In 2022, Christel House South Africa (CHSA) in Cape Town embarked on a new chapter by operating its first full year of preschool (Grade RR). This initiative was not just an expansion of the educational offerings but a deliberate step toward addressing the critical need for Early Childhood Education (ECE) in the communities CHSA serves. The early results of this program were promising, as documented by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), which found that 95% of CHSA preschool students mastered age-appropriate skills. This achievement was particularly significant when compared to a control group from higher-resourced homes, where 91% of students reached milestones.
These findings underscore the importance of providing high-quality ECE, especially in under-resourced communities where children may not have access to the same early learning opportunities as their peers in more affluent areas. The success of the RR program at CHSA has provided a strong foundation for the integration of ECE across the Christel House network.
The positive outcomes of the RR program in South Africa, coupled with research supporting the benefits of early childhood education, have led Christel House International to incorporate ECE into its global model. This expansion is being tailored to the specific needs and contexts of each community Christel House serves. Whether through direct provision, partnerships, or community-based models, Christel House is committed to ensuring that children in its schools receive the foundational education they need to succeed.
The integration of ECE will gradually extend to Christel House schools in Mexico, India, Jamaica, and the United States. Furthermore, new schools in development are already planning to launch with an ECE component, recognizing the critical role that early education plays in long-term academic and personal success.
In a world where education is the cornerstone of progress, the decision to incorporate Early Childhood Education into Christel House’s K-12 school network was both strategic and deeply rooted in the organization’s commitment to holistic learning and educational equity. Christel House understands that the formative years of a child’s life are crucial in laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning, growth, and opportunity.
By investing in early childhood education, Christel House is not only enhancing the educational trajectory of its students but also making a broader impact on the communities it serves. The focus on ECE is aligned with Christel House’s vision of a world where poverty does not limit potential, and its mission to prepare graduates to achieve upward economic mobility, demonstrate good citizenship, and realize their full human potential.
Christel House South Africa has been named one of the world’s Top Ten Schools in the “Overcoming Adversity” category for the prestigious World’s Best School Prizes. Adri Marais, CEO, expressed pride in lifting both Christel House and South Africa to the global stage, from over 15,000 entries. Finalists will be announced in September, with the winner revealed in November.
To see the impact of Christel House in action, watch the inspiring story of Mayizole, a student at Christel House South Africa, who dreams of becoming an engineer. Despite the challenges faced by his community, Mayizole’s passion for coding and the support he receives at Christel House are helping him turn his dreams into reality.
As Christel House continues to expand its reach and refine its educational offerings, the incorporation of Early Childhood Education stands out as a pivotal development. By building a strong foundation in the early years, Christel House is ensuring that its students are not only prepared for academic success but are also equipped with the skills and values needed to thrive in life.
The journey of Christel House over the past 25 years has been one of growth, innovation, and unwavering commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty. With the addition of ECE to its model, Christel House is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.
Together, we can end the cycle of poverty. Your support drives our mission. Whether through a donation, starting a fundraiser, or sharing our stories, you can help transform lives.