Christel House South Africa is a non-profit school that offers no-fee scholarships to children from the poorest communities on the Cape Flats. According to the school, for most parents, the words 'back to school' are intimidating because even basic school supplies are costly.

The school says that for parents from poor communities, purchasing school supplies are near impossible. With this in mind, as part of Christel House's no-fee scholarship offering, it aims to provide all of its students with school supplies, learning materials and all other essentials needed for their growth.

During the festive season, Christel House is reaching out to the public for assistance with funding a grade R starter kit for each of its 60 new grade R students that are starting in January 2020.

A grade R starter kit includes:
  • school shoes
  • a summer uniform
  • stationery
  • books
  • fortified porridge that contains essential nutrients
With R150, R500 or R1 200 (the price of a full starter kit), anyone can donate and give a grade R student a 'hand up' on their 18-year journey with Christel House.

Christel House serves 750 underprivileged students from 20 impoverished areas on the Cape Flats. The school provides students with a holistic education model that includes:
  • a no-fee education scholarship
  • health care
  • daily meals
  • transportation to and from school
  • guidance counselling
  • 13 years of character-based and career-focused quality education, including structured college and career support five years post matric.
"At Christel House, we work with generous donors and communities to provide the tools that will empower our students to succeed," says CEO of Christel House South Africa Adri Marais.

"By sponsoring a starter kit for our grade R students, you'll be giving them a hand up (not a handout), and make sure they are ready and equipped for their life-changing journey at Christel House," adds Marais.

With a 100% matric pass rate since its inception and 96% of its graduates who are either in tertiary education or gainful employment, there is proof that the Christel House model works and that its 60 new grade R students are in the best hands possible to see them break free from a life of poverty.

Christel House is a registered non-profit organisation and 100% of all donations benefit Christel House's projects and programmes. All South African donors are eligible to receive a tax-deductible 18A certificate and companies can receive B-BBEE points for their contributions as a 100% of Christel House's beneficiaries are black.

For more information, or to donate, visit www.sa.christelhouse.org or contact [email protected]. You can also follow Christel House South Africa on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.