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.
South Africa celebrates facility's 1st Anniversary
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
Dr. Deborah Bender, of the University of North Carolina, visited the new Christel House South Africa this summer and shares the impact of her visit... As the plane lifted from the tarmac at Atlanta’s airport on July 21, 2009 and banked to the right, I knew that I was headed back to Cape Town. I had been there two years ago, in fall 2007, when I served as the Faculty Director for the University of North Carolina—Cape Town Honors Program. Then, I had the opportunity to work with a group of youth from The Christel House School on a pilot service-learning project focused on reducing HIV/AIDS related stigma. I was returning in 2009 on a related research project, but I knew in my heart that the real purpose of my trip was to return to Christel House and greet those remarkable young people again.
As the car that I was riding in passed through the main gate of Christel Houses’ new campus just outside Cape Town proper, I wondered if the youth I had worked with would remember me. I wondered, too, if I would recognize each of them – and remember their names! First, a tour of the new facility was in order. I couldn’t believe the space and the light and the lover that the faculty and staff seemed to shower – even more than on the children – on the new building. I had to admit—it was beautiful. Then, not expecting it at all, I spotted Sipho, kicking a soccer ball around the school yard with three of his friends. Hugs! He had grown – but we both were a little shy at greeting each other again. His friends called and we went to see the dining hall. As I walked out, there was Martha, arms open. She must have known – she completely surprised me. She introduced me to a friend of hers and we quickly became a happy threesome. Ronald, Sharon and Eunice invited me to the teacher’s room for a bite of lunch. I felt right at home, perhaps because of their graciousness, perhaps because I am a teacher myself.
After the luncheon energy boost, we went to meet the members “Sharing Our Secrets” project. Home coming doesn’t do it justice! It was so wonderful to see them again – and to received their thanks and hugs just for having come back to visit. It was my pleasure! Miss Eunice coaxed a story from each one of them and I marveled at how much they had grown and matured in two years. Sihle told me about having spent a week at a partner school in Stellenbosch. She had addressed the school’s entire student body telling them how she had learned the worth of respect for all people, no matter what their racial background. Banele told me that he was hooked on science and was thinking of becoming a scientist. Sanelisiwe recalled her favorite book in which two preteen girls became close friends despite the different places they had come from. She told me she hoped she would be able to travel like I do and meet people from other places in the world one day. Maybe she will be a teacher, too, she added, almost an after thought. What a joy to see the fruits of the nurturing that staff, teachers and counselors of Christel House had produced.
All good things must come to an end, and soon this afternoon, too, grew to a close. I left the small gifts that I had brought with each of them – a new cloth zipper pencil case, a brightly colored note fresh notebook, and a foot long chocolate Tootsie Roll. You know what the favorite was! Hugs and warm wishes that coincidence would again bring us together ended the day.
Greetings from the Southern Hemisphere! My name is Diana Iglesias and I am the newest intern at Christel House South Africa. I arrived here about a month ago as a participant with the Honors Semester Abroad in Cape Town through the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. If any Capetonians have been wondering about the recent Tar Heel invasion of the city, it’s due to the fact that myself and the rest of the students have been doing internships with businesses and NGOs throughout the greater metropolitan area (from the City Bowl, to Ottery, to Khayelitsha), in addition to attending class once a week at the University of Cape Town.
Alexis Ivey, another student on the program, and I were placed at CHSA to work on projects with different departments in the school. Alexis is working with a social worker and plans to develop an anger management workshop series, while I will be partnering with the Arts and Culture teachers. Throughout the next term, I will assist with auditions and rehearsals for Annie Jr. the Musical and help begin a Drama Society at the school. Everyone is very eager about introducing creative expression into the new facilities at CHSA, through murals being painted around the school and the introduction of theatre, dance, and music clubs.
It is a very exciting time to be at Christel House – the buildings are brand-new, the campus has a gorgeous view of the surrounding mountains, and the students are brilliant! Just the other day a group of 5th and 6th graders showed me their ability to do the Macarena and told me all about the local food. I was born in Puerto Rico and spent the last two summers in Honduras, so when they proceeded to sing me a song in Spanish with impeccable pronunciation, I was floored. They are all thriving in the environment CHSA provides and never hesitate to show you just how stunningly smart they are. It is absolutely fascinating to listen as they open their minds and spirits to you. Currently, the school is on spring break (yes, it’s getting warmer here) and I can’t wait to resume working with the wonderful people I have met. Look out for photos and videos in the near future!
