Educate a South African Child Experiencing Poverty

More than 60 Grade RR students received a warm welcome as Christel House South Africa (CHSA) opened three new classrooms for 4-year-olds. “CHSA turns 20 this year and adding this crucial phase to our Early Childhood Development program has long been a dream for us,” says Adri Marais, CEO.

The new classrooms were made possible by a unique partnership with MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet and Builders. “We are humbled to be given the opportunity to provide Christel House and its learners with three new classrooms to provide an even younger group of children to start their early learning developments,” says Pieter Twine, General Manager of MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet. Getting children into preschool leads to better outcomes for youngsters. “Research has proven that the formative years of a child’s life are the most important and early intervention is key in removing the many barriers to success that our students face,” according to Carol Kriel, CHSA Junior School Principal. Each classroom has a dedicated teacher and is equipped with modern teaching equipment such as interactive smart board technology. Each class will also have access to a teacher assistant to ensure a high student to teacher ratio and to improve early language acquisition through English immersion from day one.

Christel House celebrates the well-being of students around the world, such as Zoe S. at Christel House South Africa (CHSA). With the support of Christel House social workers, Zoe was able to bounce back from medical complications this year.

Zoe is an 11-year-old Grade 6 student at CHSA. She lives in Crawford, a suburb of Cape Town, with her mother, grandmother, and older brother Matthew, a Grade 10 Christel House student. Zoe enjoys physical activity and the great outdoors. In fact, her favorite thing to do in Cape Town is climbing the iconic Table Mountain. But this year, Zoe experienced pain and sickness that landed her in the hospital. After she was hooked up to machines, her doctors found a cyst on her kidney. She needed to go through surgery to heal. The surgery was physically challenging and emotionally taxing. Zoe was afraid she wasn’t going to wake up. When she experienced pain after surgery, she worried that she would need additional treatment. But throughout every challenge, Zoe was supported by her school. “Christel House really helped me,” she says. “I visited social services every week and the Social Workers let me do some activities, they asked me questions, and allowed me to be myself around them and just talk about my fears.”  With support from the Christel House community, Zoe recovered and is healthy again. She says her favorite part of Christel House is the people—her teachers, her social workers, and her peers. On the road to a full recovery, Zoe says “I can run without stopping and I’m hoping to do athletics again!”

Students from four different schools, came together at Christel House South Africa (CHSA) for a fun-filled Derby Day. It was more than fun activities – it was also about understanding the wealth gap in South Africa. “Our intention is to bring students from all walks of life together,” says CHSA Junior School Principal Carol Kriel. “We can remove barriers and ultimately build bridges for the youth, our future leaders.”

Twenty Grade 6 students from each school enjoyed a festive, productive day at Christel House. Students participated in ice breaker games, deep conversations, exercises and an exciting go-kart race that allowed students to interact and bond with each other. According to the World Bank, South Africa is one of the most unequitable countries in the world. Their aim is to reduce wealth inequality. That is why Christel House is receiving support in forging partnerships between wealthy and underprivileged schools, developing joint activities and curriculum to reduce the gap between the South African youth. “We are able to make a difference by working with other schools and with the help of our generous donor,” say Principal Kriel. “We want all children in South Africa to be confident and able to thrive across the wealth spectrum.”

Ready – set – interview! Christel House South Africa Grade 12 students gained valuable practice for job interviews when they met with HR Professionals during virtual one-on-one speed interview sessions. “I learned so much,” says Zarah A. “All the matrics that interviewed learned so much.”

Using video conferencing technology, 15 HR experts made up the interview panel from a variety of industries including banking, property, hospitality and technology sectors. Students were paired with an HR professional from the industry that they have a strong interest in pursuing. Each student had to prepare a CV and research the company prior to the virtual interview. They were even given mock interview scenarios to adapt to. The interviewer scored each student, providing constructive feedback ranging from how prepared they were, how they answered questions and their interview etiquette. “The current economic climate is tough and even tougher for those who are just starting out in the work force,” says Louise de Marillac St. Julien, Career Development Manager at CHSA. “This event gave our matric students experience conducting themselves professionally in interviews and having the opportunity to talk one-on-one to experienced professionals.”

The Speed Interview event is part of the Christel House College & Careers program that provides financial, academic and career-oriented assistance as students transition to college, apprenticeships and work.