Team News Riveting
Raipur, August 26
The President and CEO of Christel House International, Bart Peterson, said that the institution had been working on a plan to expand its network in India for transforming the lives of children.
“We intend to expand in India,” he said while addressing a press conference here on Friday. Peterson visited the Christel House school in Atal Nagar of Nava Raipur—the upcoming new capital of Chhattisgarh—to meet students and staff and to tour the construction of the school’s new classrooms and facilities.
The institution is in the midst of a planning process that will guide it as they decide on the timing and location of new schools, he added. “We are looking for government and private partnerships to optimize our resources and expertise while expanding in India. Our aim is to provide high quality, high impact education and career paths to more underserved children in India,” Peterson said.
Christel House India – Atal Nagar opened in 2016, initially serving 210 K-2 students with a grade added each year. When the facility is at full K-12 capacity, 910 students from the underprivileged communities in the Atal Nagar area will be served at the school.
Nava Raipur Atal Nagar Vikas Pradhikaran (NRANVP) formally approved Phase Two funding and construction of Christel House India – Atal Nagar last year. The second phase investment is expanding the school adding classrooms, science labs, resource and counselling rooms, furniture, classroom equipment and computers for grades 7 to 12.
“We are very grateful for the NRANVP’s investment in the Phase 2 school campus construction,” said Peterson. “The expansion of the school shows their commitment to the development of socially and economically challenged families in Atal Nagar,” he added.
Peterson said, “Christel House India is well known for its innovative and high standard of inclusive education. Through this partnership between NRANVP and Christel House, children in the Atal Nagar area will receive high quality education, healthcare, life skills, character and value education, financial assistance for college education and employment readiness skills.”
Christel House India introduces career development and guidance so students can explore career options through the school’s unique College & Careers program. As grade 12 graduation approaches, Christel House helps students select universities or vocational opportunities, identify a career path and provide financial assistance towards their college fees. For five years after grade 12 graduation, Christel House stays in regular contact, mentoring students through colleges and successful job placement.
Christel House gives children who need the most help the best chance. Christel House helps children from underprivileged communities realize their full potential. It starts with a strong K-12 academic curriculum and adds character development programs to instill independence, integrity, social responsibility, and leadership. Started in 2001, over 2050 students benefited from Christel House India’s education programs through two schools in India—Atal Nagar (Raipur) and Bangalore. 100 per cent of donations support programs and services for students.
Much more than a school, Christel House India students maintain an overall 99 per cent Grade 12 exam pass rate. After grade 12, Christel House provides scholarships to pursue their university/ tertiary education and finally assistance with job placements. It’s a successful model with 97 per cent of its graduates currently working in the formal sector or pursuing higher/ university education—a model that creates a “multiplier effect,” as once the cycle of poverty is broken, future generations benefit. They become productive citizens, and many secure employment with top multinational corporations. Christel House graduates are confident, hardworking, responsible and ethical, with a passion for giving back to their communities and caring for their families.
