Pestalozzi Village Trust

“THE most difficult obstacle I’ve ever faced was going to high school every day knowing that after I completed, despite all my efforts, there was no way I could go on to tertiary education.”
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Oct 2012, 15:22 BST

Rudolph Parham is a young man from Belize, who recently arrived in East Sussex on a two year educational scholarship from Pestalozzi.

Rudolph and his countryman Daniel Hernandez are the first Belizeans to come to Pestalozzi in Sedlescombe and to study for their International Baccalaureate diploma at Sussex Coast College in Hastings.

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Like all Pestalozzi students, Rudolph and Daniel come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Rudolph explains, “The Pestalozzi scholarship offers me the chance to make something more than expected of myself.

“Many people in my community didn’t have the opportunity to go to school.

“Even though they have brilliant ideas and are very wise, they can’t fully contribute because they lack education.”

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In fact, only 1 in 20 Belizean students from similar circumstances are able to complete their schooling – so this is an exciting opportunity for Rudolph and Daniel.

Rudolph is keen to get the most out of his scholarship.

He said: “I would like to make changes in the world, perhaps through the development of technology in my country.

“When the opportunity arises to make a difference, I will take that path.”

The pair will study alongside other students on Pestalozzi scholarships from India, Nepal, the Tibetan communities in exile, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

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Pestalozzi’s unique two year scholarship programme offers academically bright, but economically disadvantaged 16-19 year old students from developing countries the chance to realise their potential by studying in the UK.

Through studying for the International Baccalaureate Diploma, they are provided with an holistic education focused on the Pestalozzi principles of educating the Head, Heart and Hands.

This allows young people, who would otherwise not be afforded the chance, to develop their potential and go on to make a difference in the world.

If you would like to learn more about Belize and meet Rudolph and Daniel, Pestalozzi is holding a Belizean Cultural Evening on Wednesday December 19 from 7:30-9:30pm.

For more information, call the Pestalozzi International Village on 01424 870444 or visit www.pestalozzi.org.uk

Related topics:East SussexHastings