Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Happy Birthday Dr. Suess!
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.
Labels: Academy, reading, South Africa, visitor
Friday, February 5, 2010
The Colts and Christel House
The Colts have been great friends and supporters of Christel House. Back in August 2000, the Colts played the Steelers in the
American Bowl in Mexico City. During their trip, the team visited with children from Christel House Mexico and presented a commemorative football used in the game that is still on display today. (Picture: Colts owner Jim Irsay with other staffers and Christel House families and students)
In 2009,
Peyton Manning kicked off Project 18 at the
Christel House Academy in Indianapolis where the students learned about healthy living, nutritional choices and staying active. Also last year, students from South Africa and India enjoyed a tour of the Colts practice facility and
saw the last Super Bowl Trophy up close.
Just last week, a few young
Christel House artists had the tour of a lifetime and their artwork now hangs in Lucas Oil Stadium.
On behalf of over 3000 children and over 250 staff and teachers around the world, GO COLTS!!!
Labels: Academy, colts, history, Mexico, visitor
Monday, January 25, 2010
Kids helping kids
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.
Labels: Academy, service, visitor, Volunteer
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Experience the Magic of India
Join Christel House International as we travel to India February 20-24, 2010. We'll start with an exciting sightseeing tour of historic and beautiful Bangalore City. Then, we'll spend a full day at
Christel House India where we'll tour the facility, work on projects with the students and visit the areas that they call home. Finally, we'll enjoy a full-day field trip with the students to the
palaces at Mysore.
For more details, download the trip packet below. Reserve your spot today by contacting Mandi Melangton at mmelangton@christelhouse.org or 317-464-2341.
2010IndiaItinerary.pdfLabels: India, visitor
Monday, December 14, 2009
CH Mexico students take HIGH PROFILE trips!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Visit by filmmaker Bob Compton
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Same Old Spirit in Bright New Digs
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.(photo courtesy of Deborah Bender)
Labels: South Africa, visitor
Friday, November 6, 2009
Transguard team visits Christel House India
Mr. Mike McGeever, Managing Director, Ms. Caroline McGeever and Mr. Mark Povey, General Manager- Marketing and Events - Transguard Group, http://www.transguardgroup.com/ spends two days at Christel House India. In a dream come true opportunity, six young students of Christel House India have been selected to participate in a summer football camp organized by the Transguard Elite Sporting Academy (TESA), Dubai. The six were chosen in an exhibition match played at the school grounds during the recent visit to Bangalore by Mr. Povey, the Transguard Group Marketing Head (Transguard Group is a part of the Emirates Group and has a major shareholding in TESA) and head of TESA. TESA is a football and rugby academy and a centre of excellence providing academic and sporting scholarships for talented youngsters from around the world. The six students will be put through a rigorous training schedule in Dubai in the summer of 2010. Labels: visitor
Friday, October 30, 2009
Flashback: 10th Anniversary in Mexico!
In late October of last year we celebrated our 10th Anniversary! Several friends joined us at
Christel House Mexico in Mexico City for the festivities including a tour and performances from the kids! (
See photos)
If you're ever in the neighborhood or will be visiting near one of our Learning Centers (
Bangalore,
Cape Town,
Mexico City,
Caracus or
Indianapolis) please
contact us, stop by and say hello!
Also, we are organizing a group trip to visit
Christel House India, February 20 - 26, 2010. Interested? Email Mandi Melangton at mmelangton@christelhouse.org!
Labels: Mexico, visitor
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
Monday, September 14, 2009
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.
Labels: South Africa, visitor
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Hillary Clinton learns about Christel House South Africa
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.
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.
(photo courtesy of Deborah Bender)
Labels: South Africa, visitor
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
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Faculty visits CH South Africa - Update #2
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
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Faculty visits CH South Africa - Update #1
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
In late October of last year we celebrated our 10th Anniversary! Several friends joined us at Christel House Mexico in Mexico City for the festivities including a tour and performances from the kids! (See photos)
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.
