Christel House Blog

Dell transforms Christel House South Africa

2010-03-09T09:24:00.000-06:00

Dell has a rich history of corporate responsibility but just recently launched the amazing Dell YouthConnect program. Christel House India participated in 2009 and today, Christel House South Africa received a transformational gift from Dell.

The program is "designed to provide support for the educational and digital inclusion initiatives essential to success". At Christel House South Africa, that means a full computer lab to enhance math, science, music and other instruction, a laptop for each teacher in their classroom, visual media projectors, printers, CAD Drawing pens for engineering drawing class and flash drives for students in Grade's 11 & 12.

Dell has taken learning and technology to the next level at Christel House South Africa. Their involvement will truly prepare our students to connect, learn, and grow with their peers.

Thanks Dell - you're making a world of difference, and it shows.

Happy Birthday Dr. Suess!

2010-03-09T08:12:00.004-06:00

Last week, Christel House marked the special occasion with reading events around the world.

Dr. Suess epitomizes a love of children and learning. His use of rhyme makes his books an effective tool for teaching young children basic reading and life skills. Here, Christel House South Africa celebrates reading (and hats!) and Christel House Academy in Indianapolis enjoyed a visit and a book with Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Bennett.

Yuslendy's education comes full-circle

2010-03-08T11:16:00.000-06:00

Yuslendy lives in one of the highest areas of La Vega, a difficult place to get to. It's also a very dangerous place, far from any police station. She lives with her parents and three sisters, one of them is schizophrenic and finding the appropriate medical attention and care have been always a big problem in the family.

Her parents never completed basic education, both reached only primary school. Her mother stays home taking care of her sister, while her father is a craftsman and works form time to time when he can find a vacancy. Recently, her father has been ill, suffering from a heart condition. The family income has always been barely enough for food, medicine and clothing. It was difficult to play outdoors knowing that her life was in risk due to gangs that have the zone as a battle field.

For Yuslendy, it was very important to find a safe place and she found it in Christel House Venezuela. She says "I like to be good, to do the right thing, to study and to help other people, so this is my place". She was like any other teenager, she had the same concerns and problems but had additional problems. She was incredibly mature considering her age and keep high expectations about what she wanted to be in life. She says "I received a lot of beautiful things from other people, especially from my teachers, suddenly I realized that it was very important to me to teach and care about other people".

Yuslendy completed high school at Christel House and applied for the Education school in the Sim�n Rodr�guez University and was admitted. She was in the school last year, working at an internship in another school in La Vega. She says "I am very happy with my life right now, it is hard work but I like it, this is a difficult profession, but feels good to see the eyes of a boy who is learning something that you are teaching, that what I love the younger student, the bigger the harder, little kids are...I don't know...fresher?"

Every time you give a call to Yuslendy (when she has a rare spare moment) she is glad to collaborate with Christel House. She will graduate at the end of the year as a teacher and will pass on all that she has learned with her students.

Academy students visit Indiana State House

2010-03-06T09:43:00.000-06:00

Recently the eighth graders from Christel House Academy traveled downtown to see their state government in action.

They heard from State Representatives and Governor Mitch Daniels. During their speeches, the lawmakers kept reiterating the fact that school is important and today�s youth are tomorrow�s future. Samira Martin said she learned, �We are the future, we have to get ready in life so that we can take over.� Students had an opportunity to ask the lawmakers questions, and a few Christel House students bravely asked about issues that are important to them.

Later in the day, the students enjoyed playing the role of legislators during a mock committee meeting. Students debated the school calendar bill. Natalia Taylor said that this was her favorite part. �I realized it is very hard to agree on something that will affect others.� One group proposed a mandatory amount of summer break days instead of a specific school start date.

Students also toured the State House and learned about their state history and government. They even got to sit in the seats where the State Representatives debate and cast their votes. Many were surprised to learn that the basement of the State House used to be a stable for horses.

It was a fun and educational day that the students will not soon forget.

Guest Post: Meredith Kelsey at CH South Africa

2010-03-05T10:07:00.006-06:00

�Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.�

-Nelson Mandela

This quote has never been more inspiring and timely than it is right now in my life. My name is Meredith Kelsey and this semester I decided to trade in the comfort of my school dorm room for two big suitcases as I embarked upon a study abroad experience to Cape Town, South Africa.

