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)
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.
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.
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!
In late October of last year we celebrated our 10th Anniversary! Several friends joined us at Christel House Mexico in Mexico City for the festivities including a tour and performances from the kids! (See photos)
Also, we are organizing a group trip to visit Christel House India, February 20 - 26, 2010. Interested? Email Mandi Melangton at mmelangton@christelhouse.org!
My name is Danielle Tanganco, and my experience in Mexico City would not be the same without Christel House Mexico.
I came to Mexico ready to bring change. I’ve been here in Mexico City (my first time!) since June 1st through an internship program through York University, in Toronto, Canada. I am an English major, a Spanish minor, and I’m also doing another degree in education. I came here and I thought, “I’ll offer my skills, my time, and my knowledge with the kids and with the school. It can be an opportunity for me to bring positive change.”
Little did I know that I would be the one who would come out changed.
My time here in Mexico flew by so quickly. I started out by helping in the grade 2 English classes, and I am so thankful to Bronwyn, the grade 2 English teacher, for taking me under her wing. I also had the opportunity to teach my own lesson plan for one week, and it was an absolute delight seeing the kids learn about the different seasons in the year. I got so excited about it, dressing up for each season each day of the week, making different crafts for each season, and (a highlight for the kids!) bringing in some pictures of Canada experiencing different seasons. Winter was definitely a favorite among the 7 and 8-year-olds.
At first it was just like any regular placement. I went in, taught, and left. But pretty soon (and I apologize in advance for the mushiness!), I started to fall in love with the kids. And how could I not? These kids are so easy to love. My first day at Christel House, I received a lot of shy and unshy "Hola"s, and by the afternoon of the first day, kids (those in my class as well as random ones) would come up to me and hug me. They greet me by affectionately holding my hand, stroking my arm, hugging me, or calling "Titcher Dany! Daniela!" They're really sweet.
The kids at CHMX are so full of love, sometimes it’s easy to forget their backgrounds. It’s easy to forget that some of my kids don’t go home when I do, because they have to help sell CDs or sweets in the subway at night. But what gets me the most is that they’re still so fully of joy, always coming to class with big smiles on their faces.
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve gotten my share of bad days too. I’ve gotten kids who refuse to do their work, who refuse to put in any effort, who get into fights, etc. The biggest thing that gets me, though, is how these are bright and smart kids who are throwing their lives away, just because they’re unable to walk away from a fight, just because they want to indulge their laziness, just because they don’t feel like doing their work. We're working to change that. I want so much for these kids. We were talking one time about what they wanted to be when they grow up – firefighter, police officer, teacher, nurse, etc. I was just bursting with pride at all these answers, but at the same time, it breaks my heart to realize that they would have to work doubly hard to rise above their less privileged circumstances.
I miss my kids. It’s summertime here in Mexico right now, and the kids are out on vacation. The first day I came in to do administrative work, I felt so lonely. It was just so weird being in the school without any noise, without any movement, without any life. But it’s gotten much better for me. Actually it has been a lot of fun! Special thanks go out to Vanessa and Dania for making my days more exciting.
I have to say, though, that seeing all the behind-the-scenes stuff that happens with CHMX, I’m filled with newfound appreciation and admiration at wholistic approach of Christel House. Last week I had the privilege to be part of a presentation for a potential donor for CHMX. As I was talking to the regional director, and sharing my experience here at CH even for a mere two months, I realized that everything I was saying was true. I love what CH does, and it's definitely a program I believe in.
And I see the fruits of people's labor, you know? Even in the short two months that I was there, my kids’ behavior improved considerably. Of course, we still have a ways to go, and there are still kids who act up - I think we'll always have those. But I'm beginning to see the change happening. And if I see the change in two measly months, then in years, this change will be exponential, that means that this program works. CH does transform lives. I'm blown away, so blown away. Watching the CH video, and seeing my kids on the screen - my kids, I proudly whispered to myself - brought tears to my eyes.
