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A N N U A L A C T I V I T I E S R E P O R T 2 0 1 6 | 5
Throughout 2016, the Foundation has continued to maintain a very positive trend for the implementation of its programs
and projects. We have continued to support our former students’ education, receiving positive feedback from the
measurement of our program performance indicators and the testimonials we receive from beneficiaries and other
stakeholders such as parents and school staff of their achievements during and after their long term education. In
parallel, we have maintained our holistic village approach together with the scholarship programs empowering entire
villages and communities towards collective sustainable development.
OUR MISSION
The Pistorio Foundation is inspired by the values and dreams of its Founder and it is structured around the motto:
“On the way to school on the way to life.”
Our mission is to improve the living conditions of children in the poorest communities and where there is the greatest
need, with a focus on education. Since its founding, the Pistorio Foundation has been able to extend scholarships
to over 3.500 children and over 470 students have completed their educational path, from primary to professional
school, obtaining a professional school diploma.
THE VILLAGE APPROACH
IIn the implementation of our mission, we cherish what we have defined as the Village Approach. Our conviction
is that we need to ensure access to education to children in need of the most marginalized and underprivileged
groups, such as those living in remote rural village communities. Our aim is to provide a holistic scholarship program
that will address children’s education as well as health and nutrition, and at the same time address village health and
hygiene and promote sources of livelihood for families so that within a decade they are able to sustain themselves
and support their children’s education on their own.
For every community we work with, we begin by tackling issues concerning barriers to education and health of
children and, in a second phase, we work with local communities for village development improving access to
water, electricity, and promoting agriculture and income earning opportunities. We have witnessed that in such
villages, the school becomes the focal point of village life, where children learn not only academics, but also how
to cultivate and grow their own food, and cooperate with their peers, and where parents meet with teachers and
community members to be actively involved in their children’s education and also learn about hygiene, health, and
empowerment through education in the process. Parents learn to understand the value of education and become
more supportive of their children.
The Foundation Scholarship Programs provide school age children what they need to attend and succeed in school:
transport to school, school supplies, uniforms, school meals, yearly medical check-ups, and dormitory fees if their
schools are far away from their homes. Our Infrastructure Program creates and improves school buildings, ensuring
a safe environment conducive to learning and equipped with sanitation facilities and kitchens and canteens, and
water and solar powered electric systems. Where possible, we promote gardening and agriculture activities at schools
so children learn how to grow and harvest crops.
Our Mission Approach