SEDIA project to raise awareness in the Swiss Army

In early 2021, the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities SIG proposed a joint training project with the army based on the experience in raising awareness that it has acquired as part of the Likrat project. The Swiss Army Training Unit jumped at this suggestion and launched the SEDIA pilot project ‘Raising Awareness of Diversity and Inclusion in the Army’ with the SIG, which is responsible for the Likrat projects. The first course to raise awareness among prospective army personnel was held in early July 2021. The pilot project has been affiliated with the new Likrat spin-off Vice Versa since the beginning of 2022.

Raising awareness for relations with minority groups

Vice Versa builds on the Likrat project’s considerable wealth of experience in raising awareness, education and prevention. This is Likrat’s centre for diversity management excellence and advice. The army’s objective is encapsulated by the working title of the pilot project: ‘Raising Awareness of Diversity and Inclusion in the Army SEDIA’. A programme of interactive training and awareness-raising for improved engagement with minority groups was developed on this basis. Experienced Vice Versa specialists guide the army personnel through the three sections: theory, practical examples and an ‘encounter’ – explicitly intended for a frank, taboo-free exchange, with questions and discussion. SEDIA aims to show trainees ways of tackling problems and finding solutions. The aim is to get them thinking about how they can take cultures, religions and minority groups into consideration.