PestalozziWorld provides exceptionally bright children from some of the poorest communities in Africa and Asia with a child-centred education, in their country of origin and produces young adults capable of changing the world.

With the encouragement of their families, it offers these children an opportunity to reach their potential free from extreme poverty, racial inequalities, gender stereotypes, poor education and the pressure to work and earn a living. At the Pestalozzi Villages children (aged 10-18, two girls for each boy and many being refugees) receive an excellent education, a nurturing environment and practical life skills.

PestalozziWorld was established in 1995, by founders Sir Richard and Lady Diana Butler. They were inspired and guided by the work of the 18th-century Swiss education reformer Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi, who devoted his life to helping children orphaned by the Napoleonic Wars. He believed that education should develop the powers of ‘Head’, ‘Heart’ and ‘Hands’. In other words, it helps children by putting equal emphasis on character, practical life skills and cognitive development. Today PestalozziWorld is a family of nonprofit organisations with registered charities in the UK, USA, Switzerland, Zambia, India and Nepal. It also has close ties to Pestalozzi inspired charities in Malawi and Thailand.

The Head, Heart and Hands education model, which the charity embraces, emphasises care and compassion – inspiring its students not only to go far in their chosen careers but also to give back to their communities. With continuous support from the charity, its alumni are becoming a new generation of teachers, health professionals, entrepreneurs, aid workers and leaders who are equipped with the tools they need to change the world – and volunteer to help or provide financial support to others.

Through Villages in Zambia, India and Nepal, the charity has around 1,376 alumni, and more than 28,600 children educated in outreach programmes to improve their reading, writing and math skills.

PestalozziWorld recently appointed a new CEO to drive the charity's new and exciting phase of international growth. Therefore, to support the CEO, the charity is looking to appoint new Trustees to complement and strengthen the skills of the existing Board. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Board and shape the future direction of a well-established international children’s charity with an impressive record of success and huge potential for growth.

The charity has set out key objectives for the upcoming few years, which includes achieving long-term sustainability by identifying new income generation sources in Europe, Africa and Asia, expanding its network and outreach within the communities it serves, as well as expanding the charity's IB-accredited secondary school in Zambia, that currently looks after the education of 750 pupils.

The appointed Trustees will have a strong alignment with the vision and mission of PestalozziWorld in transforming the lives of children, and pro-actively help to work towards its success and growth. In addition to the formal Board and committee meetings, Trustees will be willing to undertake informal engagement with the charity, including providing advice on an ad hoc basis to the small management team. Trustees will be expected to use their specific knowledge and experience to help the Board reach sound decisions; assist the senior leadership team with advice as required; and keep informed about, and support as appropriate, the activities of the organisation.

PestalozziWorld is looking to appoint an energetic Trustee as it enters its new phase of international growth. The successful candidate will have a strong connection to India.

The successful individual could come from any professional background, so long as they bring senior, strategic-level experience and connection to, or knowledge of, India. The Trust is particularly interested in hearing from those with a background in international development, fundraising, or corporate social responsibility. The Trust welcomes applications from first-time Trustees.

Candidates must bring a strong network of India-based contacts, and will have good knowledge of both the country and its people. The charity is also open to receiving applications from candidates who are based internationally. Trustees are expected to make use of their networks to assist the charity as it looks to enter an exciting period.

Ken Greatbatch, Chair
James Haughton, CEO
Lady Diana Butler, Co-Founder
Francois von Hurter
Simon Wakely
Caroline Doggart
Patric Klees
Gerard Silverlock

You can read more about the Board of Trustees here.

The role is unremunerated, but reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses may be reimbursed. The total time commitment for the role is around 10 days per year, which includes five annual Board meetings and ad hoc subcommittee meetings relevant to the candidates' area of expertise. Board meetings will follow a hybrid model of in-person and virtual attendance.

If attended in person, Board meetings will be in London. Candidates can be based internationally.