We believe that breaking the cycle of poverty requires more than just education. That’s why our model provides comprehensive, long-term support, nurturing every aspect of a child’s life—from the classroom to personal development and future careers. This whole-child approach ensures that our students not only succeed academically but also thrive emotionally, socially, and professionally.
Educational excellence is the foundation for a brighter future and the cornerstone of our holistic model. We spend up to 30% more instructional time on Math and Language than the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) requires, so that students can master basic skills. The rigorous academic programme integrates ICT into the curriculum and focusses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics), offering exposure to music, drama, sports, coding and robotics, and ensuring that our students become well-rounded individuals. By fostering higher-order thinking, we empower learners to solve complex problems and pursue tertiary education, leading to economic mobility and meaningful careers.
Proper nutrition is key to unlocking a child’s potential. At Christel House South Africa, each student receives balanced, nutritious meals and snacks every day, often their only source of nourishment. For many of our students, this food is essential to their well-being and academic performance. We work closely with healthcare practitioners to address malnutrition and provide families with meal support during school holidays. Ensuring students are well-fed allows them to focus on learning and leads to better life outcomes.
Our students come from communities where violence, crime, substance abuse and poverty create deep-seated trauma. At Christel House South Africa, our teaching staff recognises the importance of meeting our children with care and compassion. Our trauma-informed school environment provides the emotional and psychological support students need to heal and thrive. With nurses, counsellors and social workers on staff, we help students prevail over stress, anxiety, and other challenges, ensuring they can focus on their education and future success.
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), an independent research agency, found that our students appreciate the “warm and positive institutional culture” and alumni believed that “without interventions at our school, they would not have been able to overcome traumatic circumstances at home and successfully navigate their schooling and professional careers.”
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Access to education should never be limited by geography or financial constraints. Christel House South Africa provides transportation to ensure students attend school regularly and receive the education they deserve. Our extended school day (learners stay at school until 16:00, ensuring they are safely engaged rather than being left alone at home), combined with reliable transport, reduces the burden on families and create opportunities for parents to seek employment without the constraints of dropping and fetching their children.
At Christel House, we believe that success is not just about academic achievement—it’s also about strength of character. Our character development programme rests on four timeless values: respect, responsibility, independence and integrity. We intentionally strengthen our students’ sense of agency, so they are prepared to be purpose-driven leaders and good citizens who contribute positively to society. Community service projects allow students to apply their skills and values in real-world settings, helping them develop empathy, compassion, and appreciation for civic duty.
We are committed to guiding our students from the classroom to successful careers, with a carefully-crafted curriculum from their first day in Grade RR all the way to Grade 12, and then another five years beyond. Throughout their journey, we provide career guidance, vocational training, and mentoring, assisting them with tertiary education applications, and supporting them through workshops and financial assistance. After completing high school, alumni receive five years of continued support, including job placements, career workshops, further financial assistance, on-site support and continuous mentorship. This long-term investment ensures that our students not only enter the workforce but also excel in their chosen paths.
We believe that by supporting families, we strengthen the communities our students come from, fostering a cycle of growth and lasting positive change. Through our Sebenza Sonke points-based programme, parents are encouraged to actively engage in their child’s education by participating in various activities and workshops. With categories that cover key social and health issues, the programme equips parents with tools and skills to become better caregivers. This approach has led to a 99% family participation in the programme, creating a culture of involvement and shared responsibility.
HEALTHCARE & SOCIAL SERVICES
CARING FOR
BODY AND MIND
Healthy minds and bodies are essential for learning. At Christel House, we provide comprehensive healthcare, from medical, dental and vision check-ups to vaccinations and mental health support. With in-house counsellors and social workers, our students have access to one-on-one sessions, group work, classroom interventions, and family support. We also have a robust health education programme in collaboration with external healthcare providers to provide professional care for our students.