A new era of impact education for change
Pestalozzi International is dedicated to transforming the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the Global South. We provide comprehensive, holistic education that empowers these young minds to become future leaders and changemakers, paving the way for social mobility and economic growth.
Pestalozzi International is the product of a strategic merger between two organisations with a shared vision and long history of educational excellence and impact —Pestalozzi World Children’s Trust (PW) and Pestalozzi International Foundation (PIF).
Our mission
We offer child-centred education to disadvantaged children in the Global South, supporting economic growth and social mobility. 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. This education for life creates self-reliant adults with the moral confidence to contribute meaningfully to their communities and as global citizens.
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What we stand for
Imagine a world 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. At Pestalozzi International, we can – and want to achieve it with you.
Our values
1. Holistic Education
We believe in nurturing the whole child through a comprehensive, holistic education that develops intellectual, emotional, and practical skills, inspired by Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi's "Head, Heart, and Hands" philosophy.
2. Social Mobility
We are committed to breaking the cycle of poverty by providing educational opportunities that promote social mobility and economic empowerment, enabling children to reach their full potential.
3. Community Engagement
We value the concept of ‘giving back’ and encourage our Alumni to positively impact their communities, fostering a culture of empathy, ambition, and ethical values through community engagement.
4. Sustainability
We aim to improve livelihoods by equipping children with the vocational skills needed to secure long-term employment and contribute to sustainable development in their local economies.
5. Empowering Girls
We prioritise gender equality by ensuring that two out of every three children we support are girls. By focusing on girls' education, we aim to overcome gender stereotypes, prevent early marriage, and enable girls to become role models and leaders in their communities.
What we mean by child-centred care
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Keeping the child in focus at all times, treated as an individual
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Putting the child's rights and best interests first
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Considering the child's views, wishes, and feelings
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Promoting and respecting the child's dignity
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Respecting the child's characteristics, culture, and beliefs
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Supporting the child to be involved in decisions that affect them
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Working in partnership with the child and their families
Child-centred approaches transform lives
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.
