INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 20, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Christel House International has received a grant of $208,270 from the Stichting af Jochnick Foundation. This one-year grant continues the Jochnick Foundation's support of Christel House Mexico's English Essentials language instruction program and provides books, learning materials and language instructors for the learning center's 400+ students. Additionally, the grant will supply one full month of the school's nutritional program and provide three pre-first grade classrooms with furniture and technology.
This is the fourth grant the Jochnick Foundation has awarded Christel House International.
"We are tremendously grateful for the Foundation's continued support because it equips our students with the English language skills they need to be successful in our global society," said Executive Director of Christel House Mexico, Javier Alarcón Benet. "This grant also helps us nourish our students' bodies with well-balanced meals. And, as we expand to reach more students, the Foundation's generosity will provide desks, chairs and computer equipment for our pre-first grade classrooms."
Christel House Mexico was established in Mexico City in 1998 and serves more than 420 severely impoverished students in grades 1–9. The learning center will expand to serve pre-first grade and high school students over the next few years. The Christel House education model combines the highest quality academic curriculum with a strong character building program to give students the tools to escape generational poverty. Good nutrition, regular health care, life skills training and career counseling form a strong foundation to support students' success.
"Education is essential to helping children break the cycle of poverty. The Stichting af Jochnick Foundation is pleased to support Christel House in the important work they are doing in Mexico City," said Kajsa Åberg, Managing Director. "We are excited to help expand the learning center's reach to very young children who would otherwise not have the opportunity to attend pre-first grade."
Since 2004, the Stichting af Jochnick Foundation, based in the Netherlands, has supported projects that focus on children, youth, education and world health. In 2005 the Foundation outlined an objective to assist 100,000 children with education over a period of 10 years. That objective has already been completed.
About Christel House International
The mission of Christel House is to transform the lives of impoverished children around the world—breaking the cycle of poverty and building self-sufficient, contributing members of society. A focus on academic excellence through a robust K–12 curriculum is combined with a strong character development program and holistic human development to give students the skills and competencies necessary to compete successfully in complex 21st Century society. Much more than a school, Christel House was established in 1998 by Founder and CEO Christel DeHaan, and currently serves more than 4,100 impoverished children through seven learning centers located in India, Mexico, South Africa and the U.S.A., as well as a career development program in Venezuela. Christel House maintains a 96% high school graduation rate, and the majority of its graduates go on to pursue higher education. 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. For more information, please visit www.christelhouse.org.
About the Stichting af Jochnick Foundation
The Stichting af Jochnick Foundation was established in 2004 by the af Jochnick family who wanted to contribute to the greater good and give something back to society. After establishing Oriflame Cosmetics (www.oriflame.com) in 1967, Jonas and Robert af Jochnick started visiting developing countries. It was then that they realized the tremendous need for social contribution. For more information, visit www.afjochnickfoundation.nl.