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14,500 more students will be reached annually alongside growth in India, Mexico, and South Africa

Christel House International shared exciting news on a worldwide stage at the Clinton Global Initiative’s (CGI) annual meeting, announcing expansion of our proven education model to Colombia and Nepal. This growth into new geographies, combined with expansion efforts already underway in India, Mexico, and South Africa, will enable Christel House to extend our reach from 7,000 students today to more than 14,500 students annually in the years ahead. “Talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not,” said David Harris, President and CEO of Christel House International. “By bringing our model to Nepal and Colombia, we’re giving thousands of children the tools to break the cycle of poverty, both for themselves and for generations to come.”

“Christel House’s model is a powerful example of how holistic support can unlock opportunity for children living in extreme poverty,” said Milan Bhatt, Deputy Director for Economic Inclusion at CGI. “We’re proud to spotlight their expansion as part of this year’s Commitments to Action.”

In Nepal, leadership will be spearheaded by Surya Karki, a visionary education leader and Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honoree. “This mission is deeply personal. It began in my own village, where quality education once felt out of reach,” Karki shared. “Now I can help ensure every child has the chance to live a life full of possibility.”

In Colombia, Christel House is teaming with Fundación Santo Domingo, a family foundation with a 65-year legacy of advancing social mobility. Together, the organizations plan to collaborate on building a network of Christel House schools in Colombia, building on a shared vision to empower communities through education.

Work in both countries begins in October 2025, with schools set to open in Colombia by 2027 and in Nepal by 2028. These new schools mark another step toward founder Christel DeHaan’s enduring vision—transforming lives from classrooms to life.

Christel House schools provide 18 years of support, from kindergarten through five years following graduation, offering not only high-quality academics, but also healthcare, nutrition, life skills, and guidance into college and careers. The results are transformative: 97% of Christel House graduates are employed or pursuing higher education, and are three times more likely than their peers to secure formal employment.

About the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI)

Founded by President Bill Clinton in 2005, the Clinton Global Initiative is a community of doers representing a broad cross section of society and dedicated to the idea that we can accomplish more together than we can apart. Through CGI’s unique model, more than 10,000 organizations have launched more than 4,000 Commitments to Action — new, specific, and measurable projects and programs – that are making a difference in the lives of more than 500 million people in 180 countries.