It's so hard to put into words how privileged I felt to be able to be at CHSA's first valedictory. This was something we had all dreamed of for these children, and now, here they were - the night was theirs. I think we were all immediately struck by how grown up they looked as they walked into the assembly hall wearing their caps and gowns.
Where were the little children we had all known so few years ago? When did they turn into such confident-looking young adults? As they walked to their seats on stage, you could feel the joy and pride that filled all of us. This evening was all about celebrating their achievements, giving thanks to all who had taken such active roles in supporting them, talking of what lies ahead, and finally the heart wrenching good byes.
I have only known the children for the last 5 years, and yet their growth--both physically, mentally, and emotionally, is so apparent. I can only imagine how the teachers who knew them from the beginning years of CH must have felt watching them now. They remembered when few of these children could speak a word of English. They remembered them when they came to school hungry, and they remembered them when they had no real knowledge but thankfully, a real thirst for it. Fast forward, and just look at them now! Here they were receiving wonderful awards—several children many times over.
Nontando Bonga (pictured) was named Valedictorian and truly she is such a star. After being named Valedictorian, silence fell over the hall as she spoke so eloquently to all. We were overwhelmed with her grace, her words of gratitude to all who had gotten her to this point, and the care and concern she displayed to her classmates. How could someone her age be delivering a speech that few adults could give?
Zola Simenukana spoke about her dad. She told us her mom had died when she was just 18months old, and her dad had raised her by himself. She is now 18 and said it was through his care and encouragement that brought her to this day. There wasn't a dry eye anywhere after hearing her beautiful story. After hearing their classmates speak, the matriculants sang a farewell song, but they became so filled with emotion, they could barely finish. It was truly sweet watching them console each other, one by one. Even the boys couldn't hold back their tears. They all had come to realize what Christel House means to them, the gift they had been given.
Where do they go from here? I asked several of them afterwards what their future plans were, and so many responded they were going on to universities in and around Cape Town. One girl had already been accepted into 3 universities! The matriculants know, perhaps better than any other, how far they have been able to come and the great possibilities that now lie before them because of an amazing school—Christel House.
Watch the blog, Facebook and our Flickr page for photos soon!
CH South Africa's 1st Graduation - A Volunteer Reflects
Jan Keucher has made over a dozen volunteer trips to Christel House South Africa over the past 5 years. On her first trip, she worked with the students who will be graduating this week. She shares about her experiences and what it's like preparing to witness such a milestone moment.
She writes...
Although I have a background in education (B.S. from Indiana University in elementary education, 1968, M.S. from IU in special education, 1970), my teaching career was brief. I taught special education for one year in Franklin, IN and spent the next 3 years teaching third grade in an inner city school in Indianapolis. My husband and I then had two daughters, and I had the privilege to be a stay-at-home mom. I loved this time, but after our girls were grown, married, and moved away, I found I now needed a new purpose. What I found was Christel House South Africa—half a world away.
I knew nothing about South Africa—the country or its people, I decided to take a chance and go. The first time, I was there for two months in the fall of 2004. I volunteered in whatever classroom needed a volunteer, so my days varied greatly from working with the little ones to spending time with the older students. At that time the school went up to the 8th grade, with no kindergarten. It added a grade each year, and it now goes from kindergarten through grade 12. During my initial visit, I met wonderfully dedicated teachers who showed love, care, and concern to much deserving children. It seemed the teachers’ lives were totally consumed with these children. Their days started early and lasted well into the evening hours. I found I loved working with the teachers and their students. Whatever I gave to the children, I received so much more in return. After that first time, I absolutely knew I had to go back. I couldn’t get them out of my mind.
Since then, I have gone back twice a year for one to three months at a time. I feel these children have become my children, and South Africa has almost become my second home. I have watched them grow, learn, and flourish through their work at the school--an opportunity they never would have had without Christel House.
The time has now come for the 12th graders to graduate. From my first days of working with them, it has been my hope to be present for the first graduation ceremony (valedictory). Many of the teachers have been housing the twelfth graders for months now to give them a safe and good environment to study for their exams. For most of the students, the journey has been long and difficult, but they have never given up. The valedictory is this week, October 9, 2009. I can’t wait to get there and be with the kids again. I want to witness this monumental time in their lives. I have kept in contact with several 12th graders from the school since my last visit in March, and they are so excited for this time to come.
