Educate a South African Child Experiencing Poverty

Born in the Cape Town township of Langa to a single mother, Sihle is the youngest of four siblings. “My mom is my role model. She raised four children single-handedly. She has a strong will and stayed positive under tough circumstances, shielding us from the social ills in my community. She is my source of inspiration to do my utmost best and she is the story behind my hard work and perseverance.”

When Sihle enrolled at Christel House South Africa in second grade, she spoke only Xhosa. But today, she has a powerful command of the English language and a clear vision for her future, as evidenced by her own words.

“I started off as an English interpreter for other Xhosa learners. Then I taught basic English to my mom and siblings—and even some neighbors in Langa. At Cape Peninsula of Technology, where I am currently studying Events Management, I am sometimes asked to be a motivational speaker and to emcee events.”

“Ultimately, I want to establish my own events management company and develop my personal brand. I want to share my success story with the world. My mom, my biological family and Christel House will be on my giving-back list.”

Your support of ‘Help South African H.S. Grads Attend College’ is helping students like Sihle overcome obstacles and continue their education. Thank you for helping our students pursue their dreams.

Links:

• Christel House Website
• Christel House Facebook
• Christel House Twitter

The Work/Study Program. The extra five miles...

The Christel House Work/Study Program is unique. While most K-12 institutions are focused on graduation, Christel House provides more. Our mission continues through career—with students becoming self-sufficient, contributing members of society. The Work/Study Program assists students for up to 5 years following graduation. By providing graduates with guidance, mentoring, and financial support as they pursue their career aspirations, Christel House helps these young adults become firmly established in the work force.

Through partnerships with the private sector and government, Christel House South Africa secures full or partial bursaries or grants for students continuing their studies. To monitor their progress, we regularly check their grades and get updates on their improvement by phone, at quarterly alumni meetings and when they return to school as volunteers. We are proactive with students to ensure they stay on track. When needed, Christel House South Africa secures mentors to provide Work/Study students with additional academic support. Christel House South Africa also maintains relationships with prospective employers to secure learnerships, apprenticeships and full time employment for graduates.

Meet Nadine, a Christel House South Africa Work/Study student

Nadine graduated from Christel House South Africa in 2013 and was one of the top students in her class. After graduation, Nadine joined the Christel House Work/Study Program and went on to study at Stellenbosch University where she was awarded a Recruitment Bursary, a significant academic scholarship.

Raised in Hanover Park—an extremely impoverished and dangerous area of Cape Town—Nadine is acutely aware of the problems that plague impoverished communities. She plans to complete a Masters in Psychology and become a teacher. Equipped with a full understanding of poverty and the tools to help stem the tide of gangsterism and drugs, Nadine wants to give back to her community through education. The Christel House Work/Study Program has helped Nadine continue her schooling and pursue her dreams. 

Links:

• Christel House Website
• Christel House Facebook
• Christel House Twitter