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

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!

Labels: graduation, South Africa, testimonial, update, Volunteer

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

An update to this previous post, Carmel Schettino expands on the developments of her visit to Christel House South Africa...

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.

Labels: faculty, math, South Africa, update, visitor

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.

Labels: faculty, math, South Africa, update, visitor

Ed Mendoza, our new VP of Education and Community Outreach, shares the second update to a previous post.

Christel (DeHaan) and I recently visited Jesus Obregon School in Caracas, Venezuela. Jesus Obregon is a technical institute that offers technical career courses for students in grades 7-12. In the evening it serves as a technical college for post High School Students and adults. During the visit we met up with a Christel House alumnus Karelvys Rodriguez and enjoyed a pleasant visit. (Pictured here from her 2008 graduation)

Karelvys, like many Christel House alumni, continues her studies to advance her career. She attended CH in the seventh grade and five years later completed her graduation requirements receiving her diploma from Christel House Venezuela in 2008. She is now enrolled at Jesus Obrero Technical College studying to be an assistant administrator. In addition to her daily classwork, 17 year old Karevys will hold a position as apprentice in a local business in Caracas. Typical for most students like Karevys, she starts her day very early in the morning. To arrive at school on time, she takes two buses for the long journey. The day at Jesus Obrero consist of office training from 8:00 AM until dismissal at 1:30 PM. The late afternoon and evening is spent on internship work. After work she takes the long ride home through extremely busy traffic. Karevys does not complain as she is very grateful to have the opportunity to attend school.

Karvlvys is appreciative of her learning opportunities at Christel House. She states, “It's a privilege to be a student at Christel House.” The education received at CH has prepared her well to continue studies at Jesus Obrero. She joins several other CH alumni also attending Jesus Obrero. CH alumni build strong relationships and build life-long friendships.

Karelvys is a great example of the CH mission, to break the chains of poverty and to become productive a citizen of the community. She advises current CH students to, “Learn as much as you can and take full advantage of all the courses. These courses will help you later.” It is always a joy to see first hand that Christal House is making a significant difference in the life of our students as well as in the La Vega community. The entire Christel House family should be proud to know that our efforts are producing positive results.

-Ed

Labels: alumni, graduation, update, Venezuela

The following is an update from the previous post, "CHI Leadership Visits Venezuela".

We arrived late Saturday night. Early Sunday morning we went right to working with local management in the planning of school year 2009/2010. Sunday afternoon we interviewed two interesting principal candidates as our current principal, Hilda Lokpez de George, will be retiring at the completion of this year.

Monday included numerous activities and events including classroom observations, financial and business planning as well as a farewell celebration honoring Hilda. This event included a very impressive performance from the CH Symphonic Orchestra.

Joe

Labels: orchestra, update, Venezuela

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.

Labels: Mexico, update