Gift tuition and medical expenses of a poor child by Christel House India

Christel House Learning Center (CHLC) provides free quality education till Grade 12 to children from poor families from urban slums and orphanages in and around Bangalore. Along with education, CHLC also provides transport for the children. The school conducts co-curricular classes like music, art, sports, yoga and life skills for overall personality development. Children are encouraged to pursue the fields that they excel in with additional support. The learning center provides education, healthcare, wholesome nutrition and a caring environment. General and dental screening, immunizations, deworming, etc are also provided to the children.The screening is done by a team of doctors from various departments and is done half-yearly and annually for Kindergarten students and the rest of the students respectively. Medical care is also provided on a case by case basis. With your support, a child can go to school and dream of a better future. The students of Christel House took part in an 8-day Annual Medical Screening Program organized at school. The medical screening included ENT, dental, dermatology and ophthalmology examinations, besides the general health check-ups. Students who needed follow-up treatment were referred to MS Ramaiah Medical College for follow-up treatment. All children were also immunized according to WHO standards.

Areas from where students were served include: Kannur Yerrapanahalli Bande slum Byrathi slum Hosur Bande slum Rampura slum Mariyannapalya slum Mittigenahalli slum Kadu Agrahara slum Chinnappa Garden slum Kadusonnapanahalli Bande Bommasandra slum Krishnappa Garden slum Chikka Gubbi Angalpura slum Janakiram Layout slum Dodda Gubbi Kothanur Cox Town slum Gollahalli Geddalahalli Nagannapalya slum Yerrapanahalli slum Frazer Town slum

Learning loss & Learning gap remediation for the academic year 2022-23: Christel House students developed huge learning and social-emotional gaps due to the absence of physical classes since the onset of the pandemic. The management and the teachers have done a detailed analysis of students’ performance in the most recent Term Exam (held in March/April 2022) and assessed the learning gap in each subject. The Learning Centers have devised & implemented several interventions and initiatives to mitigate the learning gap in students. The management has also taken adequate steps to bridge the emotional gaps created among students during the school closure. These initiatives and efforts will be continued in the new Academic Year 2022-23. Initiatives that are continued in the Academic Year 2022-23:

1. Implementing a Bridge Curriculum for each grade. Bridge curriculum essentially helps to re-teach the previous year’s important concepts which are most important for the students’ progression to the next grade. The extent of the bridge curriculum for each grade is decided based on the baseline assessments and learning gap in each grade. The Bridge Curriculum is transacted at a differential pace for different student groups based on the learning gap.
2. Implementing an Accelerated Curriculum for each grade. The accelerated curriculum helps teachers to plan and impart the lessons for the new academic year, after taking the learning gap into account. Accelerated Curriculum is transacted at a differential pace for different grades based on the level of learning gap.
3. Remedial intervention programs for academically weaker students. Christel House conducts different types of remedial intervention programs based on the need of the students, including small group and one-on-one remediation. Students are divided into 3 tiers based on their learning levels and learning gap. Students in Tier 1 undergo the normal learning plan by subject teachers. Tier 2 and Tier 3 students need more intense remediation by specialists. Teachers have adopted Differentiated Teaching methods and developed Individual Education Plan (IEP) to help students with deferential learning needs and pace. Though this program needs additional dedicated manpower, it is helping the students immensely to bridge the learning gap.
4. Quick and short assessments in the form of quizzes are conducted routinely to test understanding of concepts, and re-teaching and remediation done immediately.
5. Error analysis questions practiced in every class and connections made to real life situations for better and quick understanding.
6. Focus on developing inferencing skills in students.
7. Frequent Parent-Teacher meeting to update the parents of their wards’ performances and bring parents as partners.
8. Intensive training programs for teachers to identify socio-emotional needs of the students and how to address them through counselling and mentorship programs. Also, Teachers will continue to undergo rigorous training and capacity building to improve the efficacy of the academic program

Aishwarya, studying in grade 4 was admitted to M.S. Ramaiah hospital with the complaint of Tongue-tie (speech impairment) and underwent Tongue tie release. It was an uneventful post-operative recovery and treated with steroids, anti-biotics and physiotherapy. Speech therapy was also done. Aishwarya was discharged with the stable condition. Aishwarya’s family is very grateful for the medical assistance provided by Give India and her speech is very much improved now.

