Friday, March 19, 2010
The results are in - South Africa scores off the charts!
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.Labels: graduation, results, testimonial
Monday, March 8, 2010
Yuslendy's education comes full-circle
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
Simón Rodríguez 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.
Labels: graduation, testimonial, university, Venezuela
Friday, March 5, 2010
Guest Post: Meredith Kelsey at CH South Africa
“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.
Labels: intern, South Africa, testimonial
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
CH South Africa gets help from visiting Tar Heels
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!
Labels: art, intern, language, partner, South Africa, testimonial, Volunteer
Monday, October 12, 2009
CH South Africa's 1st Graduation - an update!
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!
This is an update to Jan's
previous post.
Labels: graduation, South Africa, testimonial, update, visitor, Volunteer
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
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 KeucherCheck back later to see updates from Jan about the ceremony and the students' great accomplishments!
Labels: graduation, South Africa, testimonial, update, Volunteer
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Teacher profile : Meet Faheema Harris
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.
Labels: math, science, South Africa, teacher, testimonial
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Faculty visits CH South Africa - Final Update
A final e-interview from Carmel Schettino, a
faculty member in mathematics at the
Emma Willard School (NY), who spent some time at
Christel House South Africa in Cape Town to share her expertise and learn more about Christel House. She's pictured above with one of our fifth grade classes.
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!
Labels: faculty, math, South Africa, testimonial, update, visitor
Thursday, August 6, 2009
A "Favor" for Christel House
Meagan and Allen were recently married and creatively included Christel House in their special day. Soon after, we received the note below from Meagan. She writes...
Dear Christel House,
We are glad to be of help with our donation and happy to share our story with you. We actually borrowed the idea of making a charitable contribution for a favor from my husband's cousin, whose wedding took place a couple months before ours. We went to their reception and on each place setting, where one would traditionally see a favor, there was a card explaining that a charitable donation had been made to an organization in the guest's honor. I thought it was so nice knowing that a deserving charity received a donation instead of me getting some candy a, shot glass or other typical favor item. I overheard a number of other guests echo my sentiments regarding the favor.
I talked it over with Allen and we decided that a donation would also be a great way for us to express gratitude to our guests and give back to those in need. We wanted to choose a charity that had a special meaning to both our lives. My parents are teachers and his family also has a strong history of supporting education (among other things, his grandmother had been Chief Education Officer of South Kanara district in the state of Karnataka, India) so we thought a charity that helped children with their education would be very appropriate. I remembered seeing an article on my company's website (Target) about a donation that the company had made to Christel House India in Bangalore, India. I had not heard of Christel House before but, my husband happens to be from Bangalore so, that made the idea of giving to Christel House all the more meaningful.
I did an internet search to learn more about the organization. I was delighted to learn that Christel House not only helped children in Bangalore but, also in the USA and other parts of the world. It's easy to see that the work that Christel House is doing truly an impact and I was impressed by the promise that 100% of donations would directly assist children in need. It was obvious from the many testimonials from personal and corporate sponsors that our donations would make a real difference to kids from both our countries. At each table we included a card, as his cousin had done, explaining to guests guests that we had made a donation in their honor. We also explained about Christel House's mission and that the donations would help children in India, the US and around the world to obtain an education and rise above poverty. We also included the website and encouraged our guests to visit the Christel House website to learn more.
I hope that in addition to our contribution, we succeeded in educating our guests about Christel House International and the important you are doing worldwide. We look forward to supporting your organization with future donations and commend you for the work you are doing.
Yours Truly, Meagan and AllenThank you Meagan and Allen. Your creativity and commitment is truly inspiring.
If you'd like more information on creative ways to give, raise funds or to help our children break the cycle of poverty, please don't hesitate to
contact us. There are countless ways that YOU can make a WORLD of difference!
Labels: India, letter, Target, testimonial
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.