Unlike an ordinary study abroad program in which I would go from University of Connecticut to another university, I had the opportunity to really become immersed in the culture by also getting an internship dealing with real issues. Being a Human Development/ Family Studies major I was given the opportunity to assist a teacher at Christel House. Christel House is a school with the strong dedication to help children break the cycle of poverty they are immersed in. The school does such wonderful things for these children by giving them a full education, meals and even digs down to the roots of poverty by educating the parents.

I have had the chance to work with the Grade R children for the past two weeks and I can already say that they have completely changed my outlook on life. Without even knowing me for more than five minutes, they welcomed me into their home away from home with huge smiles and hugs. What I have learned the past few weeks at Christel House is that these kids have so much love and joy in there hearts that is just bursting out of there little bodies. These kids need to give and receive love in order to feel joy and at Christel House the teachers truly make that possible each and every day.

Yesterday the children squealed with laughter as they hugged me so hard that I ended up on the ground and I could just feel the joy radiating off of them. The fact that the kids want to be in school as opposed to doing anything else was joy in itself. I know as a child the last thing I wanted to do was be in school, I would rather be doing almost anything else. These children want to learn and it is amazing how there lives will change. I�m so excited for them because I know that they will break the cycle of poverty.

CHA hosts All Pro Dads

2010-02-24T08:41:00.003-06:00

Christel House Academy held its third All Pro Dad Breakfast Friday. Students were encouraged to invite a special male figure in their life to join them for breakfast at the school. Food was provided, as well as the opportunity to spend quality time with one another. The event was held in the upper gymnasium of the school and drew in approximately 70 fathers and students.

At the breakfast, fathers and their children discussed this month�s topic: validation. After watching a short video clip, parents were asked to consider the importance of the words they choose to use and how they can affect other people. Parents and students were then given time to validate one another. The event was a definite confidence booster for the students and parents.

After the discussion, everyone was encouraged to continue giving validation to other people in their daily lives. The breakfast ended with a raffle. Each attendee had been given a raffle ticket when signing in for breakfast. There were five lucky winners who took home Colts gear!

The breakfasts have really brought a strong sense of community to Christel House Academy and we are excited to continue this tradition!

All Pro Dad is the fatherhood program of Family First, a national non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening families and is supported by the NFL. The All Pro Dads program at CHA is made possible by a Sharing the Dream Grant from the NAESP.

The Sharing the Dream grant, funded with generous support from the Met Life Foundation, enables principals to test ideas on how to involve and engage their communities to build wider ownership for the work of the school by sharing leadership and decision-making.

CHMX attended Lima Lama's Bicentenary State Tournament

2010-02-17T12:01:00.003-06:00

The Christel House Mexico Lima Lama Team participated in a State Tournament called "The Bicentenary".
300 hundred participants from State Teams were also competing at this tournament. The CHMX Lima Lama Team obtained five medals.
Two medals for second place, two medals for third place and one medal for fourth place; also they presented their test to change the color of the band from their uniforms which represent an upper level at this martial art.
We are proud of the Lima Lama Team their effort and improvement are an important state of mind to accomplish something like that.
Congratulations!!

Authorities from the Ministry of Education visited CHMX

2010-02-17T11:17:00.004-06:00

Baltazar Mej�a and Laura Nakamura are top authorities from the Ministry of Education "SEP" .

They visited the classrooms and the entire facilities with Dina Bakjejian Arakelian the Executive Director from Christel House Mexico.

They had a productive conversation in order to support future plans. The Executive Director also had the opportunity to express and describe specific goals of CHMX and the strategies which help us to accomplish the aims stated at the beginning of school year.

This visit gave us the opportunity to open direct lines of communication that will benefit our school in the nearest future.

Students attend University Fair

2010-02-09T12:00:00.006-06:00

Last January 30th, 2010, a group of 76 students of Christel House Venezuela attended INFOCARRERAS 2010, an event organized by the Sim�n Bolivar University (USB). The event took place in Sartenejas from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

This annual event is organized by students and teachers of every faculty of the USB to inform and explain to students of 11th grades of different public and private schools in Venezuela what are the programs and characteristics of each career offered. The informative event also allowed students to formalize their enrollment to the internal tests, which will take place on March 13th, 2010.

This activity will help Christel House students to select their options for university studies.

