Heart felt words from a special thank you letter written by Tione Chima, aged 18, who has recently graduated from our Zambian Village and school. She left this message for her team, in her own words…
Dear Pestalozzi Family,
Pestalozzi World chose me when I didn’t even have a conscious thought in my head. You’ve seen me grow from a toddler to an active, curious young lady who can make her own decisions and think things through.
But one thing is certain: getting this far has not been an easy journey for me. A journey I know would not have been possible without your unending support. Throughout this journey, you have seen me stumble in more ways than I care to admit, and you have never failed to inform me of my errors and correct them.
You reprimanded me in ways I didn’t like at first, but I realized it was from hearts full of care and love for this child who has grown and managed to grow into not only a responsible Pestalozzi World citizen, but a global citizen. As I grew older, I realized how difficult it is to raise a large number of children with diverse backgrounds and behaviours, but you made it your mission to ensure that none of us lacked the necessities. Even when greed took over and we demanded things that were not necessary, you spoke to us with such care and understanding.
You played such an important role in my life that I know I will be eternally grateful to you and your kindness. The education I have now received here is one I would never have imagined possible if I had remained in my small community back home. But you made the learning process not only better, but also more bearable because I could rely on you for guidance, counsel, and corrections. That demonstrated how much you cared and loved me as if I were your own, for which I am grateful.
Words cannot express how grateful I am for your conscious and unconscious assistance. You left your families behind to join us on our journey in the Pestalozzi World village: a home I’ve known for 7 years and will be a part of for the rest of my life. One thing I know for certain is that I was not the best student in this village, and I had flaws that I hope you will find space in your hearts to forgive and let go of.
Thank you once more for teaching not only my head through a well-established education, but also my heart and hands through social work and other skills like gardening, baking, crocheting, entrepreneurship, and sports. Even if I had a bad attitude and would refuse to come, these are the things that will keep me going while I wait for the next step of my future.
I could go on and on, but there are no words that will adequately express how I truly feel. Thank you is the best word I can think of right now, and I hope you accept it.
Your child,
Tione Chima
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