Welcome to Centrepoint
a volunteer-run English-speaking community in the heart of Basel where people connect, join activities, and make friends
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News & articles
Article
Elephants in Basel
For more than 130 years, elephants have been at the heart of Zoo Basel’s identity, reflecting the changing role of zoos in Europe from places of spectacle to institutions focused on conservation, breeding and animal welfare. Founded in 1874, Basel Zoo, known locally as the “Zolli,” initially focused on native European wildlife.
Centrepoint news
President’s words – June 2026 – Summer in Basel
The second half of May was already warm! Summer is back in Basel, with a lot of sunshine. Also at Centrepoint the sun is shining.
Event report
iPhone Photography Workshop
Once again, the iPhone workshop organised by the Centrepoint Photography Club has attracted a great deal of interest. Over the course of three evenings, the enthusiastic participants were guided through everything from optimal camera settings and camera handling to comprehensive editing options.
Volunteer of the month
Olga Märkli, June 2026
This month Olga Märkli is our Volunteer of the Month. Originally from Lima, Peru, she studied architecture and urban planning before moving to Basel more than 30 years ago.
Centrepoint news
Pétanque on 17 June
Join the Centrepoint Pétanque group that plays at the Place de la Pétanque. Participants can bring food and drinks, if they wish. Centrepoint provides the balls.
Event report
Answering the Call
It was no surprise that Centrepoint had a large turnout for the exhibition “London Calling: Swiss-British Cultural Exchange” on April 23. As part of an international organisation in Switzerland with English as the common language, Centrepoint’s members are already part of the ongoing exchange.
What our members say
“Finding Centrepoint was a turning point for me after leaving Ukraine. The supportive community here has helped me feel connected and at home in Switzerland.”
Viktoriya from Ukraine
"I enjoy teaching beginners’ bridge at Centrepoint because it blends problem-solving, fast feedback, and intuitive pattern-spotting into a game played with people, not just against them. Watching newcomers discover the pleasure of playing bridge — and even give me new insights — is genuinely rewarding."
Sev from Russia
“I really enjoy volunteering on the Front Desk, as the variety of tasks makes every shift engaging and helps me feel connected to the Centrepoint community. Volunteering with the Italian Conversation Group is also rewarding as it gives me pleasure to share my language and help others develop their skills."
Francesca from Italy
"Volunteering at Centrepoint gives me the chance to organise fun events like minigolf, summer meet-ups, and visits to interesting places. I also enjoy being part of the Photography Club, where we share our passion, meet new people, and work together to make the group a success."
Marcel from Switzerland
“I have found a truly welcoming, international community at Centrepoint. Participating in its diverse activities has strengthened my spoken English and given me a supportive space where I feel I belong.”
Sissi from Switzerland
“I’ve discovered Basel in new ways and learned about many different subjects through Centrepoint’s talks and trips. It’s also been rewarding to contribute by hosting a French discussion group.”
Jean-Christian from Canada
“I enjoy volunteering at the Welcome Desk during weekly Coffee Mornings, where I can greet members and offer new members and visitors a friendly introduction. It’s rewarding to help people settle into the Centrepoint community.”
Steffen from the Netherlands