MaryAri Contreras Featured in: @ChristelHouse Fall 2013
Maryari is proof of how a holistic education and the drive for a better life can break the cycle of poverty. After graduating from Christel House in 2007, she earned a degree in International Relations from Universidad Central de Venezuela. Today she is working in a full time position at the United Nations office in Venezuela.
"This job makes me feel happy and grateful, because it's a dream come true to work for such an important international organization. I am excited because I will be able to show the skills that I've learned during my studies in International Relations. I am committed to showing the best of my potential to do a great job for my country and the rest of the world."
"At Christel House, everything was so different than my other school. I was happy because I wanted to be different, to be a good student," said Maryari.
She grew up in La Vega, one of the most impoverished and dangerous barrios of Caracas, Venezuela, where the opportunity to build a better life is hard-won. "There are many girls with broken dreams and no potential for a better life. They get pregnant very young and kids are raising kids. Boys work as adults from a very early age and often get involved in drugs or delinquency," she said.
"Before Christel House, I attended another school where I was bullied for wanting to be a good student and enjoying school. But Christel House was different. I am grateful for all the beautiful things now in my life because of it." In her personal time, Maryari gives back to her community. She visits Christel House, now run by Fe y Alegria, at least once a week where she started a conversational English club with current students."I wanted to apply a skill that I love to help other students learn. During meetings we watch movies, cartoons and music videos and then discuss them, or we talk about current events and our interests. Some kids are only 12 years old and they say things in such a beautiful way and so correctly [in English]," said Maryari.
"Christel House is like a family to me. I can never say thank you enough for the support it has given me. Without the support of donors, many boys and girls, including myself, wouldn’t be able to tell the stories of their success with pride and happiness. The new generation wants to help others and give back to create a better world. That is the Christel House legacy -- creating something beautiful and unique, and building a better world with the help of many."
How transforming people’s lives has transformed mine
By: Luis S., Work Study Coordinator, Christel House Venezuela
At Christel House
Venezuela, I’ve had the privilege of being part of a unique project that has
allowed me to participate daily in the formation of citizens for the past 7
years.I have watched our students grow
into proud citizens, professionals and workers dedicated to improving their
lives. I’ve had the opportunity to watch them progress from 10 and 11 year old
children into university students. I’ve had the privilege of sharing their
concerns, problems, mistakes, happiness and triumphs.
I have experienced many emotions and thoughts during my time
at Christel House. I have felt the fear of knowing our students are in constant
danger because of the inhuman wave of violence that affects our city, a threat
mainly to young boys between 15 and 25 years old. I’ve felt the pain of crying
for a student killed by a gang that had set out to murder one of his brothers.
I’ve shared the suffering of parents who worry about daily survival and what
the future holds for their children.I’ve shared the grief of families that just lost their homes and all of
their worldly possessions in a sudden landslide. All of these experiences have
changed me as a person.For me, it is
not possible to be indifferent or to look the other way when people are
suffering and there are so many major social problems.I know I must help.
From a personal perspective, it is easy for me to identify
with our kids. I was born and raised near the place where they live. I
experienced similar problems and family issues and faced the same threats. This
background provides me with the strong conviction that the most effective way
to break the cycle of poverty is with education and solid values.
Without a doubt, these have been the most important 7 years
of my life.I can’t imagine doing any
other type of work. My goal is to help other people to relieve their suffering,
expand their opportunities and live a better life.
I am in debt to Christel House for giving me this incredible
opportunity; the tools to provide support and advice to so many people and the
opportunity to be a small part of their lives and give them help to face
difficulties, choose careers, universities and jobs. This is how transforming
people’s lives has transformed mine.
Maryari J. Contreras Nelcha, an alumna of Christel House Venezuela, is a student of International Studies at the Central University of Venezuela (UCV). She was chosen along with 9 other students to represent the country and the UCV in the Washington Model Organization of American States (WMOAS) on April 2012.
This annual event takes place at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington DC from March 29 to April 2, 2012. This model simulates the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) which runs and counts the participation of some of the most prestigious universities. WMOAS offers all participants the opportunity to understand the work done in the OAS. All participants work to propose resolutions for a variety of situations such as regional conflicts, peacekeeping, human rights, women and children, social role and responsibility of private companies, economic development, and the environment.
