At Christel House South Africa, our students come from some of the most underserved communities on the Cape Flats, where poverty and trauma are daily realities. Yet, every day, they prove that with the right support, they can rise above their circumstances.

Many of our students arrive at school carrying burdens no child should have to bear. But once they step onto our campus, they enter a safe space where they are seen, heard, and supported by a community that believes in their potential.

“You can’t teach a child who is too sick to sit in class or too traumatised to concentrate, so we’ve built an entire system of support around our learners.”
— Dr Ronald Fortune, Chief Academic Officer

Our teachers are trained in trauma-informed practices, which help maintain our student attendance rate at over 98% and empower educators to remain engaged because they see real transformation in their classrooms.

Read more from Dr Fortune in the Daily Maverick.

Our Health and Social Services Department plays a crucial role in caring for the whole child.

• Nurses provide health screenings, vaccinations, and everyday care, along with health education.
• Counsellors support students through individual sessions, group work, and classroom interventions.
• Social workers engage with families and run Sebenza Sonke, our parent programme with a 99% participation rate, helping caregivers support their children more effectively.

Together, this team removes barriers to learning by offering holistic care.

This year, we’ve seen important progress. We launched a partnership with Develop Dental, bringing on-site oral healthcare to Grade R–3 students. Our nurses have conducted nearly 1,000 student consultations and are leading a wellness programme for staff and students alike.

Interest in Christel House SA continues to grow. For 2026, we received:

• 729 Grade RR applications
• 620 Grade 8 applications

Our Admissions Team led a targeted community campaign, visiting 31 local primary schools to spread awareness about our admissions process and support offering.

Partner in Purpose

At Christel House South Africa, we believe that education alone isn’t enough. To truly break the cycle of poverty, we must care for the whole child – meeting their nutritional, healthcare, and psychosocial needs every step of the way.

Our Health and Social Services team plays a critical role in this holistic approach, ensuring that every child is supported holistically. And yet, despite the success of our model, the needs remain urgent and ongoing.

We still have students who share toothbrushes with siblings, while basic hygiene items like sanitary towels are in constant demand. The cost of producing monthly parenting and education materials continues to rise, while the need to empower families through knowledge has never been greater.

Your Support Can Make All the Difference

By sponsoring or donating to our Health and Social Services programme, you’re not just meeting a need: you’re giving a child the dignity, care, and support they deserve.

Whether you’re able to contribute financially or in-kind, your generosity goes directly towards building a future where every child can thrive.

Click here to make a donation: please include the words: Health and Social Services to the comment section. Prefer to give in-kind? Email partnership@sa.christelhouse.org to find out what items are most needed.