The 2021-22 academic year at Christel House Bangalore began on June 1, 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting school closure, Christel House India adopted the hybrid model of teaching and learning for the 2021–22 academic year, where classes for students were taken both online and offline. To help our students continue learning while at home, despite their backgrounds, we adopted a new method of teaching and learning by framing a rigorous timetable with academics, skill building, counselling, character development, and extra-curricular activities through the Academic Continuity Plan (ACP). Under this plan, Christel House distributed text books, resource materials, and started the 2021–22 academic year with dedicated tech resources (Tabs with internet connection) for on-line classes. All children are immunized according to WHO standards. Christel House carries out annual medical camps that cover ENT, Dental, Dermatology, and Ophthalmology screenings for our students. Vaccinations against COVID-19 for students in the age group of 15–18 years were administered in accordance with the government protocols. The staff and students are cautioned to remain vigilant against the virus by following COVID-appropriate behaviour and COVID protocols and taking regular RT-PCR COVID tests. Areas served include Bande slum, Byrathi slum, Hosur Bande slum, Rampura slum, Mariyannapalya slum, Mittigenahalli slum, Kadu Agrahara slum, Chinnappa Garden slum, Kadusonnapanahalli Bande Bommasandra slum, Krishnappa Garden slum, Chikka Gubbi Angalpura slum, Janakiram Layout slum, Dodda Gubbi Kothanur, Cox Town slum, Gollahalli Geddalahalli Nagannapalya slum, Yerrapanahalli slum, Frazer Town slum

Counselling sessions were held for students and their parents to overcome stress and strain due to the pandemic, job loss, financial strain, domestic abuse, and physical or mental health issues resulting from the extended period of confinement and, in some cases, the loss of family members during the pandemic.

In the online mode, student attendance and submission of expected work was sometimes a challenge. To combat this, we have regular parent-teacher meetings, and parents have become more proactive, supportive, and interested in the ongoing education of their children. After beginning the offline classes, we strengthened the RTI (Response to Intervention) program to bridge the learning gaps created due to lockdown and address learning difficulties, especially in literacy and numeracy, among students. Our teachers tracked the learning of every student through continuous assessments and were able to bridge the gaps through re-teaching and differentiated instruction. We have introduced intensive training programs for the teachers to identify the socio-emotional needs of the students and address them through counseling and mentorship programs.

A student in grade 6 was complaining of swelling of the scrotum in the month of September 2021. His parents reached out to our in-house nurse and shared the ailment. Immediately, the student was taken to M.S. Ramaiah Hospital, wherein the physician confirmed that he had been diagnosed with Scrotum Swelling, which was treatable. He underwent an orchiectomy and was on bedrest for a few days. He has recovered and is now attending school.

Christel House school reopened for in-person classes for students of high school, abiding by all safety precautions as per the Government directives. To ensure the safety of our students, a mandatory COVID test was conducted for them with the support of the Primary Health Centre following which the entire place was sanitized and classrooms were rearranged maintaining social distancing. The sponsored students regularly attended their in-person/ in-campus classes. By keeping students focused on their regular school activities we were able to reduce the school drop-outs.

Though the students were attending online classes, the learning gap created by the pandemic and the school closure is huge and may have a significant impact on their academic performance and socio-emotional development for years to come. We started with a bridge curriculum and put an accelerated learning program in place to prepare the students to achieve grade-level competencies. Remedial intervention program and RTI (Response to intervention) for academically weaker students.Teachers have adopted differentiated teaching methods and developed Individual Education Plan (IEP) to help students with deferential learning needs and pace. Introduced intensive training programs to the teachers to identify the socio-emotional needs of the students and how to address them through counselling and mentorship programs. Christel House was able to promote the health and well-being of our students and their families by providing essential nutrition, which increases their immunity levels through the distributed regular food and grocery relief kits.

A student of grade 3 was diagnosed with Facial Palsy in March 2021. His parents reached out to our in-house Nurse and shared that his facial muscles were contracted. Immediately we took him to M.S. Ramaiah Hospital and then the Physician told us that he had been diagnosed with Facial Palsy which was treatable.He was hospitalized for a week and later underwent physiotherapy. Now he is recovering.We continued to monitor our student’s health and well-being even during these unprecedented times.

Shiva Kumar is one of the many students who has been able to continue his studies, even during these trying times when all schools are closed due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. This is mainly due to the Academic Continuity Plan initiated and implemented by Christel House India, wherein Christel House India with the help of a few donor were able to procure  a few tablets for students and distribute  in phases. This has been done to ensure that the students continue to receive good quality education in spite of the schools being closed. Shiva Kumar is one of the few students who has received a tablet for attending online classes from his home. He is in grade 7 and his teacher says that he is a very responsible child and carries out all work diligently. He completes all his work on time, and it  is always well done. He is a sensitive student. His interpersonal skills are very impressive and  displays good leadership qualities. Shiva Kumar and the other students at Christel House India have been able to continue with their studies in spite of all the challenges, due to the generous support received from all the kind donors. We are very thankful to Give Foundation and all the donors who have been contributing towards the Gift tuition and medical expenses of a poor child  program.

Bell Ringers

1.   Republic day Celebration:  Republic day Celebration helped in infusing  a spirit of patriotism among  the students . During this celebration, they learnt about the Constitution of India and the importance of respecting and abiding by the same.
   

   
   



2.    Golden Star students awards- 5 students who received the ‘Golden Star students’ award’ for maximum number of times in the academic year 2019-20 were given bicycles on 10th February 2020. 
   

   
   



3.   Graduation day ceremony for Batch of 2019-20 - The graduation ceremony for the batch of 2020 was held on 5th February 2020. The students thanked Christel House  which enabled them to get quality education and the power to dream big.
   