Representing an entire country: The Central University of Venezuela is the only Venezuelan college that participates in this model. Being part of the UCV delegation not only emphasizes the importance of cooperation, leadership, responsibility, and commitment in all its members
This is not the first time Maryari participated in a cultural exchange; she was selected in 2007 by the Partners of the Americas Organization, through its program Youth Ambassador of the Americas. She had the opportunity to travel to the USA and talk about the importance of better life for the habitats of other countries in the region through volunteer work
On July 28, Christel House Venezuela’s sixth and final graduating class celebrated their achievements by tossing their beige uniform shirts in the air—a school tradition. This is the sixth consecutive year every senior has graduated. Of the 51 graduates, 25 have already been accepted to universities and 13 have already been placed in internships
Frangelis Colina, one of the graduates, spoke at the ceremony:
"Ms. Christel, We want you to know that you have given us the best kept secret in La Vega, a gift that goes beyond the material things. A comprehensive and human education which has been complemented by strong values. Values such as respect, responsibility, love, unity, integrity, independence and solidarity that make us grow as a person. A home where every day work is done for growth and welfare of those who are part of it. In that absolutely everyone (teachers, psychologists, administrators, kitchen staff, ...) show heart, commitment and passion for us to become successful professionals, a people of integrity. You were always giving us a helping hand. Always with the aim of ensuring that each of us has the same opportunities to grow, to develop and to have access where nobody of our social condition possibly could have. All of us have the opportunity to choose from three university careers thanks to the education we have received, to travel to other countries without the barrier of the language, to represent La Vega in math and language skill contests and get first place, this year the average in math 5th grade more than 15 points, when the national average does not exceed ten points, is not achieved in the overnight, you get it in a 24 hours struggling day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, over 4,000 days since the foundation opened in 2001."
All of these graduates have bright futures, and Christel House will continue to provide work-study support for them through a partnership with Fe Y Alegria. Congratulations!
Violence is a part of daily life in Caracas, Venezuela. According to a study recently released by the National Institute of Statistics of Venezuela (INE), 19,133 violent deaths were registered in 2009, 72 homicides for every 100,000 residents. Some of these men and women were murdered, while many others were victims of stray bullets. Children are not immune; a third of the victims were between the ages of 15 and 24.
The risk is much higher if you belong to the lowest two socioeconomic groups in Venezuela, like many of the Christel House students. Over half of the reported homicide victims belonged to this group. Jesus Noguera, 16, is a 12th grader who has seen the violence first hand. Jesus says “I live in a very insecure place in La Vega, but this is my environment.”
Although the situation looks bleak for kids growing up in La Vega, Jesus does not want to add another body to the statistics. He sees a brighter future through the work-study program at Christel House Venezuela, where 96% of the alumni are pursing higher education, are gainfully employed, or both. Jesus says “My dream is study Exterior Trade at Simón Bolívar University (USB) or to become an accountant of the Universidad Central University (UCV). I would like to be an accountant of a big company, and later to be a successful businessman."
Recently, six Christel House Venezuela students put away their school books and projects and tried their hand at leading nations.
Back in March, 10th and 11th graders Kevin de Andrade, Ronald Berrios, Maria Delgado, Christian Espinel, Frangelis Colina, and Jaifrel Almeida (pictured left to right) were selected and recently performed as diplomatic delegates of Spain and South Africa at EDUMUN a Model of United Nations organized by the Andrés Bello Catholic University.
Based on the dynamics of work of the Organization of United Nations (UN), students of different high schools in Caracas assumed the nationalities of other countries and represented them in the event at the University.
All students received their UN diplomas and look forward to a bright future of global leadership.
RCI Venezuela Contributes with the Education of Children in Venezuela
Yesterday, RCI Venezuela made an important contribution to create a new Computer Laboratory for 30 workstations to benefit 290 children Christel House Venezuela in La Vega. The Christel House model embraces technology as a teaching and learning tool across the curriculum by identifying specific ways to use the technology by grade level, to teach technical skills to students and also to introduce parents to technology through parent workshops or through special programs. RCI emphasizes its role as a good corporate citizen in Venezuela, and is developing its goal of education being the best and most efficient engine development for Nations. The hope is that these new 30 computer work stations will provide a better educational experience from the diligent learners of Venezuela. “We are sure technology will help Christel House students to understand the overview of the new global concert of Nations and help them be better prepared to meet, face and overcome the challenges of the new environment.” Mrs Carolina Piñango Director of business development This contribution will not only affect the young learners. Christel House Venezuela’s Vice Principal, William León, expresses that this contribution is a great opportunity, not only to benefit the students for the current school year, but also for the a new host of the learning center ideas.
PIO is a 7th month program offered by Simón Bolivar University (SBU) to prepare students for the final test to apply to the university studies program. 8 students from Christel House Venezuela completed this program and 3 were granted early admittance to study at SBU!
Drumroll please...