I miss my kids. I miss my kids so much that I find myself grasping at things to miss them less. Looking forward to school again! I’m trying to remember the last time I said that, haha. So many people to thank: Bronwyn, Vanessa, Dania, Alin, Paty Diaz, Haydee, Nancy, and everyone else who has made my stay at CHMX so much fun. Thank you to Mrs. DeHaan for her extraordinary vision, and for everyone else who has helped to make this vision a reality. And of course, thank you to all my kids, and all the others in CH, who are living the CH mission and actually transforming their lives.
On Monday, the 29th of June, Christel House Mexico welcomed the Indianapolis Children's Choir and The White Rock Children´s Choir from Vancouver. They arrived at the Christel House facilities and sang eight melodies for our students and staff members. The Christel House Choir then participated by singing two pieces. At the end of their performance the Director of the Choir from Indianapolis, Henry Leck, made a donation of musical instruments and gave a cheque to buy a piece of furniture necessary to play the xylophones. They also announced a scholarship for the next school year to Andrea Sánchez Gallego, the music teacher from Christel House Mexico. At the end of the day, our students invited members from both choirs to go on a tour of the Christel Housefacilities.
It was a great visit and a wonderful opportunity to build new friendships and share the love of music across cultures.
Eighth Caroline Award was celebrated at Christel House Mexico
The eighth Caroline Award was celebrated on June 26th, 2009 in the Christel House facilities. This year, the main theme of the contest was Mythology. All the students from Christel House participated in two categories: drawing and writing.
The day started with the inauguration of the contest. Then our special judges and guests enjoyed a performance, with the Christel House Choir singing the songs ¨La flor de la Cantuta¨ and ¨Mariposa,¨ and the Christel House Dance Workshop dancing alongside them. Afterwards the judges and guests went on a tour around the facilities where they had the opportunity to see the drawings and the poems by the kids. Later they watched a play called “Chin y Ben,” written by one of our second grade students, Gerardo Alvarez, and performed by the theater workshop.
To conclude this special day we had a ceremony where our judges, specialists in drawing and literature, announced the winners of the contest and the Supervisor of the Zone, Guadalupe Gallardo Vite, recognized the efforts of the students and the teachers who coordinated this event.
Over 2,500 people attended this concert where the students from CHMX participated by singing and playing twenty pieces. The concert was directed by Professor Guillermo J. Sánchez and by their music teacher Andrea Sánchez Gallego.
Christel House Mexico is very proud of Aldo Ortíz Martínez, a third grader at CHMX, who was the only student among three schools who sang a solo with the song “Osito Pelón.” Also Andrea Sánchez Gallego participated by singing the song “Hymne” by E. Live.
Innauguration of Christel House Room at ING, Closure of Orange School, Pilot Project
Last Tuesday, June 16th forty-one 6th graders from Christel House Mexico were invited to ING Mexico. The purpose of the visit was to conclude the Orange School e-pals program that connects ING from Netherlands with students from Christel House Mexico. A video conference with Holland was held and an exchange of ideas between students and Mentors was shared in a nice, friendly environment.
As a surprise to all of us Carlos Muriel CEO of ING Mexico and Latin America invited us to inaugurate the Christel House room, which was built in honor of this wonderful cause. The Christel House room was decorated with pictures drawn by the students. During this event students were given a tour around the new offices of ING Mexico, had the opportunity to talk to employees and also enjoyed breakfast.
Christel House Mexico students and staff that attended this event were thankful to ING Mexico for their hospitality. We all had a great time!
Andrea Sánchez is attending the Creating Artistry workshop at Butler University, where she is developing different strategies and techniques to conduct the choir as well perfecting her vocal skills. Diana Szelei, the music director at Christel House Academy, is also attending.
Through individual and master class teaching, conductors study Conducting Gesture, Vocal Techniques, Rehearsal, Efficiency, Pacing, Score Analysis, Repertoire, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Choral Administration and Multicultural Interpretation. Laboratory choruses provide the opportunity for participants to actively explore the conducting processes.
