Christel House India’s first learning center commenced operation in Bangalore in July 2001 with 320 children, ages 5 to 10, kindergarten through grade 3. These early days were challenging. Activities were conducted from rented facilities with inadequate classroom size, poor infrastructure and no outdoor space. Still, students were entirely unprepared for this dramatic improvement in their surroundings. They used basement window wells as a latrine, money disappeared from staff members’ purses, and lunchtime was a stampede to see who could stuff the most food into pockets. The first several weeks were dedicated to teaching health and hygiene, bathroom and lunchtime etiquette, and how to form and walk in a line. The Christel House values, with a special focus on Respect for self and others, were emphasized daily using of examples of both acceptable and unacceptable behavior in the school. The children spoke Hindi, Kanada or Tamil, but Christel House used English as the language of instruction; therefore significant communication challenges had to be overcome.
Today, after just nine years of operation, a total transformation has taken place. After acquiring nearly 7 acres on the outskirts of Bangalore, Christel House began construction on a beautiful, purpose-built facility in 2003, completing construction of the first phase in June 2004, in time for the start of the new school year. Students are well-mannered and self-confident; fluent and articulate in English, and technologically savvy. They talk with assurance about their plans and objectives for the future. And, they can compete—academically, athletically and artistically—with students from the most privileged backgrounds. This is indisputable evidence that Christel House WORKS. Children of poverty are entirely capable of living as productive and contributing citizens. Given the opportunity, they will fulfill their human potential, and make our world a better place.
Christel House India is a registered Not for Profit Organization, under Section 25 of Companies Act, 1956 and a Charity under Section 12 A of Income Tax Act 1961. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed under section 80G of the Income Tax Act 1961.