Meet Franklin Castro Franklin has truly development since the 7th grade and now gets excellent grades even winning the Math Olympiad in La Vega. He comes from a struggling neighborhood where his father must travel great distances looking for work. Frank enjoys science the most, but also focuses on Math, Physics and Engineering. When not in the classroom, he's running marathons (yes, marathons) winning awards both locally and regionally. He's a curious student who's always willing to help younger children.
Franklin will soon enter the Electrical Engineering program.
Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan has been a leader since the first day at Christel House Venezuela. He leads in the classroom, he's his grade's delegate in several areas, is involved in the student’s committee, and is a regular part of cultural performances, dancing, and orientation. Recently, he lead the response to the the Haiti tragedy, collecting goods and resources to help.
Jonathan will study Hotel Administration.
Kelvin Escalona
Kelvin was raised by his grandmother as his mother was too young to take care of him and didn’t have the resources. Kelvin is now 16 years old, and eventually acclimated to Christel House, overcoming disciplinary struggles to focus 100% in his studies. While Kelvin is a shy and reserved young man, he has taken on his academic challenges with tenacity and vigor - and succeeded.
Kevin will study Foreign Markets.
All three shared that attending university was, until recently, only a dream.
Congratulations to them, their teachers, families and our Christel House supporters around the world. It's truly a tremendous achievement!
Supermercados Unicasa supports Christel House Venezuela
Supermercados Unicasa recently contributed a significant social investment to Christel House Venezuela in order to create the Earth Sciences Laboratory, which help to strengthen the academic achievement of about 290 students in Venezuela. William León, CHVen Vice-Principal considers this donation as a great opportunity not only to benefit the students for the school year 2009-2010, but also the new 11th graders every year.
Carlos Rivas, Unicasa Social Responsibility Manager mentioned that this alliance with Christel House reinforces the commitment of the supermarket chain to improve the quality of life through education, especially in the areas where developing their operations. "For Unicasa, this investment represents a great opportunity to extend the social range of the company in the west of Caracas where we have 6 branches, we hope to develop sustainable projects and boost the growth of children and youth in this area".
With the development and consolidation of supermarket Unicasa operations, the company has been able to carry out projects aimed at creating social capital among educational development with the implementation of sustainable programs with organizations such as the Sociedad Anticancerosa de Venezuela, Fe y Alegría, AVEPANE, Foundation for research and development of the Universidad Simón Bolívar (Funindes USB) and the Astronomy Research Center.
We are thankful for their generous support of the children of Christel House!
Emily Puente, a 7th grade student at Christel House Venezuela, recently participated in the Second National Venezuelan Junior Karate-Do Tournament, winning a gold medal in the 40 kg Female Kumite category (ages 12-13).
To compete with the best in the country, she traveled to Maturin, a city 518 km west of Caracas. It was a step up from the silver medal she won during the first national tournament in March.
Oh, and this was only her second tournament ever. A big congratulations to Emily - you make us proud!
The Mathematics Olympiad are annual educational activities where the students enjoy competing without qualifications pressure and represents for them a challenge and stimulation to join the Group of the best students in mathematics.
This Olympiad consists of three tests: test preliminary (contest Kangaroo, held on March 18th, 2010), Final Regional Test scheduled for May 8th, 2010 and the National Test scheduled for June 26, 2010 in Maracaibo, Zulia State.
Preliminary tests are 24 to 30 questions simple selection and are presented in high school classrooms. Awarded with diplomas of 1st to 5th place for each year. Regional final tests have 5 or 6 development questions and presented to a university status. Reward with gold, silver and bronze medals for each year. National final tests have 5 or 6 development questions and presents in a University in the country. Reward with gold, silver and bronze medals for each year.
Six Christel House students were selected to represent Spain and South Africa in the EDUMUN, United Nations Model organized by the Andres Bello Catholic University. The students are Espinel Christian (5A), Berrios Ronald (4A), Colina Frangelis (4A), De Andrade Kevin (4B), Almeida Jaifrel (5B) and Delgado María (4A).
EDUMUN is a training program promoted by the Dean of the Andres Bello Catholic University (UCAB) in conjunction with the School of Education and Research and Training Humanities Center to generate comparative analysis, discussions and proposals on the main contemporary educational topics. In participating, students develop critical thinking skills, educational background, compare and analyze foreign educational systems and set proposals to achieve ideal educational setting for Venezuela. The discussion is based on the dynamics of work of the United Nations and uses the rules of discussion and debate of the UN meetings performed annually in Caracas. The project is designed for students in 4th. and 5th. who are the protagonists of the final meeting to be held from 21 to 23 May 2010 school year.
