Selection process

The Future Leaders Programme at Pestalozzi International is designed to offer life-changing opportunities to children from the poorest and most disadvantaged communities in the Global South. But how do we identify these future changemakers? Our rigorous selection process ensures we find those with not only academic potential but also the emotional resilience and leadership qualities needed to make a lasting impact in their communities.

How We Select Our Students

Identifying the Brightest Minds

We travel to some of the most remote and underserved areas across Africa and Asia, visiting communities where access to quality education is scarce. In these regions, even the brightest children are often held back by factors such as extreme poverty, poor local schools, or societal expectations like early marriage. Our mission is to find those children who, despite these obstacles, demonstrate exceptional academic performance and emotional intelligence.

Prioritising Those in Greatest Need

Our focus is on selecting students from the lowest wealth quintile—those whose families are unable to provide educational opportunities. We conduct home visits to assess the socio economic conditions of each child, ensuring that we prioritise those who are truly in need. Special attention is given to gender equality, with two-thirds of the children selected being girls (LINK) to help combat the gender disparity in education.

A Commitment to Refugees and Vulnerable Communities

In addition to selecting children from rural communities, we also work with refugee populations. In many cases, these children have faced displacement due to conflict or natural disasters, further limiting their access to education. Approximately 40% of our students are selected from refugee camps, where they have often faced additional barriers to their personal and academic development.

What We Look For

Academic Potential

We select students who have shown they can thrive academically, often despite the limitations of their local schools. These students have demonstrated a natural curiosity and a drive to succeed, and we believe that with the right support, they can achieve far more than their circumstances might suggest.

Emotional Intelligence

Academic ability is only part of the story. We are also looking for children who exhibit strong emotional intelligence—qualities like empathy, leadership, and resilience. These are the children who have the potential to become role models in their communities, inspiring others to pursue education and giving back to those around them.

The Desire to Make a Difference

Our students are selected not just for what they have achieved but for what they want to achieve. Many express a deep desire to help their families, communities, and countries. By nurturing this ambition, we are helping to create the next generation of leaders and changemakers.

Partnering with Families and Communities

Community Collaboration

At Pestalozzi International, we believe that a child’s success is rooted not only in their individual efforts but also in the support of their family and community. That’s why our selection process involves close collaboration with local leaders, schools, and families. By working together, we ensure that our students receive the encouragement they need both at home and in school.

Supporting Families

When a child is selected for the Future Leaders Programme, we not only focus on their academic journey. We also provide guidance and support to their families, helping them understand the value of education and how it can transform the future for their children and their community. This partnership ensures that the child’s learning extends beyond the classroom, reinforcing their development in all aspects of life.

Strengthening Community Bonds

Pestalozzi International also works to strengthen the broader community through our alumni network. Many of our graduates return to their villages and refugee camps, using the skills and knowledge they have gained to improve the lives of others. Whether through volunteering, mentoring younger students, or starting local initiatives, our alumni act as ambassadors for the power of education, creating a ripple effect of change.

The Impact of Selection

By offering these children a place in our Future Leaders Programme, we are providing them with more than just an education—we are offering them the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty and create lasting change in their communities. 
Our alumni go on to pursue careers in fields such as healthcare, education, and social entrepreneurship, using the skills and knowledge they have gained to give back to others.