I am excited to see them and their parents again and to be able to say, “Congratulations! Job well done!”
Jan Keucher
Check back later to see updates from Jan about the ceremony and the students' great accomplishments!
Ministry of Education visits Christel House South Africa
Above Left: Shahid Esau (Speaker WCPP), Middle: Ed Mendoza (VP, Christel House), Right: Donald Grant (Minister of Education); Learner Jade Marters in front
Recently we received a brief visit from The Minister of Education, Western Cape, Mr Donald Grant and Speaker, Western Cape Provincial Parliament, Mr Shahid Esau. Also present was Mr Ed Mendoza, Vice President of Christel House International: Programs and Services. They had a full tour of the school from Grade R to Grade 12 and the rest of the Christel House SA facilities. The Minister was very impressed with the Christel House Model and complimented the staff on their commitment and dedication. We trust that the visit will open doors to new projects and future funding.
We often share about the wonderful children of Christel House. This time, we wanted to share the story of one of our educators in South Africa who shared her story with us...
Name: Faheema Harris School: Christel House South Africa Grades/Subjects: Physical Science for grades 10-12, Mathematics for grades 8-9
She writes...
The 26th of November 2008 must be on of the most memorable days of my life. It was the day I wrote my Maths final, the day I went to say farewell to my parents who were immigrating and it is the day I accepted a job offer to teach at Christel House SA.
For the past 12 years I had taught at 3 government schools. Educators at these schools are overworked, the classes are overcrowded and they do not always have the opportunity to get to know their learners. Some teach just to pass time, others are so stressed out that they end up in Clinic, and many resort to physical and verbal abuse of learners. Fortunately there are also those who are trying to make a difference, the hard workers who often hit a brick wall but refuse to give up....the ones who still regard teaching as a calling.
For me, it was a difficult decision to leave my comfort zone and move to a foreign environment. When I asked my husband (who has been an educator at Christel House for 3 years) to help me make my decision his reply was, "It is your decision. It is not something I can explain, it is something you need to experience for yourself"...and what an experience it has been.
During the first three months (at the old premises), if there was not a classroom available I would teach in the School Hall and when the Hall was not available I would teach outside under a tree. What amazed me was that the learners never complained. They were so grateful and excited to be at the school. They were and still are so eager to learn. I often refer to them as sponges, ready and eager to take in and absorb your every word. These learners are dedicated, hard working and are extremely goal oriented.
I work with an amazing bunch of people who are very supportive and who will go the extra mile for one another and the learners. Staff who offer up their free time, including weekends and holidays, to come in and assist the learners. Educators who treat learners with respect and who are constantly encouraging them to excel. Staff who are not judgmental and who take the time to get to know their learners. Learners are allowed to voice their opinions and these opinions are respected. These leadership qualities of learners are encouraged by all staff. Even though we are way behind government schools in terms of technology, the educators make the best of what they have available. It is heartwarming to know that in these trying times, there are still people out there who want to make a difference in the lives of children.
One cannot help but be humbled and saddened when you hear what some of our learners experience in their daily lives. For the past week I had noticed that the appearance of a learner...let's call him "Ben"...had deteriorated significantly. I had spoken to him about his uniform. His shirt was not clean, he needed a haircut, he was wearing takkies and I had noticed that he had been wearing the same long-sleeved t-shirt under his school shirt for the past two days. While standing at the bus stop he told me that he was not looking forward to the weekend. It was pay day and he knew that his parents had finished work early. He also knew that they would not be home when he got there and that they would be out drinking. He would then have to go ask his neighbors and friends for food so that he could feed his younger brother and niece. He confessed that he eats a lot at school because at night he feeds his siblings first and if there is anything left, he eats. To be at a school like Christel House is the answer to many of his prayers. He knows that here he will receive good education, he will be fed and the staff will listen and assist him wherever possible. He knows that he can tell his story and he will not be judged by anyone and that he is surrounded by people who care. It's Monday now and "Ben" is back at school with a smile on his face. he knows that here he can be a child again, play soccer with his friends, focus on school and forget about his problems at home.
Christel House is a gem for learners and educators alike. We look forward to a long and productive future here. We appreciate the opportunity greatly and all those who support it.
Christel House South Africa was invited to participate with four other organizations in a marketing expo at Cape Grace Hotel and Commodore Hotel in the V & A Waterfront, Cape Town. Groups were given the opportunity to showcase their mission and also to display various items for sale.
