Irish Businessman Takes The Reins Of South African School For Disadvantaged Children

Former head of Oracle South Africa, Nicky Sheridan, has been appointed CEO of Christel House, a school for severely disadvantaged children in Ottery, Cape Town. The business-savvy Irishman says he will use three decades of experience and influence in the corporate world to build the school and ensure that it is sustainable for years to come and to build more schools in South Africa.

Christel House is a not-for-profit entity that seeks to break the cycle of poverty by providing a holistic learning experience for students.

The school's model incorporates such initiatives as a bus service for learners to transport them from their settlements daily, nutritious meals, the provision of uniforms and all education equipment and onsite doctors, nurses and therapists. Parents are encouraged to be actively involved in the school and Christel House provides training to members of the community in order to marry learner's 360-degree educational experience with their families and communities.

Christel House is also renowned for its “Work Study” programme, which focuses on the future employability of each learner from an early age. “Life skills and emotional maturity and intelligence are critical in today's South Africa and we prioritize these from an early age,” says Sheridan.

Originally a chartered accountant with KPMG and later PWC, Sheridan spent 23 years in senior roles at Oracle globally, including South Africa. Now 50, he says it's time to give back.

“I've been very lucky in my career and blessed in my life. I want to give back to others what I have learned,” Sheridan says.

Sheridan sees his appointment as a fresh challenge and he will work on “transforming lives, one child at a time”, as he takes Christel House to the next level. The school depends on donor funding and Sheridan plans to build partnerships and relationships with new stakeholders and to strengthen ties with existing ones.

“This is an amazing school and children are doing great things. We need to get more people involved so that we can benefit more children.

“Our job at Christel House is to ensure that every child graduates and every graduate becomes a contributing member of South Africa. The mission is simple, the challenge is huge. We're changing lives, families and communities one at a time. What is so gratifying is that we're making a positive difference every single day,” he says.

Currently the Cape Town school is the only such school in South Africa, but the plan is to extend the Christel House holistic model.

“We want to help break the cycle of poverty and give more children an opportunity to get a quality education,” Sheridan says.

During a special assembly to announce his appointment Sheridan told pupils: “It is all about you. Be honest, always do your best and think ahead.”

Sharon Williams, head of marketing at Christel House South Africa says the board, staff and pupils are very excited to have Sheridan on the team.

“He brings years of professional experience and with that comes friends and funds. He is going to be a true asset to our school,” Williams says.

Sheridan concludes: “I have been lucky to have worked for great companies all over the world. But I've never been as excited as I am now. The energy from the classroom is brilliant.”

Issued by: Rothko PR on behalf of Christel House South Africa

Contact details: Sibahle Melane, [email protected] 021 448 9457, Rothko PR Marketing Design, 225 Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town. http://www.rothko.co.za