The "New" Christel House South Africa - Open March 17, 2009

Since 2002 Christel House South Africa had been holding classes in rented facilities. Without a permanent location, duplication of effort was frequently required and building the school culture was quite challenging.

Thanks to a nominal long-term land lease from the City of Cape Town, a new learning center has been built, bringing the Christel House South Africa community together in one place. The new facility includes classrooms, computer and science labs, a library, dance and art studios, a playground, and sports fields. The building was made possible by donations from both the United States and South Africa.

In a progressive approach to social service delivery, the Cape Town City Council has asked Christel House to anchor a "social services corridor" that will eventually include other qualified NGOs providing services that will include health and welfare, adult learning and employment training centers. Made possible by donations from both the U.S. and South Africa, the new facility positions Christel House to take a leadership role in helping Cape Town's underserved communities.

Above: Founder Christel DeHaan and Cape Town Mayor, Helen Zille cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony.

Left and right: The children of Christel House are excited and anxious to begin their studies in the wonderful new facility.

2009 School Profile

  • Opened January 2002
  • Grades K - 12th
  • 665 students enrolled
  • 99% student retention (students returning for 2009 school year)
  • 97% student attendance
  • 250 program days per year
  • 64 total staff
  • Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 8:00 - 5:00; Saturday 8:00 to 1:00

Accomplishments

  • 2001- Rented a vacant church school
  • 2002-Opened school in January for 292 students in grades 1 through 5
  • 2003-Workshops on family violence and its affect on children attended by 98% of parents
  • 2004-Community Outreach program expands to provide 31 workshops in 6 communities
  • 2005-Christel House South Africa wins national title of "Most Outstanding School" during the KTV Market Day
  • 2006-Sewing cooperative employs 150 parents through a Christel House collaboration
  • 2006-24 students perform in La Boehme with the Cape Town Opera
  • 2006-Eight institutions of higher learning participate in College Day at Christel House
  • 2006-UMALUSI (agency accrediting independent schools) gives Christel House a perfect score and the highest possible accreditation
  • 2007-Five students participate in a university math and science program at North Carolina State University
  • 2009—Opened the new state-of-the-art facility

Christel House South Africa Board of Directors

Elspeth Donovan - Learning Design Consultant, Chair
Christel DeHaan - Founder, Christel House International
Christopher Drummond - Chairman, New Property Ventures
Hawa Bibi Kahn - Managing Director, Merit Asset Management
Lanice Steward - Vice Chairman, Anne Porter Properties
Brian Stocks - Chairman, Sun International Vacation Club
Wayne Grews, Managing Director, RCI-South Africa
Ron Haylock, Managing Director, JRH Consultancy
Shaun Lamont, Managing Director, Club Leisure Group (Pty) Ltd
Melvin King

Contact

PO Box 767
Howard Place
Cape Town 7450
South Africa
SOUTH AFRICA
Phone: (27) (21) 704-9400
Fax: (27) (21) 703-2748
Website: www.sa.christelhouse.org

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"Good education is the most important gift we can bequeath to our children. thank you for choosing South Africa as one of the countries in which you work."

- Helen Zille, Mayor of Cape Town

"I am inundated with requests to sponsor charities, but after visiting Christel House, I am committed to only one - Christel House South Africa. It is by far the most deserving enterprise I've seen and my time could not be spent in a more worthwhile cause."

-Fiona Coyne, actress and TV host of South Africa's "Weakest Link" game show

"The almost electric atmosphere of joy, happiness and loving kindness that is all around Christel House was truly an inspiring and emotional experience for me."

- Stuart Lamont, CEO, Club Leisure Group, South Africa

 

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