Investing in Haiti's Future
Our Commitment to Education
As Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, ‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” This is especially true at Schools for Haiti where our summer has been brimming with activity. We’ve been hard at work on projects like Vacation Bible School, building repairs, and curriculum development to improve our students’ learning environment. Our new school year began on October 1st with a fresh supply of books and professional development workshops. We’ve also expanded capacity at two of our schools and added practical courses to our high school curriculum. Read on to discover how we’re working to give hope and opportunity to 2,100 children in Haiti, providing a quality education and daily meals amidst challenging circumstances.
theChapel's Vacation Bible School
a summer of fun and faith!
theChapel’s recent Vacation Bible School was a resounding success! Over five days, hundreds of children participated in a variety of engaging activities that combined faith, fun, and learning.
Each morning began with a devotional time, setting a spiritual tone for the day. Kids enjoyed Bible discovery stories centered around important themes, such as creation, Noah’s ark, Gideon and the soldiers, and David and Goliath. These stories highlighted God’s presence even in challenging circumstances.
Beyond the spiritual lessons, the children also had plenty of fun. Daily activities included distributing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, playing soccer and races, and enjoying delicious ice cream treats. A hot lunch was served every day.
A special highlight was the parent involvement day, where parents witnessed their children’s talents on display through drama, dance, and choir performances.
The Vacation Bible School was a testament to theChapel’s commitment to providing a meaningful and enjoyable experience for children in our community. We are grateful for the volunteers and staff who made this event possible. Schools for Haiti hopes to expand this successful program to encompass all of our schools next summer.
Preparing Principals, Teachers and Students
for Success
This summer, Schools for Haiti launched a comprehensive training program to equip our teachers and principals with the tools they need to excel in their roles. The program focused on effective teaching strategies, classroom management, and leadership development. By investing in our educators, we’re investing in the future of education in Haiti.
In addition to ongoing professional development for our staff, we’ve made significant strides in enriching our high school curriculum. We believe that a well-rounded education should equip students not only with academic knowledge but also with practical skills that will serve them long after graduation.We strive to teach our children to think. With this in mind, we’ve incorporated the following courses into our high school curriculum:
- Financial Literacy: to empower students with essential financial knowledge, such as budgeting, saving, and investing.
- Achieving Dreams: to help students develop a clear vision for their future and create a roadmap to achieve their goals.
- Presentation and Public Speaking Skills: to teach students how to deliver confident and engaging presentations for academic presentations, job interviews, and public speaking opportunities in their future endeavors.
These new courses are designed to complement our existing academic programs and provide our students with a competitive edge as they transition to college and beyond. By equipping them with practical skills, we are empowering them to become successful, well-rounded individuals who can make a positive impact on their communities.
Fueling Futures
a breakfast to brighten Haitian holidays
This holiday season, Schools for Haiti invites you to make a difference at our “Fueling Futures” breakfast fundraiser. Our goal? Raise $70,000 to provide 2,100 Haitian schoolchildren and their families with nourishing meals during the Christmas break.
Date: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Location: The Center Club, 123 S Westshore Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33609
Why support Schools for Haiti?
- 18 years of successful operation
- 100% of donations go directly to food for families
- We employ over 250 local workers, boosting Haiti’s economy
- Our programs promote better health, education, and economic opportunities
Can’t attend? Donate online at schoolsforhaiti.com. Together, we can transform empty stomachs into hopeful futures this Christmas.
RSVP to Gil Bailie: (813) 220-3433 or gil@schoolsforhaiti.com
Join us for breakfast, stories, and the chance to make a real difference in Haiti!
A student's perspective
Thriving at Wisconsin Christian Academy
By Clarencia Joseph, 10th-grade student
As a 10th-grader at Wisconsin Christian Academy, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing a truly remarkable learning environment. The teachers at Wisconsin are more than just educators; they are mentors who genuinely care about our success.
As a future doctor, I appreciate the importance of technology. Our well-equipped computer labs allow me to explore the digital world, conduct research, and develop my skills. It’s here that I’ve discovered my passion for medical research.
I firmly believe that Wisconsin is the most beautiful school in Haiti. It’s not just about the physical infrastructure; it’s about the supportive community, the friendships forged, and the shared dreams that make this place truly special.
I’m incredibly grateful to Schools for Haiti for making education possible despite the challenges faced in Haiti. Their unwavering support has allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming a pediatrician. With two more years to go, I’m excited to continue my journey at WCA and make a positive impact on the world.
Wisconsin Christian Academy
a decade of growth and innovation
Founded ten years ago, Wisconsin School has grown to serve 246 students from grades 7 to 13. One of its unique features in Haiti is its access to purified water, running water, and flushable toilets.
