Tuesday, October 15, 2013
From Christel House Kid to UN Employee
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."
Labels: alumni, Christel House, education, MaryAri Contreras, UN, United Nations, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Venezuela
Monday, August 27, 2012
A story from a Christel House India graduate and current RCI India employee
By: Saravana
It was a dream come true for me to be a part of
Christel House India when I joined the school in 2003 in Grade 5. What
followed has left an indelible mark on my personality and who I am today.
Books, food, uniforms, friends, wonderful teachers – it was the beginning of a
total transformation of life for me and for my family.
Under
Christel House’s Work Study mentorship, I was given an option to join RCI. Once
I joined RCI, the feeling of changing lives was even more real and familiar. I
am happy that RCI’s vacation exchanges make people happy. I am inspired
by the commitment, principles and values of my supervisors here. I am learning
from them constantly. Both Christel House and RCI have been incredible in
changing my life.
I consider
myself blessed to be a Christel House alumni.
Labels: alumni, Christel House India, Group RCI, RCI, transformation
Friday, August 24, 2012
A story from a Christel House South Africa graduate
By: Nontando B.
Christel house- is it a school or a HOME? I have become the
person I am not only because of the quality education I
received but most importantly because of the lifelong values and love that
I inherited in my childhood at Christel House.
When I think of the paradox of my time at Christel House, I
can't help but get butterflies in my tummy. It brings so many tears upon my
eyes and gets my heart to pound because the young woman I've turned out to be
today is through the values that brought transformation academically,
emotionally and spiritually that were instilled in me from the age of 11. The
beauty about Christel House was and is still to not only
be equipped for excellent academics but to face the world out there in
terms of social responsibility to the people and environment.
Today, it’s easier for me to interact with other students
from other cultures and countries because that was introduced to me as I grew
up at Christel House. Wow, even thinking about the great seeds that were
planted in me brings so much joy because talents and skills that I never
thought I had, came about. At first, I could not speak in English but public
speaking quickly became my second nature. Opportunities were created which were
beyond my imagination, like going to the United States of America to attend
Culver Summer Leadership Camp for two summers; giving speeches across my country
and singing in an Opera production. I’m so grateful for my teachers, who were
not only educators but parents, at times even opening their homes so that I
might have a better study environment.
That is how much they wanted to see me go further in life. Even when I
began studying at University two years ago, Christel House was still here,
providing for my transportation and food.
I go back to Christel House when I can and volunteer as my way of giving
back.
I lost my mother a few months ago and my blessed teacher
from Christel House (Ms. Carmen B. and her family) stepped in to make sure I was
ok and lacked for nothing. I thank God so much for giving a vision to Ms.
Christel because thousands of lives are being changed. Although I have
graduated from Christel House, the core values of respect, responsibility,
independence and integrity are like my shadow, making me face every day as an
independent young woman. I also have a different perspective about things
in general. One of the many things I took with me from my time at Christel
House is that poverty is not an excuse to deny a child a good education and
life principles, especially when a mission of transformation is laid as the
foundation. That mission is TO BREAK THE
CYCLE OF POVERTY. My heart praises God for the love and warmth I received and
still receive from Christel House.
Labels: alumni, breaking the cycle of poverty, Christel House South Africa, Culver, student
Monday, August 13, 2012
Thank You...
Estefany B. is a Christel House Mexico graduate who is currently
studying tourism at the Instituto Politecnico Nacional University in Mexico
City. She just completed a one month internship at the Hacienda del Mar
Vacation Club in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. She is now back in Mexico City where
she has begun her sophomore year of studies.
This is my last update. I know, sad
but true.
I would love to tell you about my
last week in Hacienda del Mar, but I did so many activities, it could take all
day!
The thing is, I've not had a great
summer since my last year at Culver Summer Camps. These 4 weeks were amazing. I
gained so much knowledge about timeshare, tourism and Cabo San Lucas too.
Every person here was so kind and polite with me. I'm really grateful with
everyone because without them I wouldn’t have this opportunity. It helped me
grow up. I met many people and each one had different stories and lessons for
me to learn. They are role models for me
now.
Thank you so much to everyone who
helped make this opportunity possible for me.
Absolutely it was a great experience and I enjoyed it so much.
All the pictures and moments will be
with me for the rest of my life.
Estefany
Labels: alumni, Cabo San Lucas, Christel House Mexico, Hacienda del Mar Vacation Club, intern, Timeshare
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
A story from a Christel House Mexico graduate
By: Jesus M.,
My name is Jesus; I
attended Christel House Mexico for 9 years. Then, I went to public high school
and now I attend the Work Study Program at Christel House. I have already
finished high school and this year I will go to College. It has been 12 years
since I began attending Christel House.
For me, Christel House has been like a second home where
they take care of us and give us education, medical services, psychological
support and nutritional care. In Christel House I have realized that achieving
a dream is possible with perseverance and commitment.
Christel House has given me the
opportunity to improve my skills and to learn values to become a responsible
self-sufficient member of society. Christel House has prepared us to be
assertive students with values who can make decisions that benefit us
personally and within our society.
