For the first time since leaving their community in the 1960s, last week original Pestalozzi children spoke to current students and staff at the Pestalozzi International Village about their early experiences.

Presented by William and Leonard of the Early Pestalozzi Children Project, the address outlined the general background of the first children and what it was like for them to live at the Pestalozzi Children’s Village. It was also important to identify the sadness experienced by many of us: losing connection with what had been designed to be our surrogate home – and seeing the loss of our story and our community’s early history.

There are obvious differences between the Village then and the Village today – but some significant similarities remain evident. Most importantly, the aim that young people should develop tolerance and understanding towards others of different nationalities and cultures.

We are delighted to have contributed to a link between the Village’s early community and its contemporary organisation. It is hoped this will stimulate recognition of the earliest achievements of the first organisers and care workers. We also hope it will help to evolve a bond between former Pestalozzi children and alumni across the decades, past and future.

Our appreciation goes to CEO of the Pestalozzi International Village Trust, Susan Walton, for her interest and encouragement. Our thanks, also, to the Pestalozzi students and staff for their sincere and keen interest.

For more information about this event, please contact the Early Pestalozzi Children Project.