Alex says he might have been a drug addict by now if not for Pestalozzi

Alex Habonimana, now 23, reflects on a life that could have spiraled into addiction if not for the transformative education and support provided by Pestalozzi International. Growing up in the Meheba refugee settlement, where poverty and lack of opportunities trap many youth in cycles of drug and alcohol addiction, Alex’s path took a different turn when Pestalozzi selected him for their program in Zambia at age 10. With this opportunity, he embraced education and a nurturing environment that not only kept him safe but also instilled values of resilience, ambition, and service.

At Pestalozzi, Alex flourished. He became head boy, graduated with a promising future, and was even offered several university scholarships upon leaving the campus in 2018. Though he couldn’t accept these scholarships due to insufficient funding, his Pestalozzi upbringing helped him navigate this setback with determination. He eventually managed to pursue a computer science degree with support from a family member, driven by his goal to create apps that will benefit his community and the world.

Today, Alex is a bright example of the positive impact Pestalozzi International has on youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. Pestalozzi’s holistic approach—combining academic excellence with personal development rooted in the principles of “Head, Heart, and Hands”—empowers children to transform their own lives and the lives of those around them. Alex credits these values with guiding him through the ups and downs of his journey, keeping him focused on his aspirations despite his early challenges.

Pestalozzi International, a children’s charity, aims to provide quality, child-centered education to gifted children from some of the poorest communities across Africa and Asia. Their mission is to help young people like Alex become agents of change in their communities. This approach has proven successful: 90% of Pestalozzi alumni stay in their home countries, contributing to local economies through public service roles, entrepreneurial endeavors, and volunteer work, with 64% directly supporting community initiatives.

For Alex, the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment shifted his life trajectory. Now studying computer science, he is determined to leverage his skills to develop solutions that uplift others. His story exemplifies Pestalozzi’s belief that children’s abilities are universal, but opportunity is not. Pestalozzi’s supporters play a crucial role in bridging this gap, helping youth like Alex pursue education and build brighter futures, not only for themselves but for their communities.