Christel House also gave me the
opportunity to attend the Culver Summer Leadership Camp for three summers. At
camp, I learned many things like how to play tennis. I also met many new
friends from different countries. One of my favorite activities at camp was
sailing. Attending Culver also gave the opportunity to meet Christel House
students from India and South Africa. It
was great because they are part of my Christel House family. But the most
important part was that camp helped me to achieve skills like leadership, teamwork
and self-discipline.
I hope someday I can become part
of this wonderful mission that transforms lives and give back to Christel House
much of what it has given to me.
I am grateful to Christel House
for giving me the opportunity to have a better life. The person who I am today
is thanks to Christel House. I will do my best to achieve my goals and become a
contributing member of society by helping the people around me.
Labels: alumni, Christel House Mexico, education, student
Monday, August 6, 2012
Triumph over adversity
By: Esmerelda P., Guidance Counselor, Christel House South Africa
Georgevine D.’s story is one of triumph over adversity. The biggest obstacle related to poverty is
emotional trauma. So to fight trauma, we create dreams.
Now in her first year at False Bay
College in Westlake,
Cape Town,
studying electrical engineering, Georgevine believes that she is on her way to
living the life she always dreamed and she says that it’s all thanks to the
commitment of the principal and teachers of Christel House.
“I didn’t have it
easy, as most learners from Christel House can attest. It was always just my
mom and me, after she fetched me from my granny to live with her. She tried very hard to stay employed and make
enough money to look after the two of us. But, she often had to go knocking on
doors begging for work. She did whatever she could though I recall a terrible
time where we were homeless and had to live with neighbours – anyone who would
take us in.”
It was during that time that a teacher at Christel House,
Randall D., invited Georgevine to stay with his family for a week. Again in 2011 when she wrote her matriculation
exams, another teacher, Vivienne S., also let Georgevine stay with her over a
period of two months to prepare adequately for her finals.
Georgevine’s mother, Hermina, also recalls all the hardships
but says throughout all of it – having been lucky enough to get her daughter
into Christel House when she was in grade four – that she didn’t have to worry
too much about Georgevine. “During our challenging times I knew my daughter was
getting the best education possible, receiving the school supplies and uniforms
she needed; being fed and picked up for school every morning and even getting
the opportunity to partake in sports. Georgevine was a good student and
performed well in sports. She is doing well now too. I am a very proud mother
and very grateful.”
Labels: alumni, Christel House South Africa, education, students
Monday, July 30, 2012
Fun at the Front Desk
Estefany B. is a Christel House Mexico
graduate who is currently studying tourism at the Instituto Politecnico
Nacional University in Mexico City. She was invited to do a one month
internship at the Hacienda del Mar Vacation Club in Cabo San Lucas,
Mexico. Each week, she will update us on
her experience.
Hello!
This week has
been my favorite! I was worked at the Front Desk at the club. First of all, my
"teammates" are all men! I feel
very special lol. But everybody is so kind and funny. They make me laugh so much.
The duties
I've done are:
- Check the guests in at the beginning of their stay and check them out when they leave. It is laborious but not difficult.
- Answer
the phone calls from the guests about problems they have in their suites or
things they need.
- Help
the guests with their room keys if they lost them or whatever else.
- Room
checks.
- Helping
in general.
I like it so
much. My first check-in was funny because it was 5 guys that arrived and one of
them was like "Hi guys, I don't care about you (referring to the
guys who are in front desk with me) I wanna talk with her". And
it was then when the fun began :P
The good
thing was that I didn't get nervous and I did a good job! And also
I wasn't alone. My teammates helped me
:) It was my favorite week in the club.
Sometimes it
got complicated because I didn't understand when people asked something in English.
But I tried and I helped them.
Finally, I
went to El Arco by boat. It is the highlight of Cabo San Lucas.
This is a rock formation sculpted by the sea right on the tip of the
peninsula of Baja California. El Arco is a very popular tourist attraction. It
is beautiful!
I can't
believe there is only a week left! I'll be very grateful with
everybody the rest of my life.
Love,
Labels: alumni, Cabo San Lucas, Christel House Mexico, Hacienda del Mar Vacation Club, Timeshare
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
From Contracts to the Hotel California...Estefany’s Internship Continues
Estefany B. is a Christel House Mexico
graduate who is currently studying tourism at the Instituto Politecnico
Nacional University in Mexico City. She was invited to do a one month
internship at the Hacienda del Mar Vacation Club in Cabo San Lucas,
Mexico. Each week, she will update us on
her experience.
Here I am again!
Well, this week I was in Contracts Department. I learned about the clauses and the requirements when
people buy a timeshare week. The staff
told me about the prices of the different kind of suites they offer and about
the maintenance fees and the seasons for timeshare. I'm
asking the people in here about their job and their duties and that is how I'm
learning more and more.
On Friday I went to LA PAZ with Dinorah from RCI. It was really cool! I got to see the Hotel California... the one
from the song by the The Eagles. She had
to do some things from her job. She's such a GREAT person. We were talking a
lot about her life, my life and RCI. I enjoyed it so much.
