Village Matron

Job Description

Pestalozzi International is a family of nonprofit organizations that offers child-centered education to disadvantaged children in the Global South, supporting economic growth and social mobility. Recognizing the uniqueness of every child’s fullest potential, we educate beyond the classroom to develop future-oriented vocational skills and nurture emotional, social and mental well-being. Our approach provides for a future generation of compassionate global citizens equipped with the ‘Head, Heart and Hands’ to define their lives according to their potential, not their backgrounds. We see a tomorrow where every child’s innate talent, empathy, and rich diversity of lived experience are nurtured. Where education instils the power to make informed decisions, fuels the fire of ambition, and inspires everyone to shape a brighter tomorrow for all humanity. Our vision is a world where every child has the knowledge, skills, and ambition to develop their nations and to create a better world for us all.

We are looking for a Village Matron to oversee the following functions under the supervision of the Village Coordinator.

Job Title: Village Matron

Reports To: Village Coordinator

Purpose

To support the Village Coordinator, manage efficiently the staffing, organization and resources of the boarding village, to provide for the safety, good discipline and well-being of all children in the boarding village. Above all, there is an expectation of a parent figure who is generous with their time and responsive to the needs of the children.

Key Responsibilities

1. To reside within the village at all times during term time (excluding off-duty periods) and, together with the Village Coordinator, take responsibility for the overall welfare and personal development of all scholars in the village.

2. To support the Village Coordinator in ensuring that the principles and policies of boarding life in the village reflect Pestalozzi World’s objectives and ethos, and to reinforce these values through regular Pestalozzi lessons and activities for both students and staff.

3. To assist the Village Coordinator in developing, managing, and monitoring staff schedules and duty rotas to ensure:

High standards of child care within the village

Provision of a nutritious and balanced diet

Timely and well-prepared meals

Proper upkeep, maintenance, and smooth running of the houses

Adequate cover for house mothers during their days off

Prompt medical attention for children whenever required

4. To support the Village Coordinator in developing and maintaining effective internal working policies and ensuring that the House Mothers’ Manual remains up to date, with clear communication of policies and expectations.

5. To support the Village Coordinator in ensuring that a full and varied program of extracurricular activities is available, actively pursued by children, and that children are meaningfully engaged, especially on weekends.

6. To assist the Village Coordinator in ensuring that village resources (library, computers, games, films, and sports equipment) are accessible to scholars and properly safeguarded.

7. To maintain contact with parents and keep them fully informed about their child’s progress and welfare, ensuring that family matters or concerns are promptly communicated to relevant staff.

8. To support and uphold the disciplinary policy and rules of the village by encouraging positive behavior, rewarding achievements, and applying fair and consistent sanctions where necessary, thereby fostering respect for the village code of conduct.

9. To assist the Village Coordinator in planning, implementing, and reviewing staff supervision to guarantee the safety and security of all children at all times, including meal times, weekends, and school outings.

10. Liaise with house mothers (in consultation with the Village Coordinator) to ensure that children’s medical requirements are met and to encourage healthy living practices among scholars.

11. To help ensure that the individual circumstances, needs, strengths, and weaknesses of each scholar are identified and addressed, so that every child’s talents and potential are developed and maximized.

12. To support the Village Coordinator in keeping accurate records of children’ progress, welfare, health, emotional well-being, achievements, and disciplinary issues; and to prepare termly reports as well as other reports or references as required.

13. Together with the Village Coordinator, to ensure that the houses are fully prepared before the start of the school year and properly closed down at the end of the year. This may require returning prior to term commencement and remaining after term ends. The Matron must be present on both the first and last day of term, regardless of scheduled days off.

Qualifications and Requirements

Minimum of a Diploma in Social Work, Nursing, Teaching, or Psychosocial Counselling (a higher qualification will be an added advantage).

At least five (5) years of proven experience working with children in a reputable child development or welfare organization.

Demonstrated ability and passion for working in rural, village, or camp settings, with hands-on experience in caring for and nurturing children.

Strong interpersonal and psychosocial support skills, with the ability to create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for children.

Willingness and ability to reside onsite for extended periods, specifically 22 days onsite and 6 days offsite, in addition to annual leave entitlement.

A compassionate, resilient, and adaptable individual with a commitment to child protection and development.

Method of Application

If you meet the qualifications and requirements, please send your CV and cover letter to do not send qualifications at this stage.