This article is courtesy of our partners at The Perse School, an independent day school in Cambridge, UK. To see the beautiful artwork that the students are working on together, please visit their Sketchbook Exchange site.
As part of their enrichment activities, ten Perse pupils are currently working on a Sketchbook Exchange project with students at Christel House Schools in India and South Africa. The art project was inspired by Look at Book,
a collaborative sketchbook exchange and exhibition by four artists on
both sides of the Atlantic - Oliver and Rory Jeffers in Belfast and Mac
Premo and Duke Riley in Brooklyn, New York.
The ten students taking part in each school are given a sketchbook
and asked to work on one of four themes – Identity, Family, School or
Recreation. The students are paired with one student from each of the
other two schools and work in response to their partner's work. Once
each theme is completed, the sketchbooks are posted to the next school
in rotation. The exchange works as a visual stimulus and it is hoped
that students from all three schools will benefit from being inspired by
their partner's artwork, as well as developing an understanding of the
cultural similarities and differences.
Once the exchange has been completed, the sketchbooks will be
exhibited and the Perse pupils will publish a book to send to the
schools in India and South Africa.
Christel House schools are a foundation of six charitable
independent schools around the world located near deprived areas with
the express aim of helping children escape poverty through education.
Students are carefully chosen from the surrounding, most deprived
townships. The criteria for entry is unlike any other school : the
children must be the poorest of the poor. From these desperately poor
beginnings with children who cross the academic spectrum, the
school provides everything needed to flourish: free uniform, equipment,
food, transport and most importantly a high-class education with the
power to change their lives for ever.
The Perse has begun a long term
relationship with Christel House to support them in their work and to
benefit our students and staff with the diversity of culture,
life-experience and charitable opportunity which their schools provide.
This joint project has already involved a member of staff visiting the
Cape Town school for two weeks to review and assist with Maths and ICT.
A visit to India is planned for this summer and a student enrichment
activity planned for next academic year.
ING Vysya Foundation Congratulates Students of Christel House India
ING Vysya Foundation has supported Christel House India since inception, and several ING employees recently visited the school to congratulate our grade 10 students who excelled on their Board Exams. Wrist watches and books were given to the three top-scoring students, and wrist watches were presented to all 20 students who scored 70% and above on the test. ING developed this program to recognize and reward our young achievers and also to inspire other children in Christel House to continue their studies and fulfill their dreams.
The vision of ING Vysya Foundation is to support enabling environments that actualize the right to education for children living in difficult circumstance. The Foundation believes that inspiration, encouragement and skills can change the way these children see their lives and opportunities. Born out of the three business entities of ING in India - ING Life Insurance, ING Vysya Bank and ING Investment Management - the Foundation has been able to strike a balance between supporting organizations financially and contributing time and talents of its employees to nurture and mentor these children. ING Vysya Foundations sponsored the senior school building of Christel House India and also sponsors the Education of a classroom of 40 students.
Program Attendees: Mr. Shailendra Bhandari - MD and CEO, ING Vysya Bank Ltd., Mr. UCO Vegter - Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer, ING Life, Mr. Jayant Mehrotra - Trustee, ING Vysya Foundation and Chief Financial Officer, ING Vysya Bank Ltd., Ms. Priya Gopalakrishnan- Trustee, ING Vysya Foundation and Director - Human Resources, ING Life and Ms. Joyatri Ray - Director , ING Vysya Foundation were all present.
Wyndham intern reflects on the importance of Christel House
By Catherine Reynolds, intern for Wyndham Worldwide
Wyndham Worldwide in Parsippany, NJ, has named Christel House as one of its three charities of choice. RCI, based in Carmel, Indiana, is owned by Wyndham Worldwide. Christel DeHaan, Founder of Christel House, started RCI in 1974. Today, RCI has more than three million members worldwide, who enjoy dream vacations at RCI's 3,700+ affiliated resorts.
Last night I watched the movie, “The Blind Side,” with my sister, and we were both touched and moved by this incredible true story. For those of you who haven’t seen it (and I highly recommend that you do), the movie is based on the true story of Michael Oher, a boy growing up homeless before he is taken in by a wealthy family. The Tuoy family adopts him, gives him an education and opens up all new opportunities for him, changing his life forever. In the movie, one of Mrs. Tuoy’s friends tells her, “You’re changing that boy’s life.” Mrs. Tuoy responds, “No. He’s changing mine.”
What struck me most about this story is that Michael’s situation is not all that uncommon – but the help the Tuoys gave him IS uncommon. The way that they supported him reminded me of Christel House, one of Wyndham Worldwide’s charities of choice, and the work Christel DeHaan and her team do for impoverished children around the world. While I have not yet had the pleasure of visiting a Christel House, I have had the opportunity to hear the stories of several of the children whose lives have been changed by Christel House:
When Rakshitha came to Christel House, her family did not have electricity. Christel House gave the family electricity so she could study at night. The work paid off: when she was in tenth grade, she went to Naples, Italy, when the student video she helped produce won a film festival prize.
