Children Still Need Our Help
A poor harvest in Haiti makes life even tougher
Jean-Wanel tends to his family’s livestock before getting ready for school.
As there often isn’t enough food at home, he doesn’t have any breakfast before walking to Sainte Croix d’Hicaque, his small Haitian school.
Most of the families of the 227 pupils at the school are farmers, and for many, this year’s harvest has been especially bad for the area’s main cash crop – pistachios.
The headteacher tells us that the hunger situation in the area is precarious and two-thirds of families eat just once a day.
Since Mary’s Meals began providing a daily meal at Jean-Wanel’s school, children attend classes more regularly because of the promise they will be able to eat that day.
Jean-Wanel (15) has been performing better at school since receiving Mary’s Meals.
“All the students are motivated to come to school because there is no food at home, but here we can learn and eat,” he said.
“I feel stronger in class and I feel like my body is better developed.”
He added, “My role model is my teacher. He explains things well and respects the students. He speaks to us clearly and frankly about reality and our expectations.”
After school, Jean-Wanel returns home to do his homework. He also likes to play football with his friends and tells us he supported Brazil in the World Cup.
His family are growing cassava, fruit, green veg and beans in their field and are hoping this year’s harvest turns out better than the previous one.