Christel House Expanding to Jamaica
Indianapolis-based Christel House International has entered into an agreement with the government of Jamaica to develop a new learning center on the Caribbean island. The organization says it will build the facility on 10 acres of land near Kingston and that it will serve about 840 students.
Christel House says the Jamaican government is donating the land as part of a public-private partnership. The school will be built in phases with the first phase set to accommodate students in grades K-2. Each following year, an additional 60 kindergarten students will be admitted, allowing the school to organically grow until it reaches its capacity at grade 13.
Christel House expects to begin operations in Jamaica by no later than August 2019. The organization says the tuition-free school will also provide students with books, uniforms, transportation, health services, and breakfast, lunch and a snack daily.
"Breaking the cycle of poverty is the only way to unleash human potential and to build better societies," said Christel DeHaan, founder and chief executive officer of Christel House. "We are thrilled to bring a Christel House to Jamaica and we thank the Ministry of Education for its support and belief in our model and our mission."
Christel House says it will launch fundraising initiatives throughout the world. The Jamaican location is expected to receive nonprofit tax status soon.
"This proposed development will be a significant addition to the many safe housing facilities available for the children under our watchful care," said Reul Reid, minister of education, youth & information in Jamaica. "This will be a home where the children will experience love, care and security, while their education and development needs are being addressed."
You can learn more about Christel House Jamaica in the video below: