Christel House SA can’t wait to open a new no-fees school in the Western Cape! With enough support, they’ll be able to give learners from Grade RR all the way to matric the chance to excel through education.
Western Cape, South Africa (17 March 2025) — Christel House South Africa has set its sights on opening a new no-fees school in the Western Cape!
A non-profit school and public-benefit organisation that provides no-fee scholarships to 906 vulnerable children from 29 of Cape Town’s most under-resourced communities, Christel House has a lengthy, positive track record of supporting the next generation’s underserved with a level of education they otherwise wouldn’t have received.
They have officially launched their campaign for the new no-fees school, which hopes to serve learners from Grade RR all the way to matric.
The campaign for the new no-fees school was officially launched at an event hosted in Cape Town’s CBD last week.
Adri Marais, CEO of Christel House South Africa, together with the President and CEO of Christel House International, David Harris, presented the school’s exciting expansion strategy and led an engaging discussion on how this vision can be supported through financial investment, service contributions, and sponsorships.
“We believe that a thriving economy starts in the classroom”, Wesgro CEO, Wrenelle Stander said.
“The future prosperity of our country depends on developing a well-educated, skilled, and adaptable workforce-one that can meet the demands of a rapidly changing global economy.”
With education funding taking centre stage as the country approaches its postponed budget speech, the timing of this campaign is more critical than ever.
“We see independent and donor-funded schools as partners in facing the challenges of improving learning outcomes and expanding access to education in the Western Cape,” Kerry Mauchline, spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department added.
“Our province will need to add over 100 000 new places for learners in our schools by 2030 despite severe budget constraints, and the results our independent schools achieve speak for themselves – they can provide quality education and the hope of a better future to learners in poor communities.
“We are exploring new ways to support private investment into education in the Western Cape, and to support the work that Christel House is doing to break the cycle of poverty for our children,” Kerry concluded.
Christel House International—which operates nine schools worldwide, including the South African chapter—has pledged to invest R100 million into the local expansion project!
The first phase of the new school is expected to welcome its inaugural intake of students by January 2027.
“We look forward to collaborating with the Western Cape Education Department, Wesgro, and our investor partners to establish a second Christel House school in the Western Cape where it is most needed. This school will serve as a vital safety net for children from under-resourced communities, ensuring they have access to the transformative education and holistic support they deserve,” said Adri Marais, CEO of Christel House South Africa.
A Hopeful Model for Education and Social Impact
The Christel House model is designed to break the cycle of poverty through a unique, character-based, and career-focused approach. Beyond providing a high-quality education, the school ensures students receive comprehensive social support, including daily transport, professional healthcare services, two nutritious meals and snacks per day, psycho-social counselling, family assistance, and five years of college and career support after matriculation.
This holistic approach addresses the multifaceted needs of both students and their families, significantly improving long-term outcomes.
Only 3% of Christel House South Africa alumni fall into the NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) category—well below the national average of 42%.
“Through our transformative model, a single Christel House school has the power to create a lasting, sustainable future for generations to come,” explained Adri.
“We have witnessed firsthand how children from communities like Manenberg and Langa have gone on to become doctors, educators, software developers, and digital marketers. Our mantra, ‘From Classrooms to Life,’ is about more than just careers—it reflects our deep commitment to ensuring successful life outcomes, economic mobility, and responsible citizenship. With this new school, we can double our impact and create even more inspiring success stories.”
Opportunities for Partnerships and Donor Recognition
The non-profit is currently seeking partnerships with trusts, foundations, corporate donors, and individuals committed to investing in education and social development. As part of this initiative, key areas of the new no-fees school building will offer naming rights, providing donors with the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.
Those interested in joining the new no-fees school mission can contact fundraising manager Lara Black at lblack@sa.christelhouse.org.
More about Christel House
Christel House South Africa is a non-profit school with a single mission: A world where poverty does not limit potential. It offers no-fee scholarships to students from 29 of Cape Town’s severely under-served communities and supports them for 19 years (Grade RR to Grade 12 and five years post-matric) through character-based and career-focused education.
The school’s beneficiaries include 906+ students from grades RR to 12, 250+ post-matric students, and more than 3,000 parents and other members of the communities it serves.
Throughout their schooling and beyond, learners receive consistent support through various projects and programmes, including career guidance, vocational preparation, character development, and post-matric alumni support. This extends to tertiary education, job placements, graduate mentoring, career workshops, and financial support, forming a network of impact that extends to families and communities.
by 