Inspired by the legacy of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, pioneers of inclusive and girls’ education, Pune Zilla Parishad and Christel House India have partnered to work towards the empowerment of the underserved communities in the rural districts of Pune. Christel House India, a globally recognised non-profit organisation, has partnered with Pune Zilla Parishad to operate the Jyoti Savitri International School in Khanavdi Purandar Taluka, Pune. 

This landmark public-private partnership envisions to follow the path shown by the two torchbearers. This brings together the vision and resources of the government, the private sector, local communities and Christel House to deliver transformational education and long-term opportunity to children, especially female students from underserved communities.

JSIS was conceptualised by Pune Zilla Parishad, Khanavdi villagers and Pensive Architecture company. Construction began in 2020–21 with a vision to serve underprivileged children especially the destitute girls. FIAT India Automobiles Pvt Ltd joined hands through their CSR initiative to help construct the phase 1 infrastructure for the school.

The dream is now being realised with Christel House joining hands with Pune Zilla Parishad to operate the JSIS Khanavdi. Spread across a 12-acre campus, JSIS will follow the globally proven Christel House model, which has successfully empowered students from underserved communities in Bengaluru and Naya Raipur. The school is sceduled to open in April 2026 with grades KG to 2 and will ultimately grow to serve approximately 1,840 students from the deprived communities in and around Khanavdi through Grade 12. Phase 1 of construction is in its final phase of construction and will include administrative offices, 24 classrooms, science and computer laboratories, activity spaces, and modern sanitation facilities.

Built on a foundation of sustained 360° support, the Christel House model integrates academics, nutrition, health and well-being, transportation, school supplies, and College & Careers support, ensuring that students are not only educated but equipped to thrive. The school will also operate as a secular, CBSE-affiliated institution. A future residential facility will provide safe and nurturing accommodation for destitute girls from Grade 6 onward.

Under the terms of the partnership, Pune Zilla Parishad will oversee infrastructure development and expansion while Christel House India will lead all academic and operational responsibilities, including recruitment, student admissions, and programme implementation.

A Holistic Model of Support

The Christel House model offers more than just academics. It includes comprehensive services for the underprivileged such as:

– Nutrition and healthcare

– School supplies and transportation

– Social-emotional development

– College & Careers support through five years post-graduation

Commenting on the partnership, Gajanan Patil, CEO, Pune Zilla Parishad, said, “Pune Zilla Parishad is spearheading public-private partnerships in education, and we are delighted to see multiple parties join hands to make Jyoti Savitri International School a reality. Christel House India’s proven model gives us confidence that underserved children in Khanavadi and nearby villages will receive a high-quality education, completely free of cost. This partnership is a significant step towards equitable and scalable quality education for all children in rural Pune, ensuring they have the tools to bridge the gap between their circumstances and future opportunities. The idea of the school was developed as a tribute to Savitribai Phule and Mahatma Phule. And we are happy that along with underprivileged children, we will be supporting education of the girl students from the deprived communities.”

Jaison C Mathew, CEO, Christel House India, added, “We are deeply grateful for the partnership and leadership of the Zilla Parishad Pune and the Government of Maharashtra. This is a landmark partnership where multiple stakeholders have united to turn a vision into reality. The Government of Maharashtra, Pune Zilla Parishad, FIAPL, Pensive Architecture company and the villagers of Khanavadi have all come together with Christel House India to make high-quality education accessible for underserved children in rural Pune. This collaboration speaks directly to the government’s vision for Maharashtra’s children, highlighting the ease of working together and the potential for real growth in rural communities. We are proud to be part of this journey and remain committed to empowering every child with opportunities to learn, lead, and uplift their communities, ‘From Classrooms to Life,’ by providing the children with both academic excellence and life outcomes.”

Research from nearby villages indicates a growing need for high-quality English-medium schools. While there are government and private schools in the region serving more than 13,000 children, English-medium institutions offering CBSE-aligned education remain few.

David Harris, CEO, Christel House International, said, “This partnership is an exciting milestone in our global journey to bring Christel House’s proven, high-impact model to more children than ever before. With Pune Zilla Parishad’s leadership and Christel House India’s proven track record, JSIS will be a catalyst for generational change—equipping students with the tools they need to lead dignified, empowered lives.”

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