Frank recently graduated from Christel House Venezuela. When he came to Christel House, he wanted to be a bodyguard. Now he is studying electrical engineering at the prestigious Simon Bolivar University, where he was admitted in the top one percent of incoming freshman.
Nontando is a 12th grader at Christel House South Africa, and received a scholarship to attend Culver Summer Leadership Camp in Culver, Indiana in 2007 and 2008. In South Africa, her home is so small, only two of the four family members can sleep inside at night.
As Wyndham Worldwide employees, we have all had a hand in helping children like Rakshitha, Frank and Nontando find more opportunities and reach their potential. I personally take pride in working for a company that is so devoted to giving back. Supporting this charity is not a completely selfless act. Helping others and knowing we have a true impact in this world is fulfilling, and helps give our own lives meaning. We are reminded that even small acts of kindness can add up to big change.
Whose life are you changing? How are they changing yours?
After days of gloomy clouds and torrential rain, on the morning of May 19th, 2010, the skies parted, giving way to a beautiful day and an amazingly successful BKD-Christel House Academy Volunteer Project. The success was entirely due to the hard work of the BKD team and immense generosity of Vohland Nursery, Cheryl Atchley, and Tiffany Lawn and Garden Supply.
With the opening of the Christel House Academy Watanabe High School fast approaching, completing landscaping on the property was becoming a growing priority. Specifically, the Academy was in need of tree and shrub planting on the northwest side of the high school in order to meet city guidelines for opening.
Early this Spring, Vohland Nursery agreed to donate five trees, three Greenspire Lindens and two Autumn Blaze Maples. In addition to the donation, Vohland also committed to planting the trees and preparing the grounds for the planting of the shrubs. Cheryl Atchley, landscaping expert and longtime friend of Christel House, donated all thirty shrubs for the area, while Tiffany Lawn and Garden Supply placed the final touch on the project by contributing 4 cubic yards of hardwood mulch. Vohland's team braved the rain soaked days early in the week to plant the trees and prepare the rest of the grounds. Then on Wednesday, thanks to a dozen enthusiastic BKD volunteers and Cheryl Atchley's leadership, the shrubs were planted, the mulch laid, and a gully was dug around the property to preserve the landscaping. The final product is stunning.
We cannot fully express our gratitude to all of our partners in this endeavor. Our hats off to Vohland, Cheryl Atchley, Tiffany, and BKD!
Michael Dell (CEO of Dell) visited India this week and spoke of Christel House when meeting with Prime Minister, Mr. Manmohan Singh.
Mr. Dell gifted "Life's Strokes", a Christel House student's painting, to the Prime Minister and briefed him on the good work that Christel House was doing in India and Dell's support of our efforts.
Meet the artist - Arun Kumar Hannumappa.
Arun has been at Christel House for the past 7 years. He finished 10th grade in 2009 and is now studying in his 1st year of the pre-university course at Christel House India. Arun’s father is a plumber by trade, but does not contribute much to the family income. He struggles with alcohol and employment. Arun’s mother does her best to keep the family together and works as domestic help in order to maintain their meager livelihood.
Arun's first love is abstract painting and he also enjoys cooking. He is also a member of the school soccer team and shares that the support and education he's received from Christel House has been a life changing experience for him. Arun wants to join the Indian Police Service after he completes his education. His priority is to look after his family and also work for the good of the community and his country.
Dell-India supports Christel House through the Dell Youth Connect program that provides comprehensive educational opportunities to students in grades 5, 6 and 7 with specific focus on technology integration and standards-based instruction in Math and Science. Dell-UK sponsored a well equipped physics laboratory at the school and Dell-South Africa recently transformed technology at Christel House South Africa.
Christel House and Dell are proud partners working to build a better future. To join us, visit www.christelhouse.org.
ShelterBoxes have helped many people in Haiti during this difficult time. We're proud of our students for their efforts to share, care and make a difference!
Besides being the home of the Indianapolis Colts, the Stadium is also known for its retractable roof, grand entrance, larger-than-life hallways and...Christel House Artwork!
RCI, a new partner of the Colts, asked Christel House Academy students to create a painting showing the benefits of a good education which incorporated Christel House, the Colts and RCI. It is now on display in the north entry ramp of the stadium.
Not only did the students get to see their painting, they also toured the press box and suites, walked through the tunnel onto the playing field and learned about all the behind-the-scenes activity that happens on game day.
Where did you learn to give? Did you do chores at home as a child? Help a family member or neighbor with a project? Maybe you observed your parents or other friends give to a worthy cause.
The parents and teachers at Eagle Elementary in Zionsville, Indiana thought that students might be interested in a more purposeful learning approach around philanthropy. They were right.
30 students jumped at the chance and enrolled in the "First Friday Philanthropy Club" where children ages 7-10 (2nd - 4th grade) hear from speakers, learn about different ways to give, explore global and local issues and determine how they are going to make the world a better place.
