Christel House Blog

Our Blog Has Moved!

2010-03-24T12:09:00.000-05:00

Please bookmark our new address at http://www.christelhouseblog.org.

Our new RSS feed is http://www.christelhouseblog.org/atom.xml

Thank you for your interest!

Students attend Math Olympiad

2010-03-23T08:17:00.000-05:00

For first time all Christel House students from 7th to 10th Grade attended on March 18th, 2010 organized by Andres Bello Catholic University (Caracas) and sponsored by Fundaci�n Empresas Polar.

The Mathematics Olympiad are annual educational activities where the students enjoy competing without qualifications pressure and represents for them a challenge and stimulation to join the Group of the best students in mathematics.

This Olympiad consists of three tests: test preliminary (contest Kangaroo, held on March 18th, 2010), Final Regional Test scheduled for May 8th, 2010 and the National Test scheduled for June 26, 2010 in Maracaibo, Zulia State.

Preliminary tests are 24 to 30 questions simple selection and are presented in high school classrooms. Awarded with diplomas of 1st to 5th place for each year. Regional final tests have 5 or 6 development questions and presented to a university status. Reward with gold, silver and bronze medals for each year. National final tests have 5 or 6 development questions and presents in a University in the country. Reward with gold, silver and bronze medals for each year.

'Award winning' is an understatement

2010-03-23T08:17:00.000-05:00

Christel House South Africa has been racking up the recognition lately...

Debate

The new Debate Team participated in their first tournament over the weekend. Competing against 21 other schools � CHSA Won the Tournament! Pretty good for their first time out.

They debated topics including:

� Making H.I.V. tests on school learners compulsory
� Experimenting on animals for human purposes
� Legalizing active euthanasia
� Making organ donation mandatory
� Requiring parental consent for underage abortion
� Vigilantism

University

TSiBA (Tertiary School in Business Administration) is a higher education institution that educates some of the best in South Africa as they pursue their Bachelor in Business Administration. Christel House was recently selected as a "Top Feeder School" for their program. In their words, "At TSiBA we focus on developing entrepreneurs and leaders so we are looking for a special kind of student...and we have identified your school as an institution that produces students of a high quality." Nine of our recent graduates are now attending TSiBA.

Sports

In a recent contest, the CHSA fencing team was able to secure 18 medals - 5 gold, 5 silver and 8 bronze. 3 girls were awarded full colors and are representing the Western Cape (province) at a national event in Johannesburg.

11 year old Matthew Martin (grade 5) was selected to train with a squad of 30 dancers of the Ackerman Dance Academy (TADA). Training every Saturday between now and the end of May, they will perform at various Ackermans�s promotions and events. Ackermans is a national retail clothing store in South Africa.

12 year old Abdu-Daiyaan Floris was one of 40,000 riders (including Lance Armstrong) in the 109 Km Pick and Pay Cape Argus Cycle Tour. One of the largest events of its kind, the conditions were windy and difficult but he finished strong.

Congrats to all! We couldn't be more proud!

CH Venezuela part of Model UN 2010

2010-03-22T12:01:00.003-05:00

Six Christel House students were selected to represent Spain and South Africa in the EDUMUN, United Nations Model organized by the Andres Bello Catholic University. The students are Espinel Christian (5A), Berrios Ronald (4A), Colina Frangelis (4A), De Andrade Kevin (4B), Almeida Jaifrel (5B) and Delgado Mar�a (4A).

EDUMUN is a training program promoted by the Dean of the Andres Bello Catholic University (UCAB) in conjunction with the School of Education and Research and Training Humanities Center to generate comparative analysis, discussions and proposals on the main contemporary educational topics. In participating, students develop critical thinking skills, educational background, compare and analyze foreign educational systems and set proposals to achieve ideal educational setting for Venezuela. The discussion is based on the dynamics of work of the United Nations and uses the rules of discussion and debate of the UN meetings performed annually in Caracas. The project is designed for students in 4th. and 5th. who are the protagonists of the final meeting to be held from 21 to 23 May 2010 school year.

Similarly a group of at least 10 students of the UCAB education career will be formed in the contemporary educational discussion by ten academics, make the learning process accompanying in schools participating in the model.

Educational topics for discussion include the following: inclusion and quality of education - finance education training and teaching career - role of the State and the family education, education and training for work - duties and rights of students. First work session with all participants will be on April 10th, 2010 and celebration of the United Nations Model from May 21st to 23, 2010.

Changes in school facilities CHMX

2010-03-19T11:16:00.003-05:00

The music room and Sick bay have been re-inaugurated, now the students have a more spacious and ventilated area to practice their music skills!

See videos in the following links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js-4tGUG_ic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYMSNmREjYU

The results are in - South Africa scores off the charts!