   
   



4.   Educational trip to Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium- Students of grade 2 and 3 were taken on an educational trip to the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, on 26th February, 2020. students were shown the arrangement of planets, position of stars and other interesting facts about the galaxy along with the mythological story related to astrology. They were informed about the latest developments in the field of astrophysics and India’s recent contribution to the same. The trip proved to be an enjoyable learning experience for the students.
   

   
   



5.   Vermicomposting Project by students- As part of Eco club activity, the Science stream students of Grade 11 and 12, initiated the vermicomposting project in October 2019. The project was completed in February 2020 and the compost was transferred to the pots in the campus.
   

   
   

Program Update

January-2019
Grade 7 students visited the Bangalore BSF (STS) campus on the 17th January 2019 to research about the officials’ experiences and the necessary skills required to join the Border Security Forces. The aim was to recognize the people who serve our nation and help the youth of our nation become responsible citizens in society. Our students were shown the different communication systems and various weapons used by the officials at the border. All-in-all it was a great hands on experience for our students and teachers.
The 70th Republic Day was celebrated in Christel House India, Bangalore campus on January 26, 2019. The students and staff members assembled for the flag hoisting. The students decorated the floor with flowers. The Indian tri-colour was hoisted and Mr. Muthu Kumar addressed the students and emphasized the importance of the Republic day. Sweets were distributed to the students on the occasion.
February-2019
The annual day for the year 2019 was celebrated on the 26th February, 2019. The students performed various folk dances and songs from the western state of Rajasthan. Siddique Pasha of KG and Jayalakshmi of Grade 10 spoke about their journey in Christel House. The choir performed melodious numbers on the occasion. President & CEO of Christel House International, Mr Bart Peterson addressed and motivated the students to make the best of the opportunity given to them. Over 55 guests from the donor companies of Christel House India were present on this occasion and interacted with students, alumni/ graduates, board members and Indy team. Mr Joe Schneider, Ms. Caitlin Teague from the Christel House International team also attended the event. A video message from Christel ma’am to the students and the guests was played during the program. The alumni students took the donors on a campus tour.
March-2019
The Students of Grade 5A and 5B visited the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum and Cubbon Park on March 14th 2019 as part of an Educational Trip. This museum is a constituent unit of National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, which was established in memory of Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya. Students spent a lot of time experimenting and learning how different things work. All the students got an opportunity to understand, use and work on the working models exhibited. Students were enriched with the vast amount of knowledge they gained about Science and technology.

The students of Grade 9 and 11 visited the ‘Open Day’ conducted by Indian Institute of Science on March 23, 2019. The students understood various Physics concepts through simple experiments. Various specimens were displayed in the Biology section and students could perform experiments in Chemistry. They were briefed about the application of modern technology in life.

Along with rigorous academics, students receive complete health services such as medical check –ups, vaccinations, follow-up treatments and mental health services as needed as a part of the Medical health and wellness program. Nutritious breakfast, lunch and evening snack with milk is provided every day.

Story from the field

Our first medical doctor! Dr. Shaik Reshma is a 2012 Christel House India graduate. “Becoming a doctor was my dream since childhood,” Dr. Reshma says. She will work as an intern at a local hospital then do a year of rural service. Her father worked as a driver and her mother looked after the home and her four siblings. Her father struggled to make ends meet. When she joined Christel House, she was shy, reserved and lacked confidence. Christel House helped her to come out of her shell and believe that she could achieve and succeed. With the help of the College & career program, she perused the education needed to become a doctor. The school provided her with a scholarship throughout her undergraduate education.

Program Update

Christel House India Learning centers offers impoverished children completely free of cost rigorous academic education, which stresses competency in English, computers and basic skills, while instilling the universal values of Respect, Responsibility, Independence and Integrity. Regular meals, physical and psychological health and wellness programs, life skills training, enrichment activities and service learning opportunities complement the educational program. Christel House provides each student with a thorough physical examination and records data such as height, weight and chest circumference measurements. In addition, all children are checked and treated for skin infections or other conditions. Christel House ensures that each student receives proper immunizations and has a complete, up-to-date medical record. To ensure that all students have access to proper preventative health care, Christel House India partners with local hospitals, doctors and dentists to keep costs low. Currently, we are working with Ramaiah Hospital and St. John's Hospital.

Story from the field

Sindhu Kumari comes from an impoverished family where her father an auto driver was the sole breadwinner. She has three older brothers, one of her brothers also studied at Christel House India. She joined Christel House India in the year 2003 as a fourth grader before which she studied at a school near her home. While at Christel House she was an extremely hardworking and focused student who was also a perfectionist and strived hard to achieve her dreams and has excelled. Sindhu completed her Undergraduate Studies (B.Com) in 2015 from Kristu Jayanthi College and her Postgraduate Diploma in HR Management from the same college. Today Sindhu works at KPMG as an Audit Associate and has been working at KPMG for past three years.