The Colts and Christel House

2010-02-05T10:14:00.010-06:00

The Colts have been great friends and supporters of Christel House. Back in August 2000, the Colts played the Steelers in the American Bowl in Mexico City. During their trip, the team visited with children from Christel House Mexico and presented a commemorative football used in the game that is still on display today. (Picture: Colts owner Jim Irsay with other staffers and Christel House families and students)

In 2009, Peyton Manning kicked off Project 18 at the Christel House Academy in Indianapolis where the students learned about healthy living, nutritional choices and staying active. Also last year, students from South Africa and India enjoyed a tour of the Colts practice facility and saw the last Super Bowl Trophy up close.

Just last week, a few young Christel House artists had the tour of a lifetime and their artwork now hangs in Lucas Oil Stadium.

On behalf of over 3000 children and over 250 staff and teachers around the world, GO COLTS!!!

Christel House helps Haiti

2010-02-01T13:26:00.002-06:00

Many of our friends and supporters have asked if we have any direct connection with those affected by the devastation in Haiti. As one of our students put it, "Yes, we are directly connected. We're members of the same human race and we call the same planet home". We'd add that our children and their families have experienced similar hardship and poverty in their own way.

All our children and staff learn that at Christel House "We share, we care and we make a difference".

Our Learning Centers around the world are all doing different things in response. At Christel House South Africa, our students learned about the tragedy, held a moment of silence, and lit candles - one for the mothers, one for the fathers, and one for the children of Haiti. They also formed the country's name to let them know they are on our hearts and minds.

From collecting items, donating to relief efforts and holding candlelight vigils - we encourage you to continue to support the people of Haiti.

A Tour of a Lifetime

2010-01-29T08:15:00.004-06:00

As the Colts prepare for the upcoming Super Bowl, it was a fantastic time for a behind-the-scenes tour of Lucas Oil Stadium.

Besides being the home of the Indianapolis Colts, the Stadium is also known for its retractable roof, grand entrance, larger-than-life hallways and...Christel House Artwork!

RCI, a new partner of the Colts, asked Christel House Academy students to create a painting showing the benefits of a good education which incorporated Christel House, the Colts and RCI. It is now on display in the north entry ramp of the stadium.

Not only did the students get to see their painting, they also toured the press box and suites, walked through the tunnel onto the playing field and learned about all the behind-the-scenes activity that happens on game day.

Many thanks to both RCI and the Indianapolis Colts for their support. Last summer, our Culver Campers got to hold the last Super Bowl Trophy. Let's go get another one - Go Blue!

Kids helping kids

2010-01-25T12:18:00.005-06:00

It may have been a blustery winter day outside, but on January 14th the atmosphere was anything but cold inside Christel House Academy. The joy of giving kept everyone warm as students in both the Builders and K Kids clubs worked along side Christel House volunteers and staff to make fleece blankets for the patients of the Peyton Manning Children's Hospital.

In all, a crew of 28 people handcrafted 15 blankets to donate to the patients of the hospital. Hopes of bringing cheer to those fighting illness was evident as students discussed how the children will enjoy the bold colors, shapes and patterns of the cozy fleece blankets.

Afterwards, Christel House staffers treated their volunteers to pizza and then made their way down to the gym to cheer on the boys' 5th and 6th grade basketball team. A fun time was had by all. Learn more about volunteering at Christel House.

Academy students visit Children's Museum

2010-01-14T15:41:00.003-06:00

Earlier today, fourth grade students at Christel House Academy supported the Children�s Museum of Indianapolis in the dedication of the new Mildred S. Compton School Services Wing. The new wing includes a special entrance for school groups and a sack lunch area.

Mildred Compton was a former CEO and President of the Children�s Museum who exemplified excellent leadership and passion towards children and for the museum. Christel House Academy is happy to be a part of such an exciting time for the Children�s Museum and appreciate another great organization with a commitment to learning and transforming the lives of children and their families.

For more, be a fan of Christel House on Facebook and be a fan of the Children's Museum on Facebook.

Christel House Choir has its first CD

2010-01-12T09:54:00.008-06:00

The elementary Choir from CHMX taped their first CD.

The students experienced the process of preparing themselves through rehearsals to elaborate a formal CD.

