News Americas, Indianapolis, Indiana, Weds. July 19, 2017: An international NGO with a proven track record of breaking the cycle of poverty for severely at-risk children will soon set up a branch in Jamaica.
Christel House, established in 1998 by Founder and CEO Christel DeHaan to transform the lives of impoverished children around the world and build self-sufficient, contributing members of society, recently signed an agreement with the government of Jamaica to develop a new learning center on the island.
Christel House Jamaica plans to begin operations no later than August, 2019. The organization will build its facility on a 10 acre parcel of land near Kingston, which the Jamaican government is contributing as part of a public private partnership.
At its own expense, Christel House will construct a facility which will serve approximately 840 students from the severely impoverished area. The school will be built in phases, with the first phase to accommodate grades KG – 2. Each year thereafter an additional 60 kindergarten students will be admitted, and the school will grow organically until it reaches capacity at grade 13.
Admission to the tuition-free school is needs-based. In addition to academics, leadership and character education, students will receive books, uniforms, transportation, breakfast, lunch and a snack daily and health services.
Christel House Jamaica is a Jamaican legal entity, with an independent board of directors, and its non-profit tax status is expected to be received there shortly. The organization has no political or religious affiliation.
Jamaica’s Minister of Education, Youth & Information, Senator the Ruel Reid, applauded the decision by Christel House to invest in Jamaica.
“This proposed development will be a significant addition to the many safe housing facilities available for the children under our watchful care,” says Reid. “This will be a home where the children will experience love, care and security, while their education and development needs are being addressed.”
“Breaking the cycle of poverty is the only way to unleash human potential and to build better societies. We are thrilled to bring a Christel House to Jamaica and we thank the Ministry of Education for its support and belief in our model and our mission,” Added Christel House Founder and CEO, Christel DeHaan.
Fundraising initiatives will be pursued both on-island and around the world, but particularly in the U.S., where Christel House International is based.
Christel House focuses on academic excellence through a robust K–12 curriculum is combined with a strong character development program to give students the skills and competencies necessary to compete successfully in complex 21st Century society.
Christel House currently serves over 4,600 impoverished students through eight learning centers—located in India, Mexico, South Africa and the U.S.A.
The organization’s students maintain a 99 percent graduation exam pass rate, and the majority of its graduates go on to pursue higher education. They become productive citizens, and many secure employment with top multinational corporations.
Christel House graduates are confident, hardworking, responsible and ethical, with a passion for giving back to their communities and caring for their families.
For more information visit www.christelhouse.org or on social media: www.facebook.com/christelhouse