2010-03-19T08:10:00.001-05:00

We are extremely proud to announce that the first graduating class of Christel House South Africa has achieved a 97% passage rate on the matric exams. Their passage rate on these exams � a series of tests taken by graduating seniors � is well above the national average of 60.7%. In a time where South Africa's education system has come under much scrutiny, thirty-one Christel House students took the exams, with 30 passing and 24 (77%) of those students earning scores that make them eligible for university admission and scholarships!

Attending a university is exactly what Lerecia Bailey, a 19-year-old graduate of Christel House South Africa, plans to do. Lerecia (top row, third from left) is currently enrolled in a university where she intends to study business management and build a better life for herself and her family. Attending university wasn�t always an option for Lerecia who, as a child, was homeless for five years after she and her family were forced out of their home following her father�s death. Then, just two years ago, Lerecia�s mother also passed away, leaving Lerecia to care for her two younger siblings. Lerecia is truly a remarkable young woman and we congratulate her and her classmates during this exciting time. (See a feature article from the South Africa Times here)

The accomplishment of Lerecia and her classmates is directly linked to Christel House South Africa, which has earned the highest possible accreditation for an independent school and continues to be a model for excellent education nationwide. Christel House South Africa�s passage rates are just the latest success story for Christel House students around the world.

Serving over 3,000 students and their families in five countries, Christel House schools are being recognized internationally for their innovative approach to ending poverty. Learn what you can do to help.

Mentor Place breakfast with IBM

2010-03-18T10:44:00.004-05:00

A breakfast and a rally took place to welcome the Mentor Place IBM team.

15 Mentors from IBM participate in this multicultural exchange by E-mail once a week. Also they attended this breakfast at Christel House Mexico facilities, 33 students attended this event.

After breakfast they participated in a rally which consisted in different physical challenges and games like basketball, mini golf and football soccer.

Mentors from IBM and students shared experiences and interacted with the purpose of strengthening relationships.

Our deepest gratitude to the IBM for spending time at CHMX, we feel proud of our accomplishments at the Mentors Place Program.

It's true - 6th Christel House opening soon!

2010-03-18T03:31:00.000-05:00

Yes, the time has come.

For those unaware, Christel House opened 5 Learning Centers in its first 4 years of operation. Since then, we've focused 100% of our attention on fine-tuning the "engine" of poverty alleviation. We've set high standards, implemented quality assessment tools and have the results to prove that what we're doing truly does end poverty for our children.

At the same time, a company in India has been planning a 'hill station' (new city) the size of Paris to be built outside Pune, India. That's right, the size of Paris. An effort of Hindustan Construction Company, this new city, called Lavasa, is being built on 12,500 acres of land and draws partnerships with some of the best organizations in the world and we're proud to be on the list. Most admirable is that from a corporate social responsibility perspective, Lavasa is preventing poverty. In their planning, they know there will be a 'working class' and feel, as we do, that children of those families deserve a quality education like anyone else.

We're exstatic about the opportunity and look forward to opening our 6th Learning Center this summer, Christel House Lavasa. Upon opening it will serve 120 children in grades K-2 and 800 when at full capacity. The new students will be from the Bhoini and Dhanman Ohol villages and other surrounding areas.

Hindustan's leadership searched the globe for the best in educating low-income children and selected Christel House.

We're glad they did and look forward to building a great future together.

Press release
Jobs at Christel House Lavasa
Official website of Lavasa

P.S. Interested in visiting? We're putting together a trip for September 26 - October 2! Contact us at trips@christelhouse.org for details.

South Africa celebrates facility's 1st Anniversary

2010-03-17T15:02:00.003-05:00

One year ago today, the world changed for 683 children in South Africa. The doors opened to the new Christel House South Africa. While the entity has existed since 2002, the new campus meant students would excel together, in a vibrant learning community. The students celebrated this morning and shared the photo above.

Even more exciting than the building itself is the commitment to education taking place inside. Since opening, not one single student or teacher has missed one day of instruction. Quite phenomenal when you consider the physical, emotional and other distractions that come from living or treating extreme poverty.

Happy Birthday CHSA - keep up the fantastic work!

Summer 2010 Internships @CHI Headquarters

2010-03-15T08:53:00.011-05:00

With summer quickly approaching, don�t miss your opportunity to break into the professional world with an internship at Christel House in Indianapolis, Indiana. Whether you are a college student or recent graduate, the Christel House International 2010 Summer Internship Program offers interns real-world experience in 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.

One of our current interns, Sarah Franz, had this to say about her experience with Christel House: �At Christel House, I�ve been able to take my education interests and nonprofit volunteer experience from college and build upon those in a professional nonprofit setting. I have taken on several projects that have allowed me to learn tangible skills needed to work in the nonprofit industry, all while supporting an amazing cause.�

Our internships are designed to build your experience, network and resume. We'll do our best to match your interests and expertise with the needs of the organization - see job descriptions below. All positions are unpaid but we're happy to help secure college credit.

Apply now! Deadline is March 31st, decisions made by April 15!

Fundraising & Special Events
Research & Grants
Global Communications & Marketing
Graphic & Web Design

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.