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!
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.
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.
Visit by students from University of Neu Ulm, Germany
30 MBA students from University of NeuUlm, Germany http://www.hs-neu-ulm.de/ visited Christel House India on 17th September 09. They volunteered their time at the school for 3 days.
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!
The sound of roaring engines cut through the brisk fall air on Saturday morning, October 10, as Christel House hosted its first annual "Braking the Cycle Ride" to help children break the cycle of poverty. The police-escorted 100+ mile trip saw 93 riders go from the Christel House Academy, on the near-south side of Indianapolis, to Brown County and back. Registrants received breakfast, lunch and a t-shirt and collectively raised over $15,000 for our students in need around the globe! It was an amazing, fun-filled day that truly made a WORLD of difference!
Native American photographer and instillation artist Will Wilson (Dine) directs the project which includes tracing and organizing students and volunteers to join forces in creating the beautiful finished product. The mural celebrates the "Indians of Indiana" and is part of the multicultural education program at Christel House Academy.
The mural will be unveiled at the site this Thursday, October 15 at 2:30 p.m.
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!
This week Christel House launched a profile on The Extraordinaries, a new micro-volunteering platform. Using an iPhone app (other platforms soon) you can now give a study tip, share your favorite quote or write a note of encouragement to a Christel House student. You can make a difference in minutes!
Kite Festival showcases students learning and talent
Almost six weeks of dedicated efforts from the students and staff of Christel House India, culminated with the Kite Festival on the 1st of August, 2009. We had 20 employees from Dell International Services who graced our kite festival and were welcomed by the grand and colorful rangoli made by the students and teachers. The Dell employees visited the classrooms and read through all the materials displayed on the walls, boards and corridors. They were in awe at the creative skills and talents of all the students. The students shared a vast amount of information about kites through Power Point Presentations, brochures, documents and the innumerable pictures of kites in various shapes, colours and sizes. The main idea was to integrate subjects into the theme. They concentrated on creative writing based on kites, diamantes poetry, reading, comprehension etc. They prepared models, charts that described the aerodynamics of kite flying.
The much awaited festival concluded with the kite flying competition. The inter house competition, had the best students of each house flying kites specially made by the team on the day before. There was no end to the excitement on the school ground as the students; teachers and Dell volunteers tried their hand at the art of flying kites. The fun and frolic overshadowed the competition to an extent. Four Dell volunteers were judges to determine the winners on various criteria. The Golden Orioles stole the show with their exquisite performance. The festival proved the heights to which the dedication and talent of the students can lift the morale of the school, exactly like the kites that reached the skies on the 1st of Aug, 2009
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 Christel House Venezuela received the visit of more than 70 employees from Eli Lilly. Mr. Eric de Spoelberch, Eli Lilly Country Manager and Board Member of Christel House motivates their employees to serve and contribute to our students and the community.
Professionals from different areas organized nutrition and health talks for 7th, 8th and 9th grades students and vocational counseling for the 10th and 11th grades. Other group of employees participated in gardening, painting and cleaning activities at the school.
This is annual activity not only in Venezuela but in other countries where Eli Lilly has offices around the world. The official Global Service Day was on May 20, but in Venezuela it was postponed for today. Several Lilly employees contribute financially, we appreciate their contribution.
If you or your company is instered in visiting, please contact Mrs. Mariela Morante at MMorante@ve.christelhouse.org
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.
My name is Danielle Tanganco, and my experience in Mexico City would not be the same without Christel House Mexico.
