Educate a Jamaican child experiencing poverty

SPECIAL UPDATE: As recovery from Hurricane Melissa begins, the team at Christel House Jamaica has been busy assessing the storm’s impact on the students, families, and communities that the school serves. While the storm caused widespread destruction on the island, we are grateful to report that the school’s facilities appear to have avoided major damage, and plans are to reopen as soon as next week. In the meantime, CH Jamaica’s team came together to prepare 382 care packages to distribute to students and their families during the recovery. We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.

Earlier this month, before the storm, Christel House Jamaica celebrated its fifth anniversary and the opening of its new STEM-focused high school—an important milestone that stands as a symbol of hope and resilience for our students and their families. The event brought together students, families, staff, and distinguished guests to honor Christel House’s growing impact in Jamaica and its mission to transform lives through education.  

Among the speakers was Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, who delivered a heartfelt address about the school’s model of care and excellence. “When I hear about Christel House and I see Christel House and I talk about Christel House, I’m always thinking about the school environment we want for all our children,” she said. “Christel House is an example of a campus where students feel valued, protected, and empowered to be their best selves.”  

Also in attendance were Dr. Kasan Troupe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, and Senator Marlon Morgan, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, whose participation reflected the government’s deep appreciation for Christel House’s role in Jamaica’s educational landscape.  

One of the most moving moments of the celebration came from student Shavary M., who shared how Christel House transformed his life. Standing beside his mother, he spoke candidly about their struggles before coming to Christel House. “I was always fighting and causing trouble. I used to skip every class, including physical education,” Shavary said of life before joining Christel House. “My confidence has grown, and I now go to classes and I’m doing exceptional.” His mother expressed deep gratitude, recalling the hardship of raising a son alone and often struggling to provide lunch money and bus fare before his enrollment. 

The ceremonies concluded with a symbolic gesture of hope—a time capsule created by Grade 7 students, who placed handwritten notes and reflections inside to be opened when they prepare to graduate in several years. The event also included a touching dedication of the new high school building to Sally Porteous, co-founder and National Ambassador of Christel House Jamaica, in recognition of her leadership and service. Together, these moments reflected the enduring spirit of Christel House Jamaica where every child is seen, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. 

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Things are going so well for Andre B., he says he doesn’t remember how challenging it was in the early days when he started Kindergarten in 2020. Vice Principal of Administration, Allison Smith, who was also his Grades 1 and 2 class teacher, remembers differently.

She recalls that he was disruptive, and she can detail the many interventions it took to get to where he is today -- winner of the Most Improved Behavior Award. Andre says this award makes him feel good. “I’m behaving myself.” He says he is getting his work done, is helpful to other students, and is trying not to cause trouble.

Others have seen the change too. His mother, Jodi-Ann says Andre has come a long way. He used to be disruptive. She says it was hard to hear from the school every day, and she was ready to give up, to move him, or make him stay home. “Mi did tyad fi talk and ‘im no hear,” she says. “Him did deh pon chalk line and me never expect seh him would a change.”

She says he had teachers who loved him, but he had to play his part. Andre had a lot of support and encouragement along the way. He finally turned things around in Grade 3 with Ms. McDonald, who really worked with him on his reading and math. The Academic and Social Services teams developed a Behavioral Plan, drawing on the many interventions in their toolkit, including detention, and in-house suspension. He even worked one-on-one with Ms. Smith on Saturdays.

Jodi-Ann also got involved. She used to shadow him in the classroom while she was pregnant. She also participated in a Restorative Justice Session and Parent Support workshops offered by the school, where parents learned how to better discipline and support their children in a positive way. “Mi realize seh cussing and cussing nah really help,” Jodi-Ann explains. Andre also participated in the Restorative Justice Session which included parents, teachers and students. He says it was “great.” During the session, he learned how to resolve issues with classmates.

Andre likes coming to Christel House Jamaica and is enjoying learning. He loves Math and his goal is to be top of the class in Math. Andre would like to be a football (soccer) player when he grows up. He was part of our inaugural team who won Most Disciplined Team in the Portmore Primary School Football Competition.

“Over the years I have seen his growth and maturity,” Ms. Smith explains. “Andre is now in Grade 4 and is appreciating the environment, understanding rules and expectations, behaving, and completing his assigned tasks.”

Jodi-Ann is thankful. “Mi haffi thank God fi dis school,” she says. “Mi jus wan him fi focus on his work, and don reach where it reach again.”

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• Learn more about Christel House Jamaica