Experts from "Formaci�n Musical" came to the school and transformed the dining room into a recording studio. This was a unique experience to our children. They prepared their vocies with different techniques and by developing different strategies to conduct their vocal skills that the music teacher Andrea C. S�nchez learnt at the Creating Artistry workshop at Butler Univeristy.

We hope to share with you soon this musical material that the Choir from CHMX prepared for everyone!

CHMX visited the Mexico City Zoo

2010-01-08T10:29:00.005-06:00

Christel House Mexico received an invitation from the Mexico City Government to a guided visit to the Chapultepec's Zoo. The invitation was in recognition of an art project that students from CHMX participated and the drawings from our students were chose to be exposed at the Z�calo screen.

The Chapultepec�s Zoo opened its doors only for our school, it was a great opportunity for students and teachers to interact and socialize. Moreover, curricular activities related with the Science program were planned making emphasis on the importance of taking care of endangered animals, as well as research work related to ecosystem and environment preservation.

Volunteer in your Snuggie

2009-12-26T00:49:00.001-06:00

That's right folks! Once the holiday 'buzz' winds down, sit back, relax and volunteer for Christel House.

Back in August we announced that you could volunteer for Christel House from your phone. Since then, over 4,500 people have taken over 35,000 actions to help Christel House and other great organizations via The Extraordinaries mobile volunteering application. Now you can be Extraordinary from your computer as well.

We're asking you to use your down time this holiday season to send an encouraging message to our children around the world or tag some photos and help index our digital archives.

Click here to download the iPhone application or click here to start now from your computer!

Tis the Season to Learn to Give

2009-12-24T01:41:00.002-06:00

Where did you learn to give? Did you do chores at home as a child? Help a family member or neighbor with a project? Maybe you observed your parents or other friends give to a worthy cause.

The parents and teachers at Eagle Elementary in Zionsville, Indiana thought that students might be interested in a more purposeful learning approach around philanthropy. They were right.

30 students jumped at the chance and enrolled in the "First Friday Philanthropy Club" where children ages 7-10 (2nd - 4th grade) hear from speakers, learn about different ways to give, explore global and local issues and determine how they are going to make the world a better place.

Christel House was atop the agenda at their latest meeting.

Our staff shared about the issues of poverty, our schools around the world, and what people can do to help children in need. We explored the meaning of 'community' and how we all need to give of our time, talent and treasure to strengthen that community, whether it's local or global. The children then colored people-paper-chains, donated art supplies and made blankets for our students at Christel House.

We appreciate their efforts and those of all our contributors around the world. You too can support Christel House through donating, volunteering, and spreading awareness of the needs of our children.

If you're interested in having one of our staff speak to a group or at an event, please contact us.

From all of us and the over 3000 children we serve around the world, have the Happiest of Holidays!

Experience the Magic of India

2009-12-17T10:58:00.003-06:00

Join Christel House International as we travel to India February 20-24, 2010. We'll start with an exciting sightseeing tour of historic and beautiful Bangalore City. Then, we'll spend a full day at Christel House India where we'll tour the facility, work on projects with the students and visit the areas that they call home. Finally, we'll enjoy a full-day field trip with the students to the palaces at Mysore.

For more details, download the trip packet below. Reserve your spot today by contacting Mandi Melangton at mmelangton@christelhouse.org or 317-464-2341.

2010IndiaItinerary.pdf

CH Mexico students take HIGH PROFILE trips!

2009-12-14T12:29:00.005-06:00

Last week was a busy one for Christel House Mexico students.

First, 30 children were selected to share their artwork at the National Palace in Mexico City. In addition to their wonderful work, the National Palace hosts the President's offices, Federal Treasury and the National Archives.

Additionally, 80 students visited Los Pinos and took part in the Christmas Celebration with the President and First Lady of Mexico!

It was quite a treat for all of the students involved. Want to see more artwork? We're sharing it on Facebook - Become a Fan!

For more, follow us on Twitter and see photos on Flickr!

Watanabe High School

2009-12-08T15:38:00.004-06:00

Earlier this year, Indianapolis lost an incredible citizen, business and community leader and former Lilly executive, Gus Watanabe. Shortly thereafter, we announced that the new high school being planned for Christel House Academy would be named in his honor�Watanabe High School.

