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Empowering girls across our programmes
In many regions of the Global South, girls 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 period products can keep girls from realising their full potential.
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In the Global South, the cost of not educating girls is estimated in the range of $15 to $30 trillion in lost lifetime productivity and earnings.
Pestalozzi International’s focus on girls is woven into every programme we run across Zambia, India, and Nepal. Through initiatives like the Young Leaders Programme and SkillsHub, we ensure that girls have the opportunity to pursue education and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
How we ensure opportunities for girls across our programmes
At Pestalozzi International, we are committed to embedding a focus on girls’ empowerment into all our programmes.
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1. 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 Young 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.
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2. Holistic support for girls’ education
We recognise that girls face unique barriers to education. Whether it’s access to childcare, transportation, or essential menstrual products, we ensure that these practical needs are met. Our programmes provide holistic support that helps girls overcome obstacles and stay engaged with their studies. For young mothers attending the SkillsHub, we offer essential resources such as childcare services and period products, ensuring they don’t have to choose between caring for their children and pursuing their education.
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3. 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.
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Why girls’ education matters
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 girls who are educated are more likely to reinvest in their families and communities, contributing to improved health, economic growth, and social development.
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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.
Help us reach more girls
"Before Pestalozzi World, I was like a frog stuck in a well. It didn't matter how hard I worked, my family would never be able to afford my schooling and I was destined for early marriage and motherhood."
The girls we support not only transform their own lives but also make lasting impacts on their communities. 70% of our alumni give back through community service, with many pursuing public service and leadership careers. Girls who were once at risk of early marriage or forced out of school due to economic hardship are now role models in their communities, advocating for education and equal opportunities for other girls.
Usha - PI alumna
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.
