Our Graduates

Graphic Design Intern

Kabelo, who grew up in Langa, completed a three-year diploma at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Visual Communication Design and is currently working as a Graphic Design Intern at a leading marketing agency in Cape Town. He says growing up in an area with a high crime rate and where drugs were commonplace was difficult. Kabelo and his six other family members lived in a two-bedroom house where his mother was the breadwinner.

He was a shy boy who did not start his school journey off excelling at academics. He says, “I’ve faced all the odds but I told myself that I want a better life for myself and my family. It was tough, but my goals and my support system kept me from being swallowed by the environment.”

Kabelo adds that Christel House SA offered him the opportunity to tap into his visual arts skill, which eventually turned out to be his first love and his career path. Kabelo is also extremely grateful to our Career Development department for assisting him as well as all the other staff members and supporters of Christel House SA.

Project Manager/Conflict Resolution and Mediation officer/ Events Organiser

Nikelwa started her school journey at Christel House in Grade 1. After Matric, she completed a BA in Political Science and Ethics. Since then, she has been actively involved in Human Rights organisations and works as a Project Manager, Conflict Resolution and Mediation officer and Events Organiser for large brands.

Nikelwa says that she faced many of the challenges that come with growing up in poverty. She describes how Christel House SA’s extracurricular activities such as fencing practice and debating competitions helped to keep her busy and steer her in the right direction. She says, “My experience at Christel House is one I would describe as transformative. I was protected by my school’s culture, from being socialised into the mindset and behavioural attributes of my community. All of which moulded me into a respectful, responsible, independent, and honest member of society whose task in life is to realise my full potential.”

Abigail Stewart grew up in Manenberg. She currently works as a Digital Marketer at one of the biggest internet agencies in the Netherlands but she says the road to get there was a bumpy one. She says, “I remember often fearing for my life as a rain of bullets showered down on our street.” Abigail is grateful that she had the privilege of attending Christel House where she felt loved, cared for and safe. She says, “During the day, I'd be at school, truly enjoying being there, and at night I'd be at home often feeling unsafe and scared.”

After matriculating, Abigail worked as the executive assistant to the Christel House SA CEO at the time and completed a certification in Hospitality, with the help of our Career Development department. Abigail relocated to Germany and then the Netherlands. Eventually, she graduated with a Creative Business degree and now works as a Digital Marketer. Abigail would especially like to thank the late Ms. Christel. She says, I am so grateful for her and my heart bleeds at the idea she is no more, but her legacy lives on in me.”