Clinton visited with our staff along with more than 100 members of her delegation. She took a keen interest, bought various hand-made items and thanked everyone for supporting such a worthy cause that makes a visible impact in the lives of those in need.
If you haven't yet, read her first and second updates from her trip.
What did you learn about math education at CHSA and what did you share that you think resonated with students/teachers the most?
I think that math at CHSA is in an interesting and challenging dilemma. They are following a national curriculum set by the country of South Africa, which in and of itself has its own problems, but the school has the desire to improve upon that national curriculum in mathematics as well. If they do that, they will not only have to fulfill the standards of the national curriculum, but give themselves additional standards as well like higher-order problem solving skills and others. It will be an interesting issue to face, while not adding too much extra work to their already busy curriculum.
What made the strongest impact on you?
The strongest impact was definitely seeing the students in class and in assembly. Being a part of the community, even for a short time, was really the memory of a lifetime. On a number of occasions, someone would say to me, "you are now part of the Christel House family" and I think they really meant it.
What would you share with the public about Christel House and our students?
What I said to the senior school during my "farewell" assembly time, was that they may not realize what a gift they give to any visitor who comes to their school. It is an amazing experience to be able to see the strength that this community has and the achievements they can accomplish together. I believe that the visit has changed me as a person.
Why is it important to visit a school first hand?
As an educator, there are many things that may seem like a good idea "in theory", but in practice are difficult to imagine. Christel House seems to have been built on an ideal, but it is amazing to see that the practice comes pretty darn close to the vision. However, seeing the school first hand allows you to gain such an amazing sense of perspective and understanding that I'm not sure one can have without actually being there.
What else would you like to share?
I really do believe that this trip has made a huge impact on me as an educator. I am in awe of what the teachers at CHSA do every day, with their time, energy, emotion -and they do it all with professionalism and collegiality. Very impressive, wonderful people.
Thanks Carmel, for your visit and sharing your expertise. You ARE now a part of the Christel House family.
If you're interested in offering your expertise or visiting one of our Learning Centers, please don't hesitate to contact us!
What have been a couple highlights of your experience thus far?
I would have to say that having individual conversations with some of the faculty members have been true highlights - seeing their work with the children, hearing their personal stories about teaching and being connected to the learners. The commitment they all have to seeing each child as a whole individual and knowing their backgrounds as a learner and a person is so commendable. Also, I have loved being in class with the children. They are so outgoing and friendly. The small moments of them asking me questions about the US, teaching me about their currency and trying to show me how to roll my R's which is second nature for them! I also helped teach an Algebra class and observed a professional development workshop on technology training which many of the teachers attended.
What fascinating things have you learned about Christel House?
The most fascinating things I have learned are the great achievements they make with respect to the academics with these children. Although they come from extremely disadvantaged backgrounds, because of the amazing education they are receiving, these students are achieving at or above the average level of the rest of South African schools. Considering the home environments in which these children must do their homework or be supported when not in school, it's a major accomplishment that they are doing so well. It's a testament to the spirit and passion of the learners and teachers here.
How would you describe the impact you are seeing that Christel House has on the students and their families?
From seeing the students in their own Christel House community, it is clear to me that this place is their family away from home. In assembly, they joyfully join together as a group and it's very clear that the impact of Christel House is a very positive one. The smiles on their faces and the feeling of belonging that exudes from the large group is an amazing one. I was lucky enough to be at an assembly where the school celebrated four talented students who had written winning essays in a national contest about their mothers. Their mothers were present and I could definitely feel the impact of Christel House on these students' families as the pride of those moms was clearly apparent.
Carmel is a visiting faculty member from the Emma Williard School in New York.
Carmel Schettino (pictured with Principal, Ronald Fortune) is a mathematics faculty member at the Emma Willard School in upstate New York and is visiting Christel House South Africa to assist our teachers in math assessment, curriculum and other projects. Below she answers a few quick questions...
What was the impetus for your visit to Christel House South Africa?
Along with creating a working relationship between Emma Willard and Christel House, part of sending me specifically was my experience in working with teachers in schools throughout the US in many professional development areas related to math education. Ronald Fortune's passions about having an excellent math program at Christel House is pushing him to ask critical questions about their curriculum and pedogogical choices. I believe part of my role here as an outsider is simply to give another perspective on what they are doing and give my insights from my knowledge and background in different areas such as progressive pedagogical methods, technological resources, and other philosophical questions. Since my doctoral work centers around gender equity and social justice issues related to mathematics education, I am also learning a great deal about the challenges that Christel House faces with regard to the diverse background of its students.