The next two weeks I'll be helping with activities like the dolphin swim,
motorcycles at the beach, a sunset tour, etc. I'm so excited! The time is
passing by so fast and for that reason I'm enjoying it the most I can.
Next week I'll be working at the club front desk. I begin on
Monday :)
Love, Estefany.
Labels: alumni, Cabo San Lucas, Christel House Mexico, Hacienda del Mar Vacation Club, Timeshare
Monday, July 16, 2012
Christel House Mexico Grad interns in Cabo San Lucas
Estefany B. is a Christel House Mexico
graduate who is currently studying tourism at the Instituto Politecnico
Nacional University in Mexico City. She was invited to do a one month
internship at the Hacienda del Mar Vacation Club in Cabo San Lucas,
Mexico. Each week, she will update us on
her experience.
The experience began on Friday, July 6th. I
can't deny that I was so excited and a little nervous. The idea of living alone for 1 month will be
much different than what I am used to at home.
When I arrived, it was WEIRD! The first 2 days, I was bored because I arrived
on a Saturday and am staying at a house by myself. Eduardo, the marketing manager of Hacienda
del Mar and the one that gave me this opportunity, is the owner of the house
where I'm living. Here I have a pool, so in my free time I relax at the pool.
It's so cool. The weather is soooo HOT, but perfect for spending time at the
pool.
Also during the weekend I went to meet the people I'll be training with. Everybody is very kind and polite. They make
me feel like home. Most of them are from other states of Mexico: Veracruz,
Sinaloa, Colima, etc. They really take care of me :)
On Sunday; they took me to see the resort where I will intern. It's AMAZING! Beautiful views, pools and
everything. It's fantastic! Then I went to Wal-Mart with the marketing assistant, her name is Monse. So now I have something to
eat when I am home at night :P Also
Monse lent me some books so the time I am at the house alone is so much better
now :)
I started last Monday. I've been with Monse this first week in the marketing
and hostess area. Hugo comes to the house to pick me up and take me to the Club
every day and at the end of the day, he takes me back home.
The duties I've done are:
- In the mornings I greet and check in the guests, owners, etc. for the
Timeshare Tour in the Hostess area. In this area it is necessary
to speak English because most of them are
Americans.
- I also help make many statistical reports and prepare the gifts for the
people who come on the timeshare tours.
These are usually coupons for dinners and different activities at the
resort. I give them to the guest when
they check out after the tour.
- In the afternoons, I help in the Administrative area doing the daily
reports of how many
couples attended the timeshare tour - basically of statistics
for marketing.
I have learned a lot about timeshare. They
gave me a lot of information so now I understand a little bit more. Next week I'll be in another area. I don't know which area yet, but whatever
it is, it will be great :)
With love,
Estefany
Labels: alumni, Cabo San Lucas, Christel House Mexico, Hacienda del Mar Vacation Club, Timeshare
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Christel House Correspondence
We love hearing from Christel House students and alumni. Ms. DeHaan recently received this note from Celida, a
graduate of Christel House Mexico, and we wanted to share it with you.
Labels: alumni, Mexico
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
South Africa's Tertiary School in Business Administration (TSiBA) hails Christel House Graduates
"Heroes Amongst Us"
On Wednesday 21st July, during our Hero Speaker session, we had our very own TSiBA Foundation year students Abigail Stuart and Lericia Bailey sharing with us their stories.
They both starred in District Six – The Musical that has been running at the Artscape Theatre this month. They shared what it felt like to star in a play and also what it meant to be part of such a historical production.
Abigail’s role was that of Auntie Esther Afrika, a typical middle aged gossip from the Flats, but at the same time a very principled woman. Lericia on the other hand, played the part of Foxy Lavender, and appeared as a supporting actress in the play. They were both delighted to have been exposed to the environment of the arts.
The session took a very emotional turn, when these two former
Christel House learners reflected on where they came from, how they survived and what their plans are for the future. They added that their belief in God is one of their greatest strengths.
As said by Lunga Schoeman, a Foundation Year peer, “The girls are true
TSiBA Ambassadors. Their achievements continue to inspire the TSiBA community to do more, learn more and become more. To sum up, they are true leaders.”
Rayne Moses commented: “Wow! This was a first. What words does one use to describe the type of friendship these two young ladies have? Young and beautiful as they are, I couldn’t help but think how awesome it is to just see people be themselves in front of an audience, supporting each other in every moment spent together.”
To our very own Heroes, Peace.
By: Lunga Schoeman and Rayne Moses
Labels: alumni, District 6, leadership, South Africa
Friday, June 26, 2009
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.-EdLabels: alumni, graduation, update, Venezuela
Estefany B. is a Christel House Mexico graduate who is currently
studying tourism at the Instituto Politecnico Nacional University in Mexico
City. She just completed a one month internship at the Hacienda del Mar
Vacation Club in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. She is now back in Mexico City where
she has begun her sophomore year of studies.