A recent addition to the school is a solar power system. This investment will not only reduce the school’s carbon footprint but also provide a reliable and sustainable energy source. With improved lighting and power for classrooms, students will have increased access to technology and can study more effectively.
The Wisconsin School is supported by the Wisconsin Group, whom we thank and recognize for their continued support.
Empty plates translate to empty classrooms. Haiti’s future is hungry. 2.4 million children lack the food necessary to learn, jeopardizing not just their own potential, but the nation’s.
Please click the ‘Donate’ button to fill plates and classrooms with hope.
If you prefer to give by check, you can mail your donation to:
Schools for Haiti
C/O Gil Bailie
PO Box 273848
Tampa, FL 33688
Please know that you are all in our prayers. We pray that you will continue to see God at work in a mighty way. God bless you and your families.
Blessings to all,
The Schools for Haiti Team
William (Bill) Mansfield is the President and Owner of On Track Technology Solutions, LLC, with more than 30 years of experience in the technology industry. He built his first company, On Track Communications, Inc., from the ground up—growing it from zero clients to more than 7,000 commercial customers and annual billings exceeding $30 million before successfully selling to AppDirect in 2020. Today, through On Track Technology Solutions, Bill leads global initiatives in the sustainability sector, helping commercial and industrial clients improve water and energy efficiency. A longtime supporter of charitable causes, Bill has served on numerous nonprofit boards and views volunteering as a way to share his many blessings with others.
Byron Howell is both a lawyer and a minister, bringing over a decade of dedicated service to Schools for Haiti. In his legal practice, Byron represents major real estate firms in complex acquisitions, applying a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach—a skill set he also brings to his ministry and nonprofit work. He and his wife, Shannon, have traveled to Haiti numerous times, visiting our schools and connecting with the communities we serve. Byron’s blend of education, professional expertise, and deep heart for ministry continues to advance Schools for Haiti’s mission in meaningful ways.
Douglas Fearing and his wife Lois reside in Portage, Wisconsin. Douglas is the CEO of Fearing’s Audio Video Security, a company he and Lois founded in 1997 and which is based in Madison, Wisconsin, with an additional office in Milwaukee. Douglas has been an integral part of Schools for Haiti, serving on its Board of Directors since 2015. As a dedicated family man, he takes pride in being a father to two wonderful daughters and cherishes his roles as a grandfather and great-grandfather. Douglas is also a published author, esteemed community and church leader, and passionate youth mentor. He is the visionary behind a mentoring non-profit organization, serving as its founding and current President. Notably, Douglas has held the esteemed position of State President within the Wisconsin Jaycees, now recognized as Junior Chamber International (JCI).
Frank Hunt is the President of F. Hunt Enterprises, LLC, a South Carolina-based distributor for Hunt Brothers Pizza. With a strong background in distribution, Frank has been at the helm of F. Hunt Enterprises since founding the company in 1999.
Rick Barker is a seasoned leader in the faith-based and nonprofit sector with more than two decades of experience in pastoral ministry, church leadership, community development, and international missions. His missions work includes Haiti, Ukraine, Honduras, the Appalachian Mountains and El Salvador. He is recognized for his ability to strengthen and grow mission-driven organizations by aligning vision, people, and resources to achieve sustainable impact.
Mark Graham has been involved with non-profit organizations to raise money and participate as a Board Member of 501(C)(3) organizations since 1972. As a board member of organizations, I have led teams to rebuild a football stadium, build new college library, raise money for children with Cerebral Palsy, support teachers for children with weak education, Board member of Company for security for churches, and mental health services.
Matt White obtained a BS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Central Florida in December 1991. As a young engineer Matt worked in that field for the next several years with companies like Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney as a mechanical design engineer.
Dr. Sanjie Jackson is a passionate and community-driven dentist who leads with warmth, excellence, and heart. Born in Dominica and raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Florida, she brings a rich cultural perspective to her work. A graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry, she combines advanced dental care with a deep commitment to service. both locally and globally, through mission work in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Swaziland, and Tampa Bay. Dr. Jackson currently serves as Vice President of the West Coast Central District Dental Association and President of the Upper Pinellas County Dental Association. Her dedication to helping others aligns with her mission to make a lasting impact through both dentistry and charitable work.
Dr. Heather Schock is an Assistant Professor at The University of Tampa, where she has cultivated a reputation for thoughtful leadership and excellence in teaching and research. With a strong academic foundation and a desire to empower future educators, Dr. Schock has contributed significantly to the university’s School of Education, driving the success of its students and the broader academic community.