Alumni

The children in our programs are funded to the end of Class 12 (sixth-form level education). However, our non-financial support does not end there. Every location has a full-time Alumni and Senior Student Coordinator. Their role is to support students and young alumni by:

• Providing training in life skills such as critical thinking, communication and time management, and other skills which help ensure that the students are able to succeed as young adults
• Nourishing mental wellbeing, enhancing resilience and adaptability in the face of change
• Helping students to recognise the importance of networking and building professional relationships. This includes helping students to seek out mentors (often alumni) in their fields of interest who can provide guidance and support as they navigate their careers.
• Encouraging students to consider entrepreneurship as a career option and to recognise the value of entrepreneurial skills in whatever walk of life they choose. Providing insights into starting and running a business, including funding options, market research, business planning, and risk management
• Providing career guidance, helping students to start thinking about their careers and aspirations early, thus ensuring that they make the right subject and further education choices. Helping students and young alumni to recognise the options open to them, and how to attain their further education and career choices
• Guiding finding scholarships and other sources of financial aid for further education
• Supporting students in the application process (for further education and for the funding of it), and ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed (e.g. interview techniques, essay writing, and self-promotion)

The coordinators are supported in their work by UK based and local Pestalozzi International staff. Outside help is provided through workshops and webinars, some of which is provided by more senior alumni who are often best placed to know the needs of the current students and young alumni.
 

International Alumni Council (IAC)
The International Alumni Council is critical in evaluating our monitoring data, working with the UK/Overseas staff to interpret trends and convert evaluation into learning. They suggest improvements to the way we operate as a family. This consultation greatly enhances our operations. A vital element of the Pestalozzi approach is empowering children to have agency in their education. We regularly undertake surveys among the children, have suggestion boxes at all of our sites and have Child Councils where the children are given agency over matters of concern. This also informs family wide practices. Significant changes are always discussed with the children before implementation.