Similarly a group of at least 10 students of the UCAB education career will be formed in the contemporary educational discussion by ten academics, make the learning process accompanying in schools participating in the model.
Educational topics for discussion include the following: inclusion and quality of education - finance education training and teaching career - role of the State and the family education, education and training for work - duties and rights of students. First work session with all participants will be on April 10th, 2010 and celebration of the United Nations Model from May 21st to 23, 2010.
Yuslendy lives in one of the highest areas of La Vega, a difficult place to get to. It's also a very dangerous place, far from any police station. She lives with her parents and three sisters, one of them is schizophrenic and finding the appropriate medical attention and care have been always a big problem in the family.
Her parents never completed basic education, both reached only primary school. Her mother stays home taking care of her sister, while her father is a craftsman and works form time to time when he can find a vacancy. Recently, her father has been ill, suffering from a heart condition. The family income has always been barely enough for food, medicine and clothing. It was difficult to play outdoors knowing that her life was in risk due to gangs that have the zone as a battle field.
For Yuslendy, it was very important to find a safe place and she found it in Christel House Venezuela. She says "I like to be good, to do the right thing, to study and to help other people, so this is my place". She was like any other teenager, she had the same concerns and problems but had additional problems. She was incredibly mature considering her age and keep high expectations about what she wanted to be in life. She says "I received a lot of beautiful things from other people, especially from my teachers, suddenly I realized that it was very important to me to teach and care about other people".
Yuslendy completed high school at Christel House and applied for the Education school in the Simón Rodríguez University and was admitted. She was in the school last year, working at an internship in another school in La Vega. She says "I am very happy with my life right now, it is hard work but I like it, this is a difficult profession, but feels good to see the eyes of a boy who is learning something that you are teaching, that what I love the younger student, the bigger the harder, little kids are...I don't know...fresher?"
Every time you give a call to Yuslendy (when she has a rare spare moment) she is glad to collaborate with Christel House. She will graduate at the end of the year as a teacher and will pass on all that she has learned with her students.
Last January 30th, 2010, a group of 76 students of Christel House Venezuela attended INFOCARRERAS 2010, an event organized by the Simón Bolivar University (USB). The event took place in Sartenejas from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
This annual event is organized by students and teachers of every faculty of the USB to inform and explain to students of 11th grades of different public and private schools in Venezuela what are the programs and characteristics of each career offered. The informative event also allowed students to formalize their enrollment to the internal tests, which will take place on March 13th, 2010.
This activity will help Christel House students to select their options for university studies.
Many of our friends and supporters have asked if we have any direct connection with those affected by the devastation in Haiti. As one of our students put it, "Yes, we are directly connected. We're members of the same human race and we call the same planet home". We'd add that our children and their families have experienced similar hardship and poverty in their own way.
All our children and staff learn that at Christel House "We share, we care and we make a difference".
Our Learning Centers around the world are all doing different things in response. At Christel House South Africa, our students learned about the tragedy, held a moment of silence, and lit candles - one for the mothers, one for the fathers, and one for the children of Haiti. They also formed the country's name to let them know they are on our hearts and minds.
From collecting items, donating to relief efforts and holding candlelight vigils - we encourage you to continue to support the people of Haiti.
Christel House Venezuela has been participating in The Youth Ambassadors program for the last three years. This program promoted by the US embassy in Venezuela, gives Venezuelan students an opportunity for a two-week exchange visit in the United States. During this experience, the participants enrich their knowledge of U.S. culture, society, and education.
To be eligible the student must come from an outstanding high school, be a member of a family with limited economic means , have outstanding school records, display leadership qualities, be proficient in both speaking and understanding English, and demonstrates interests in improving his/her local community.
In previous years 4 of our students: Royker Borges, Jefferson Urdaneta, Maryary Contreras, and José Camacaro have become Youth Ambassadors from Venezuela. CHV is now pleased to announce that this year Frank Segovia has been accepted to participate in this wonderful program. Congratulations to all of them!
On Thursday, July 30th, thirty three students from CHV completed their high school studies and received their diplomas. For five years they have worked hard, tried their best, and lived Christel House’s values. It is with pride, that the CH family has watched them mature and become good and responsible citizens.
All the graduates will become part of CHV Senior Work and Study program. This Program supports students during transition into advanced studies and/or the world of work. The class earned twelve college and university acceptances and six were admitted in apprenticeship programs! 95% of CHV alumni are working and/or studying.
This is The Fourth Graduation Event for CHV, graduates now total 289! Congratulations to all graduates on the completion of their high school studies. It has been a long haul for all of them. They face a new chapter in their life now.