Click here to support Watanabe High School and when prompted, designate your gift to support Christel House Academy � writing �Watanabe High School� in the comments section of the donation process. Remember that all gifts are matched dollar for dollar by Christel DeHaan, and that Eli Lilly and Company employees and retirees may be eligible for additional matching funds

Please see the excerpt below from a letter written in support of the campaign by Ambassador Randall Tobias, Chairman Emeritus, Eli Lilly and Company, Chair of the Capital Campaign and close friend of Gus Watanabe.

Dear Friends,

Christel House Academy is located on Indianapolis� near south-side, and serves a high-needs population of more than 450 children, 89% receiving free or reduced lunches. The school�s 2009 ISTEP scores showed 74.25% of students passing both the language arts and math sections of the exam. This compares to a 49.9% passing rate of Indianapolis Public Schools. The Academy�s attendance rate is 96.8% and 95.5% of its students return following the summer break. After accomplishing so much, we (and our many supporters) feel these students deserve the opportunity to continue their education in a high school with high academic aspirations and an emphasis on tertiary educational goals. That is what the Watanabe High School can accomplish.

It is impossible to measure Gus Watanabe�s impact on our community. He was a savvy businessman, meticulous scientist and caring physician, mentor and friend. He believed strongly in the importance of preparing young people with a cutting edge curriculum focused on the skills necessary to succeed in the 21st Century workplace. That�s one of the reasons he was a founding board member of Christel House. Gus recognized that because Christel House Academy students often lacked role models and stable home environments, an effective character development program was essential to support them during their vulnerable adolescent years, and help them become solid citizens.

Gus exemplified those qualities we want our young people to display, and Christel House Academy will use his example to inspire and motivate them. Every student who graduates from this school and becomes a productive citizen will honor Gus� memory. I can�t think of a more fitting tribute. I hope that this initiative will touch your heart as much as it touched mine.

Sincerely,

Ambassador Randall Tobias

Chairman Emeritus, Eli Lilly and
Company Campaign Chair, Open a Door Campaign Watanabe High School

Note to Lilly Employees or Retirees:
1. Please make checks payable to Christel House Academy
2. Apply for matching gift credit online and indicate gifts are for Christel House Academy (CHA)

Please take a moment to write a brief memory about Gus using the comments section below. You can do this whether or not you financially support Watanabe High School.

If you have questions or want to discuss naming opportunities at the school, contact Ken Sheetz, Chief Development Officer at Christel House at 317-464-2086 or ksheetz@christelhouse.org.

Visit by filmmaker Bob Compton

2009-12-04T03:18:00.003-06:00

Mr. Bob Compton, a filmmaker from Indianapolis visited Christel House India recently. Bob's visit included a tour of the facility, activities with students and a discussion with staff around educational standards and the positive results that Christel House India is producing. See more about Bob and his documentary efforts around education globally and in the US.

UPS visit CHMX and Donates Books

2009-12-02T13:46:00.003-06:00

UPS came to our school and read to Elementary First Grade students.

The activity lasted and hour, they interacted with the students and shared their readings. UPS staff also donated richly-illustrated texts of fiction and nonfiction books to our library. We believe these type of activities are important in order to help our students feel confident and also eager to read more.

At CHMX we believe that Reading is an important tool for students to encourage and approach any type of Reading as they would that any book designed for children.

We want to express our deepest thanks for sharing their time with our children. It was a pleasure for us to receive their visit and we feel very happy for the books that were donated to our library.

Help Wanted - Join the team!

2009-11-19T09:31:00.007-06:00

Are you a college student or recent graduate looking to break into the professional world? Our intern program gives students real-world experience with a fast-paced and reputable global nonprofit.

Christel House interns produce tangible results and work with top industry professionals. They're given real projects that move the organization forward. They are also given the freedom to use their creative energy for good, not to mention - they help end poverty.

Our internships are designed to build your experience, expertise and resume. They are unpaid and we're happy to help secure college credit.

Apply now!

Marketing and Communications
Fundraising and Special Events
Graphic Design and Web Development

Position responsibilities, schedule, and total hours are flexible. Questions? Contact nhand@christelhouse.org!

Dell Visitors

2009-11-17T00:55:00.005-06:00

Mr. Ganesh Lakshminarayanan, Managing Director, Dell International Service celebrates his birthday with the children of Christel House India on 10th October 2009.