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.
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.
Where did you learn to give? Did you do chores at home as a child? Help a family member or neighbor with a project? Maybe you observed your parents or other friends give to a worthy cause.
The parents and teachers at Eagle Elementary in Zionsville, Indiana thought that students might be interested in a more purposeful learning approach around philanthropy. They were right.
30 students jumped at the chance and enrolled in the "First Friday Philanthropy Club" where children ages 7-10 (2nd - 4th grade) hear from speakers, learn about different ways to give, explore global and local issues and determine how they are going to make the world a better place.
Christel House was atop the agenda at their latest meeting.
Our staff shared about the issues of poverty, our schools around the world, and what people can do to help children in need. We explored the meaning of 'community' and how we all need to give of our time, talent and treasure to strengthen that community, whether it's local or global. The children then colored people-paper-chains, donated art supplies and made blankets for our students at Christel House.
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!
The Christel House website received a complete overhaul earlier this year thanks to the great work of Plaid, a brilliant creative agency. They're taking 'creative drive' to a whole new level and touring the Plaid Nation. They stopped in Indianapolis and interviewed us...so we did the same.
Where did you learn to give? Did you do chores at home as a child? Help a family member or neighbor with a project? Maybe you observed your parents or other friends give to a worthy cause.