Update #2: From Venezuela - a visit with a CH Alumnus
Ed Mendoza, our new VP of Education and Community Outreach, shares the second update to a previous post.
Christel (DeHaan) and I recently visited Jesus Obregon School in Caracas, Venezuela. Jesus Obregon is a technical institute that offers technical career courses for students in grades 7-12. In the evening it serves as a technical college for post High School Students and adults. During the visit we met up with a Christel House alumnus Karelvys Rodriguez and enjoyed a pleasant visit.(Pictured here from her 2008 graduation)
Karelvys, like many Christel House alumni, continues her studies to advance her career. She attended CH in the seventh grade and five years later completed her graduation requirements receiving her diploma from Christel House Venezuela in 2008. She is now enrolled at Jesus Obrero Technical College studying to be an assistant administrator. In addition to her daily classwork, 17 year old Karevys will hold a position as apprentice in a local business in Caracas.Typical for most students like Karevys, she starts her day very early in the morning. To arrive at school on time, she takes two buses for the long journey. The day at Jesus Obrero consist of office training from 8:00 AM until dismissal at 1:30 PM. The late afternoon and evening is spent on internship work. After work she takes the long ride home through extremely busy traffic. Karevys does not complain as she is very grateful to have the opportunity to attend school.
Karvlvys is appreciative of her learning opportunities at Christel House. She states, “It's a privilege to be a student at Christel House.” The education received at CH has prepared her well to continue studies at Jesus Obrero. She joins several other CH alumni also attending Jesus Obrero. CH alumni build strong relationships and build life-long friendships.
Karelvys is a great example of the CH mission, to break the chains of poverty and to become productive a citizen of the community. She advises current CH students to, “Learn as much as you can and take full advantage of all the courses. These courses will help you later.” It is always a joy to see first hand that Christal House is making a significant difference in the life of our students as well as in the La Vega community. The entire Christel House family should be proud to know that our efforts are producing positive results.
Christel House Venezuela participated in the 5th World Environmental Education Congress in Canada
On May 11th a teacher from Christel House Venezuela, Héctor Bastidas, visited Montreal to participate in the 5th World Environmental Education Congress. During this event, he made an oral presentation related to all activities the CHV Environmental Club has developed as part of the plan after class. This congress was a wonderful opportunity to show our Mission, Vision, and our Founder of Christel House International.
The work was entitled: “Model of environmental education for the secondary school of Christel House Venezuela”. In this presentation was showing the students` products and activities done during the school year 2008-2009. This kind of events helps to stimulate the students to work harder in their activities during the environmental sessions club.
Now all members of CHV environmental club and his teacher have a new challenge: to produce better works and to develop a research that might be presented in the National American Association of Environmental Education (NAAEE) by 2010.
Congratulations to all CHV Environmental Club members and keep up the good work!
The following is an update from the previous post, "CHI Leadership Visits Venezuela".
We arrived late Saturday night. Early Sunday morning we went right to working with local management in the planning of school year 2009/2010. Sunday afternoon we interviewed two interesting principal candidates as our current principal, Hilda Lokpez de George, will be retiring at the completion of this year.
Monday included numerous activities and events including classroom observations, financial and business planning as well as a farewell celebration honoring Hilda. This event included a very impressive performance from the CH Symphonic Orchestra.
On July 28, Christel House Venezuela’s sixth and final graduating class celebrated their achievements by tossing their beige uniform shirts in the air—a school tradition. This is the sixth consecutive year every senior has graduated. Of the 51 graduates, 25 have already been accepted to universities and 13 have already been placed in internships
Recently, six Christel House Venezuela students put away their school books and projects and tried their hand at leading nations.
Jonathan Rodriguez
Supermercados Unicasa recently contributed a significant social investment to Christel House Venezuela in order to create the Earth Sciences Laboratory, which help to strengthen the academic achievement of about 290 students in Venezuela. William León, CHVen Vice-Principal considers this donation as a great opportunity not only to benefit the students for the school year 2009-2010, but also the new 11th graders every year.
Emily Puente, a 7th grade student at Christel House Venezuela, recently participated in the Second National Venezuelan Junior Karate-Do Tournament, winning a gold medal in the 40 kg Female Kumite category (ages 12-13).
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On May 11th a teacher from Christel House Venezuela, Héctor Bastidas, visited Montreal to participate in the 5th World Environmental Education Congress. During this event, he made an oral presentation related to all activities the CHV Environmental Club has developed as part of the plan after class. This congress was a wonderful opportunity to show our Mission, Vision, and our Founder of Christel House International.
