Christel DeHaan co-founded Resort Condominiums International (RCI), and under her leadership, RCI grew into a global enterprise with offices in 38 countries. Then she had a profoundly transformative experience that changed the course of her own life and the lives of thousands of children around the world.
“After she sold RCI, I introduced her to the in charge of orphans and abandoned kids in Mexico City,” remembers Gabriel Oropeza, former President of RCI Latin America and now Board Chair at Christel House Mexico. “I asked Christel for a check to help these kids. Christel came back not only with a cheque but with a new mission in her life.”
Christel DeHaan quickly realised that for children to break the cycle of poverty, they needed access to a strong education along with all the necessary supports to succeed — nutrition, healthcare, character education, family assistance, career support, and more. From that moment on, she devoted her time, energy, and financial resources to this cause.
In 1998, she founded Christel House International and developed a holistic school model designed to move children and their families out of poverty.
Explore the remarkable 25-year journey of Christel House from the launch of the first school in Mexico in 1998 to our global impact today.
A world where poverty doesn’t limit potential.
Our Mission: Christel House prepares graduates to achieve upward economic mobility, demonstrate good citizenship, and become empowered to identify and realise their goals, dreams, and human potential.
Our model is focused on the holistic development of the child; it is intentionally crafted so that thousands of children globally will realise this mission. Graduates of Christel House are proactive, empowered individuals who surmount adversity, make positive contributions to society, and pave the way for future generations.
The Christel House India team is dedicated to transforming the lives of children around the world through education.
Board Chair, Christel House
India
Former President & CEO - RCI Asia, China and Middle East
Founder, Café Diem, Coonoor
Former Managing Director - RCI South Asia
Founder & CEO, Continual
Engine
DP & CMD, Ravindu Motors Pvt. Ltd.
Board Advisor & Executive Coach
Former President & Board Member - Fidelity Investments
Partner - Global Ventures & Honorary Consul of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Executive Director - PDC Services Pvt Ltd
Chief Executive Officer, Christel House India
We adhere to rigorous business practices. Accountability and transparency are paramount, and financials are audited annually. 100% of donations support programmes and services for children. All our administration, finance, marketing and fundraising costs are funded by the Founder’s bequest to the organisation.
Christel House India has regular internal and external audits. 100% of Christel House India’s financial transactions are audited by a team of internal auditors on a monthly basis, and then externally by the external statutory auditors on an annual basis.
Christel House India offers 100% transparency and accountability to its donors, and welcomes all existing and prospective donors to verify any financial transactions/books of accounts, without prior notice.
Our Registrations:
• Registered as a not-for-profit organisation incorporated under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956 (currently, Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013)
• Registered under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act 1961 as a wholly charitable trust (Regn. No. AABCC6926BE2021401)
• Registered under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act 1961 (Regn. No. AABCC6926BF2021401)
• Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010 (Regn. No. 094421257)
• Registration of entities for undertaking CSR Activities – CSR-1 (Regn. No. CSR00000160)
Our Registrations:
• Registered as a not-for-profit organisation incorporated under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956 (currently, Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013)
• Registered under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act 1961 as a wholly charitable trust (Regn. No. AABCC6926BE2021401)
• Registered under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act 1961 (Regn. No. AABCC6926BF2021401)
• Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010 (Regn. No. 094421257)
• Registration of entities for undertaking CSR Activities – CSR-1 (Regn. No. CSR00000160)
