Educate a South African Child Experiencing Poverty

Success in the making! A leading international property company has honored a Christel House South Africa (CHSA) 12th grader with its very first scholarship. Lauren D. was awarded the recognition from Growthpoint Properties through Growsmart, the company’s school literacy initiative launched in 2010. The bursary will fund and support Lauren as she begins her post-secondary studies at Stellenbosch University, one of Africa’s leading universities. Coming from a very poor family, Lauren recognizes that the opportunity to go to college is the next step in an amazing journey of hope. “Lauren is a natural leader and mentor to several classmates,” says Nicky Sheridan, CEO of CHSA. “This is a well-deserved honor and you can bet your bottom dollar, she will grasp the opportunity with both hands and excel not just in university but in the commercial world thereafter as well.”

Success in the making! A leading international property company has honored a Christel House South Africa (CHSA) 12th grader with its very first scholarship. Lauren D. was awarded the recognition from Growthpoint Properties through Growsmart, the company’s school literacy initiative launched in 2010. The bursary will fund and support Lauren as she begins her post-secondary studies at Stellenbosch University, one of Africa’s leading universities. Coming from a very poor family, Lauren recognizes that the opportunity to go to college is the next step in an amazing journey of hope. “Lauren is a natural leader and mentor to several classmates,” says Nicky Sheridan, CEO of CHSA. “This is a well-deserved honor and you can bet your bottom dollar, she will grasp the opportunity with both hands and excel not just in university but in the commercial world thereafter as well.”

Zahrah has big future plans. The 9^th grader attends Christel House South Africa and wants to go to university to become a lawyer. But that’s not enough for her. This bright, focused student intends to eventually become President of South Africa!

Zahrah is growing up in Manenberg, one of the most dangerous townships in South Africa. Poverty is rampant and her neighborhood is full of violent gangs. Zahrah feels the legacy of apartheid is keeping the area depressed – there is a wide gap between the rich and poor that she feels only education can bridge.

Christel House is a refuge for her and her classmates. She cites the teachers at Christel House South Africa for their passion and interest in the students as one of her favorite things about her school. But to Zahrah, the most valuable thing Christel House offers is hope. “Hope is a wonderful thing. Christel House gives us hope because of the many opportunities and experiences they expose us to. They believe in us. They believe that we can actually become something one day and break the cycle of poverty.” 

Links:

• Watch Zahrah's speech at this year's Christel House Concert!

Christel House South Africa (CHSA) celebrated the end of term with an energetic assembly for over 200 guests including supporters, partners, students and some very special guests – CHSA graduates who have returned to form a mentorship program with grade 12 CHSA learners. Xolisa W., a recent Bachelor of Commerce graduate made the announcement. “As graduates of this amazing school, we felt we needed to do something to contribute to the Christel House circle of life. This mentorship program is our way of giving back.” Wulana shared his story of joining Christel House with the crowd. “I walked through the gates of Christel House in 2002 as a shy seven-year-old boy. Coming from a township like Langa, where a child is more likely to do drugs and go to prison than to school, Christel House saved me and gave me the best possible education. Everything I am today is thanks to the values Christel House has taught me.” 

Congratulations to the 2016 Christel House South Africa Matriculants. Christel House South Africa (CHSA) celebrated the beginning of the year with great news – a 100% pass rate for the Grade 12 learners, with zero retakes. This makes the 8th consecutive year that 100% of the Christel House South Africa 12th graders have passed the National Senior Certificate exam. “I am very proud of the pupils and the passionate teachers who go above and push the bar for better results,” says CHSA CEO Nicky Sheridan.

Christel House South Africa engages with their students by offering unique opportunities to support their learning. That includes giving the students a chance to explore potential careers after graduation.

Recently CHSA hosted the FutureMe World of Work Festival, an amazing career fair that featured 36 exhibitors. Microsoft South Africa, KPMG, South Africa SPAR Western Cape and Investec sponsored the day-long event that gave students a chance to meet potential employers and explore career options. Special guests at the World of Work Festival included musician Jeremy Oliver who discussed careers in music with the students and even performed for the crowds. Helen Zille, Premier of the Western Cape also visited with students at the event.

It was an amazing opportunity for the graduates to ask questions of businesses, to determine what studies are required after high school, and the types of positions that companies are most looking to fill.

As part of the Christel House model, the College & Careers program is a key part of developing student potential for success. 98% of Christel House South Africa graduates continue on to university, are employed, or both.