We appreciate the opportunity that Butler University gave us to improve our music programs in the U.S. and Mexico.
An update to the previous posts. Over the last few days, our Outreach Coordinator and Nurse communicated with families through the Parents Association to get updates on our children and their families. We learned that our one student who was being monitored at the hospital has fully recovered! The school opens today for classes and we hear that all are excited to be back and learning once again.
Thank you to everyone in the Christel House community for all your thoughts, prayers and well wishes during this time of great concern.
This is an update to the previous post. Since that time, the second relative that was exposed has passed. The students cared for by these individuals were checked and found healthy. Two students showed flu-like symptoms and were taken to the hospital. One was diagnosed with a bad cold and released while the other is being monitored closely. So far, no students or staff members of Christel House Mexico have been infected and the school has been cleaned thoroughly. We have received an outpouring of support from friends of the organization. Please continue to keep all our friends in Mexico in your thoughts.
Local WISH-TV Channel 8 reported on the situation. Watch the video.
We will continue to post updates as they are available.
Many of our friends have been concerned about our students and colleagues in Mexico, and the impact of swine flu. To the best of our knowledge, our students and staff have not been affected; however, one family has lost a relative. Patricia, our Principal, gives more details below. Communicating with our families is difficult, and school is closed by government order until at least May 6. We will continue to update this posting as we learn of further developments.
Dear Friends,
Two relatives of a family from Christel House have got the swine flu. One of them died and the other one is in the hospital. The outcomes we do not know yet because this was on Thursday and on Friday school was dismissed in Mexico City and in the State of Mexico, by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and the President of the Republic to avoid epidemic. It is mandatory and the newspapers today, announce that school will go on with their programs until May 6.
The situation with the family is something to worry about. One student is a 3rd grader and another a 2nd grader. They were both being taken care of by the relative that passed away and the one that is in the hospital. Both children are undernourished, so they are vulnerable but no news has been heard so far due to school dismissal.
As for other children being absent lately, we had just come back on Monday from Holy and Easter Week. So children had only 4 days of school when school was dismissed. Absences were mainly due to stomach aches. Rosi, our nurse, says that no respiratory problems were attended to before school was dismissed.
Mexico has taken actions to avoid people being together. All school levels; pre-school, elementary, secondary, high and universities are not attending school til May 6, announced today. Museums, amusement parks, religious celebrations, cinemas, have been cancelled and sports events are held without an audience.
This is the situation thus far, I will keep you informed of changes.
Best regards,
Patricia
Yesterday, Cristina, in our development office, wrote...
Things are really getting let's say, 'different'. Now schooling in all the Mexican Republic is closed. Here in Mexico City, bars, restaurants, gyms, etc. have been added to the list of closing establishments. The city is deserted, like in a movie. Many companies, especially American companies, have organized to have their staff to go home, work only four hours and go intermittent days. I guess, as they say in the news, that we are in the peak of the situation and will satay like this some days and then start the curve down. In the meantime we are all being humble, patient and obedient. Send you a hug to and all of you up there, take care.
Cristina
Again, we will continue to update this posting as we learn of further developments.
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 Zócalo screen.
In late October of last year we celebrated our 10th Anniversary! Several friends joined us at Christel House Mexico in Mexico City for the festivities including a tour and performances from the kids! (See photos)
My name is Danielle Tanganco, and my experience in Mexico City would not be the same without Christel House Mexico.
On Monday, the 29th of June, Christel House Mexico welcomed the Indianapolis Children's Choir and The White Rock Children´s Choir from Vancouver.
The eighth Caroline Award was celebrated on June 26th, 2009 in the Christel House facilities. This year, the main theme of the contest was Mythology. All the students from Christel House participated in two categories: drawing and writing.
On June 26th, 2009 students from Christel House Mexico held a concert at “Sala Nezahualcoyotl,” recognized as one of the best Concert Halls in Latin America in the heart of Mexico’s National University.
