Christel House South Africa, an independent school in Ottery, has joined a prestigious list of Western Cape schools previously recognised in the World’s Best School Prizes.
The school has been as been shortlisted for the World’s Best School Prize for Overcoming Adversity. This places the school in the top 10 globally in its category, highlighting its exceptional work with learners from disadvantaged communities.
Western Cape Education MEC, David Maynier, has wished the school well – as a hopeful to win the prize.
“The school is doing excellent work supporting learners from poor communities to receive a world-class education, and it is fitting that they have been selected as a finalist in the “Overcoming Adversity” category. We wish them all the best in the next phase of the competition”
Christel House joins Pinelands-North Primary School and West End Primary School, which were 2022 finalists in the same category. Last year, Rustenburg Girls High School achieved a top 10 spot in another category: Supporting Healthy Lives.
The World’s Best School Prizes, established by T4 Education in collaboration with Accenture, American Express, and the Lemann Foundation, honour schools worldwide for their transformative impact. Winners across five categories – Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives -will share a $50,000 prize.
The final selection involves an expert Judging Academy and a public advisory vote. Additionally, all shortlisted schools will disseminate their innovative practices through detailed toolkits.
Vikas Pota, founder of T4 Education, highlighted the urgency of addressing global educational challenges intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic and lauded Christel House’s innovative approach.
“Trailblazing South African schools like Christel House South Africa, which have cultivated a strong culture and aren’t afraid to innovate, show the difference that can be made to so many lives.”
Christel House excitement
Chief Academic Officer at Christel House, Carol Kriel, says the school was buzzing when they found out about being shortlisted on Thursday.
She says despite facing significant adversities, such as poverty and community violence, the school boasts a 100% Grade 12 pass rate, with 97% of alumni pursuing higher education or employment. This is only by some of the great strides the school makes.
It also offers trauma-informed teaching, extensive support services, and strong community involvement. Kriel says a core focus of the school, especially during youth month, is that each learner becomes the best they can be.
“For our children, [Youth Day] means to have a strong belief, that they have goals, that they can reach their goals. They have a whole community of people at Christel House, who believe them.”
