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Opportunities for girls and young women

Educated young women are powerful role models in their communities

Empowering girls and young women

In the Global South, girls and young women face unique and significant challenges to accessing quality education. Early marriage, social expectations, economic pressure, and even a lack of essential resources like childcare or menstrual products can keep girls from realising their full potential.

A historic commitment to girls

Pestalozzi International’s focus on girls and young women has always been woven into every programme we run across Zambia, India and Nepal. Through initiatives like the Future Leaders Programme and SkillsHub, we ensure that girls and young women have the opportunity to pursue education and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

Breaking the cycle of poverty

According to global research, for every extra year a girl stays in secondary school, her income can increase by 10-20%. Studies show that young women who are educated are more likely to reinvest in their families and communities, contributing to improved health, economic growth, and social development.

Pestalozzi children in the forest in Nepal

Focused outreach and selection

We actively work to identify and support girls from the most disadvantaged and marginalised communities. In regions where girls are often left behind, our selection process ensures that girls receive priority access to education. For example, in the Future Leaders Programme, two-thirds of the selected students are girls. This focus on inclusion ensures that those most at risk of missing out on education are given the tools to thrive.

Who can participate?
A group of girls at Pestalozzi Campus Zambia

Holistic support for girls’ education

We recognise that girls face unique barriers to education. Our programmes provide holistic support that helps girls overcome obstacles and stay engaged with their studies. For young mothers attending the Skills Hub, we offer essential resources such as childcare services and menstrual products, ensuring they don’t have to choose between caring for their children and pursuing their education.

Young Skills Hub Participant on Farm

Vocational training for empowerment

In line with our focus on empowering girls, we provide vocational training designed to equip them with practical skills for economic independence. In the SkillsHub, for example, girls are taught digital literacy, agriculture, and entrepreneurship. These skills are essential for securing sustainable livelihoods and helping girls gain the confidence to pursue community leadership roles.

Learn more about Skills Hub
Denise Kisimba

Empowering girls to lead in their communities

"Pestalozzi Zambia empowered me to give back to my community. The education and values I gained inspired me to help others realise that no matter their challenges, they can still pursue their dreams."

Denise returned to the refugee camp where she grew up, to found the ‘GIRL UP!’ group to support girls who have become pregnant, particularly those who have not had an education.

Read Denise’s story

Why girls’ education matters

When girls are given the chance to complete their education, they become self-reliant young women and agents of change who can break the cycle of poverty.

Changing lives… and communities!

Across our programmes, over 70% of our alumni give back to their communities, many working in public service, healthcare, and education. These young women, once at risk of dropping out, are now leading social change and helping to create more equitable communities.

77%
of female alumni

hold at least one university or vocational qualification.

1,344 girls
have graduated

from the Future Leaders programme, becoming role models for female education in their communities.

12 years
of quality education

for every girl worldwide could double women's lifetime earnings to $30 trillion globally (World Bank).

Children learning with books on their tables at Pestalozzi Zambia

Let's unlock their potential

The girls you support transform their lives and positively impact their communities.