Educate a South African Child Experiencing Poverty

Naseefah is a 9^th grade student at Christel House South Africa. She was recently selected as a scholarship recipient to attend summer camp at Culver Leadership Academy in Culver, Indiana. During her trip to the United States, Naseefah shared these words with a group of Christel House supporters.

“My name is Naseefah, born November 11, 1999. I am currently in 9^th grade at Christel House South Africa. I live in Manenberg, a place famous for gangersterism, alcohol abuse, drug abuse and even physical abuse. I have seen many tragedies happen in front of me – shootings, stabbings, men beating up their wives. Growing up, I thought this was the only world I would ever see. I thought drugs and alcohol were the right way to go, that everyone must do them.

Starting school at Christel House was life changing. I learned humility, respect and how to love one another. Being at Christel House has taught me how to appreciate other peoples’ differences and how to even appreciate my own differences. I am a very talkative person who loves to communicate with people. I love exploring new things. I love education challenges – I am always up for one. I think my community is my biggest challenge, but I am going to turn it into my fuel to succeed. I want to show my peers and family that your background doesn’t determine your future and because of Christel House, my future is surely bright.

I’ve received many opportunities at school which no one in my family has. One of the biggest opportunities I’ve received was to travel to America – which no one in my family has ever received. I’m truly proud to be a “Christel Houser” because without their support, nothing would have been possible.

My hopes for the future are to study at a university and become a chartered accountant, to break the cycle of poverty, to give back to my community, and to be an inspiration to many young people out there and show them – it doesn’t really matter where you’re from but what you do with your circumstances.”

Thank you for supporting the students of Christel House South Africa and helping them to achieve their dreams.