"Whew! No more sore feet. Kids at the EcoVillage school get needed shoes and supplies.
April, 2026
At our last fundraising event in November, we shared a simple but urgent need for the children of the Haiti EcoVillage School. Many students at the school lacked basic supplies—shoes for the long walk and backpacks to carry their books. Our interpreter, Wesly Saintilus (who studies in the U.S.), contacted his sister in Haiti who was able to provide a detailed list of students in need. Attendees at the fundraiser were provided with the list and responded with generous gifts that enable us to meet the need.
Here is an account of how we were able to make this happen for the children.
From the Field: A Message from Judith Saintilus
My name is Judith Saintilus, and I live near Hinche, about five miles from the Haiti EcoVillage School. When my brother Wesly spoke to me about the need for school supplies, I was grateful for the opportunity to help.
We began by visiting the school and meeting with the principal, Ramain Exil. We explained that we had come on behalf of Atlanta supporters who wanted to help students who lacked shoes, backpacks or uniforms. We learned that many of the new students were from displaced families that had to flee their homes in the south of Haiti due to gang activity. The principal welcomed us and gave us permission to visit the classrooms and observe the students.
Over the next visit, we went classroom by classroom. We looked carefully to identify the children who did not have backpacks or uniforms, those without proper shoes, and even some whose uniforms were worn. We recorded each student’s name, age, and shoe size. The need was real and wide-ranging—from young children in early grades to older students working hard to continue their education.
After completing our assessment, we sent the information to Wesly. Soon after, funds were made available through the partnership between the Wesly Wonderful Foundation and the Haiti EcoVillage School Partnership. With these funds, I traveled to Cap-Haïtien and nearby markets to purchase shoes, backpacks, and uniforms.
Once everything was ready, we coordinated with the principal to schedule distribution. Over two days, we gathered the students and distributed the items based on each child’s need. For those who could not attend, we left the remaining supplies with the school so they would not be left out.
This effort meant more than simply giving materials. For many students, having shoes makes the long walk to school possible. A backpack allows them to carry their books with dignity. A uniform helps them feel included and ready to learn.
I am thankful to have been part of this work, and I am especially grateful to the supporters who made it possible. Your generosity reached each child in a very real way.
Pictured are the Team in Haiti that was able to procure the supplies and distribute to the children.
(Left to right) Bedniflore Saintilus, Judith Saintilus, Andaline Saintilus