Educate an Indian Child Experiencing Poverty

Christel House India – Bangalore (CHIB) alumni are volunteering to tutor students at Christel House – Atal Nagar. Nagashree Hanumanthappa, a 2019 graduate, jumped at the chance to help tutor the young ones. “You wouldn’t believe how delightful it is to be part of their learning journey,” the engineering student says.

The pandemic has created learning gaps for children. “The students in Atal Nagar have been severely challenged due to the school closure,” says Jaison C. Mathew, Christel House India CEO. While the school has reopened for in-person classes, the Alumni Tutoring Program (ATP) was launched to provide young students with role models and online math and literacy support. “I will be forever grateful for what I received from Christel House India,” says Priyanka Devaraj, 2015 grad and now a Threat Analyst at Sophos. “These kids are where I was when I was a kid myself. Now it’s my turn to help the same way I received help back then.” For Shamli S., a 2011 grad and content analyst, it’s not only about academic tutoring but setting examples and boosting the confidence of the young students. “I encourage them to ask questions and guide them to develop the best study skills.” All participating graduates were grateful to give back. David Simon T., class of 2019, sums up the experience. “The bonding has become so strong with these students,” he says. “I want to give the best to my little brothers and sisters.” 

For Jayalakshmi S., getting accepted to the top university in India is an honor. But the committed, consistent, and high-achieving 2021 Christel House India graduate faced a dilemma – she didn’t have the financial resources to attend the prestigious university. Then a team of supporters stepped forward to make her dream come true.

Jayalakshmi’s roots are humble. She lives with her father, mother, and a younger brother in a rented two-room house, where even basic needs like water and electricity are unreliable and minimal. Her mother has debilitating health issues. Her father lost his job due to the pandemic. When donors learned of the challenges Jayalakshmi faced, they rallied to her support, raising funds to pay all her school fees! In a heart-felt letter, she thanked her supporters. “For a child like me who has no access to many facilities in life, this is certainly a dream come true,” she wrote. “Thanks to you, your financial assistance motivates me more in achieving my goal.” Jayalakshmi plans to study biology and become a scientist. The past year of the pandemic has deepened her resolve to make a difference. “I promise to work hard and become a successful person,” she promises her supporters. “I hope one day to help others and give back to the community.”