Why we exist
​Pestalozzi International is a family of nonprofit organisations that offers child-centred education to disadvantaged children in the Global South, supporting economic growth and social mobility.
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High School completion rates in the areas of Zambia, India and Nepal we select from are as low as 3%.​​ Recognising the uniqueness of every child's fullest potential, we educate beyond the classroom to develop future-oriented vocational skills and nurture emotional, social and mental well-being. Our approach provides for a future generation of compassionate global citizens equipped with the ‘Head, Heart and Hands’ to define their lives according to their potential, not their backgrounds.
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We see a tomorrow where every child’s innate talents, empathy, and rich diversity of lived experience are nurtured. Where education instils the power to make informed decisions, fuels the fire of ambition, and inspires everyone to shape a brighter tomorrow for all humanity.
Supported by like-minded people and foundations
"The Vontobel Foundation supports organizations and projects which empower individuals and communities to lead an independent self-reliant life. We have chosen to partner with Pestalozzi International, who have a long, successful experience in offering education to disadvantaged children in the Global South. We are excited about the SkillsHub project’s goal to provide vocational training to underprivileged young people in Zambia, leading to sustainable livelihoods that will help lift them and their communities out of poverty."
Marlies Heerdegen, The Vontobel Foundation
We nurture the moral confidence to turn education into action-a few of our alumni's social impact initiatives
Samaanta
Samaanta Foundation is a Nepal-based NGO that promotes equality and empowerment by providing higher education opportunities to meritorious SEE graduates from poor socio-economic backgrounds. The Foundation provides comprehensive fellowships to cover educational costs and helps create an enabling environment for their advancement. The organisation was co-founded by alumna Jyoti Pandey.
The Thai Pestalozzi Foundation
TPF educates hundreds of Thai children at schools across Thailand who would otherwise face barriers to completing their educations. Founded by Pestalozzi alumni educated in the UK, the charity is now co-run by TPF's own alumni and is completely self-sufficient.
Pestalozzi International provides tax efficient donation routing from the UK/USA and CH for TPF's supporters around the world.
Code Savanna
Founded by alumni CS is dedicated to empowering the next generation of young leaders through computing, innovation, and Entrepreneurship in underrepresented communities in Zambia. CS believe that bridging the digital divide and fostering innovation are crucial for every community's socioeconomic progress. Their commitment to education, empowerment, and community development drives their core programs.
Stories of success
Alex is a refugee from Rwanda. He has lived in Maheba camp in Zambia all of his life - until he joined Pestalozzi Zambia, in 2012.
Alex became Head Boy of Pestalozzi school, and graduated in 2018. Since then he has been offered two university scholarships before finding his calling teaching hundreds of children Maths in rural Zambia, as an Edulution Coach.
Pestalozzi International is committed to expanding our social impact, focusing on the regions where the need is greatest.
The children and young people who join our programmes demonstrate exceptional potential despite facing significant challenges. Many are girls and refugees from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our rigorous selection process ensures that we reach those most in need, helping them transform their futures and, in turn, the futures of those around them.
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By supporting our expansion efforts, you can help bring holistic education to the children who need it most, enabling them to break the cycle of poverty and become leaders and changemakers in their communities.