Christel House was atop the agenda at their latest meeting.
Our staff shared about the issues of poverty, our schools around the world, and what people can do to help children in need. We explored the meaning of 'community' and how we all need to give of our time, talent and treasure to strengthen that community, whether it's local or global. The children then colored people-paper-chains, donated art supplies and made blankets for our students at Christel House.
Greetings from the Southern Hemisphere! My name is Diana Iglesias and I am the newest intern at Christel House South Africa. I arrived here about a month ago as a participant with the Honors Semester Abroad in Cape Town through the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. If any Capetonians have been wondering about the recent Tar Heel invasion of the city, it’s due to the fact that myself and the rest of the students have been doing internships with businesses and NGOs throughout the greater metropolitan area (from the City Bowl, to Ottery, to Khayelitsha), in addition to attending class once a week at the University of Cape Town.
Alexis Ivey, another student on the program, and I were placed at CHSA to work on projects with different departments in the school. Alexis is working with a social worker and plans to develop an anger management workshop series, while I will be partnering with the Arts and Culture teachers. Throughout the next term, I will assist with auditions and rehearsals for Annie Jr. the Musical and help begin a Drama Society at the school. Everyone is very eager about introducing creative expression into the new facilities at CHSA, through murals being painted around the school and the introduction of theatre, dance, and music clubs.
It is a very exciting time to be at Christel House – the buildings are brand-new, the campus has a gorgeous view of the surrounding mountains, and the students are brilliant! Just the other day a group of 5th and 6th graders showed me their ability to do the Macarena and told me all about the local food. I was born in Puerto Rico and spent the last two summers in Honduras, so when they proceeded to sing me a song in Spanish with impeccable pronunciation, I was floored. They are all thriving in the environment CHSA provides and never hesitate to show you just how stunningly smart they are. It is absolutely fascinating to listen as they open their minds and spirits to you. Currently, the school is on spring break (yes, it’s getting warmer here) and I can’t wait to resume working with the wonderful people I have met. Look out for photos and videos in the near future!
The sound of roaring engines cut through the brisk fall air on Saturday morning, October 10, as Christel House hosted its first annual "Braking the Cycle Ride" to help children break the cycle of poverty. The police-escorted 100+ mile trip saw 93 riders go from the Christel House Academy, on the near-south side of Indianapolis, to Brown County and back. Registrants received breakfast, lunch and a t-shirt and collectively raised over $15,000 for our students in need around the globe! It was an amazing, fun-filled day that truly made a WORLD of difference!
The Christel House website received a complete overhaul earlier this year thanks to the great work of Plaid, a brilliant creative agency. They're taking 'creative drive' to a whole new level and touring the Plaid Nation. They stopped in Indianapolis and interviewed us...so we did the same.
The vision of ING Vysya Foundation is to support enabling environments that actualize the right to education for children living in difficult circumstance. The Foundation believes that inspiration, encouragement and skills can change the way these children see their lives and opportunities. Born out of the three business entities of ING in India - ING Life Insurance, ING Vysya Bank and ING Investment Management - the Foundation has been able to strike a balance between supporting organizations financially and contributing time and talents of its employees to nurture and mentor these children. ING Vysya Foundations sponsored the senior school building of Christel House India and also sponsors the Education of a classroom of 40 students.
Program Attendees: Mr. Shailendra Bhandari - MD and CEO, ING Vysya Bank Ltd., Mr. UCO Vegter - Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer, ING Life, Mr. Jayant Mehrotra - Trustee, ING Vysya Foundation and Chief Financial Officer, ING Vysya Bank Ltd., Ms. Priya Gopalakrishnan- Trustee, ING Vysya Foundation and Director - Human Resources, ING Life and Ms. Joyatri Ray - Director , ING Vysya Foundation were all present.
By Catherine Reynolds, intern for Wyndham Worldwide
After days of gloomy clouds and torrential rain, on the morning of May 19th, 2010, the skies parted, giving way to a beautiful day and an amazingly successful BKD-Christel House Academy Volunteer Project. The success was entirely due to the hard work of the BKD team and immense generosity of Vohland Nursery, Cheryl Atchley, and Tiffany Lawn and Garden Supply.
Arun has been at Christel House for the past 7 years. He finished 10th grade in 2009 and is now studying in his 1st year of the pre-university course at Christel House India. Arun’s father is a plumber by trade, but does not contribute much to the family income. He struggles with alcohol and employment. Arun’s mother does her best to keep the family together and works as domestic help in order to maintain their meager livelihood.
Students at Christel House Academy have been working to raise money to help the victims of Haiti's earthquake. Through various activities, students raised $700 for the Haiti Hope, Help & Relief project. Students learned to leverage their giving and selected this project because the funds will be matched by The Mary J Blige and Steve Stoute Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now to re-supply ShelterBoxes.
Where did you learn to give? Did you do chores at home as a child? Help a family member or neighbor with a project? Maybe you observed your parents or other friends give to a worthy cause.