What is your plan for the time you’re there?
Currently, I am beginning classroom observations and met with all math teachers yesterday to get a general sense of their vision of the math classrooms. It was very informative and I got insights into how much they enjoy teaching math. I will continue observing classes and hopefully interacting more with the children. I have begun one on one conversations with teachers as they informally come and ask me questions. Tomorrow I am going in to do a lesson with a high school teacher to help out with a technology piece that might add something to a topic, and hopefully next week I will do more demonstrations like that. I also hope to do a mock lesson for all teachers as well.
How have the first few days gone?
I have found the teachers here to be totally dedicated and committed to the students. Although this may happen at any school, this is particularly true here at Christel House. They have a way of looking at every child's whole story in order to better understand the best way to teach him or her. So from a mathematics perspective, from a social justice point of view, the faculty seem to be finding the best ways to get their students engaged on a regular basis. The students are very outgoing and excited to learn and extremely polite in every way. I am impressed with every facet of the place.
If you would like to volunteer and share your special talent or expertise with Christel House, please contact us.
A First in South Africa: Rachel reflects on Matric Ball
Rachel is interning at Christel House South Africa (from UConn) and writes...
"Picture in your mind your senior prom. Now remember the way you felt during that prom: the dancing, the music, the food, the pictures, and the atmosphere. Now imagine you are from an area where gang violence, drug abuse, physical abuse, HIV/AIDS are rampant, and you may live in a one room shack... In South Africa there is an event known as Matric Ball, or dance, and it is very similar to our senior prom. Girls find a fancy dress and get their hair and nails done while the guy finds a nice suit and they bring partners, which are their dates for the night. The students in grade 12 at Christel House South Africa had their Matric Ball on Friday the 17th of April. It was also historic for the school itself because this is the schools first Matric class ever, and thus the first Matric Ball.
What makes this Matric Ball even more special is the fact that these students had their outfits for the night and their hair and makeup donated by teachers and others throughout their community. I can remember in the weeks up to the dance there would be dress fittings in classrooms and girls would be running around talking about their outfits or who their partner was, and the guys would be trying on suits or shoes. All of the excitement led to this one night.
Jill and I had the privilege to attend the dance, and we had no idea what to expect. When we got there we were stunned to find the students looking absolutely gorgeous. Every single one of the learners and their partners looked like celebrities. The face of every student was of pure happiness. There were hundreds of pictures being taken and smiling faces everywhere. Jill and I could not stop saying how beautiful everyone looked, and how excited we were to be there. After everyone ate the dancing started, and Jill and I got forced to go out on the dance floor. Lets just say that we felt slightly awkward since our dancing skills were not quite up to par.
All in all, we had an amazing time and I am sure the students did too. It was a great experience and I am very glad that I had the chance to go. Working at Christel House has given me many opportunities that I would not have been able experience anywhere else. My experience here would not have been complete without Christel House and the people that I met there. The people I met and the kids I worked with will stay in my heart forever, and I will always be grateful for their friendship and help."
Thanks Rachel. And congrats to all our graduating students at Christel House South Africa!
You can read more from Rachel and her fellow students from the UConn Honors program at their blog. If you're interested in interning with (or visiting) one of our Learning Centers please contact us.
For some time now, Christel House South Africa has operated in rented facilities. While the children outperformed their peers and met rigorous standards, they struggled to build a campus culture where everyone could learn and grow together. Those troubles ended yesterday with the opening of the “New” Christel House South Africa.
Thanks to a long-term land partnership with the City of Cape Town and with the help of donors in the U.S., South Africa and around the world, the doors opened to students excited to have a bright, vibrant and state-of-the-art facility!
Christel House South Africa has been racking up the recognition lately...
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.
For the past 12 years I had taught at 3 government schools. Educators at these schools are overworked, the classes are overcrowded and they do not always have the opportunity to get to know their learners. Some teach just to pass time, others are so stressed out that they end up in Clinic, and many resort to physical and verbal abuse of learners. Fortunately there are also those who are trying to make a difference, the hard workers who often hit a brick wall but refuse to give up....the ones who still regard teaching as a calling.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently took an 11 day trip to Africa, visiting seven countries and focusing on a variety of issues.
