! I am happy to be able to organize the benefit concert in Röthis every year in December together with the cultural committee of Röthis, it is really fun! I have been a diplimated psychiatric nurse at the LKH Rankweil on the forensic department for 26 years. Happily married with my wife Renate, I have 2 children. Alice (29) has also been to Nepal with Sabi, and Thilo (27) who made me a new grandfather 4 months ago! My motivation: we are doing very well and we are in the lucky position to be able to contribute to this very valuable project of Sabine!
Christoph Ruck
Member Chay Ya Austria
Responsibility: Fundraising
Qualification: Apprenticeship as office clerk, apprenticeship as insurance specialist
Motivation: We are all more than well here, when I see how the Nepalis are doing, the zero infrastructure (hospitals, schools, sanitary facilities, hygiene) have and under what circumstances they have to live I am glad that I can support Sabine, Chay Ya, their projects and the people in Nepal with my commitment.
Christoph Frick
Member Chay Ya Austria
Responsibility: Fundraising, networking, advertising
Qualification: Commercial academy, foreign trade and import among others with India and Nepal, many stays on site
Motivation: Philanthropist
Sarah Sinclair
Member Chay Ya Austria
Responsibility: Translations
Qualification: English as second mother tongue, Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Motivation: I am firmly convinced that every person has the right to equal treatment. Everyone should have the chance to attend school, whether boy or girl, healthy or impaired. Even if I cannot be there, I try to do my part to improve the living situation in Nepal.
Maria Westerlund
Member Chay Ya Austria
Responsibility: Consulting in the area of schools and children with disabilities, organizational support of Chay Ya Austria and Chay Ya USA.
Qualification: Commercial college Marienberg 1970-1973, 40 years working experience within finance/controlling (11 years in Sweden and 29 years in London). Mother of two adult children and granny of one grandchild.
Motivation: To help children by giving them my time and the opportunity to develop in a safe, loving environment, to grow at their own pace and reach their full potential.