Here's a link to a map that shows where the village is.
On my prior trip to Pestel I was touched by the earnest requests from a teacher from Thomas Eli that was working (with 2 others) to provide elementary education to kids from this village. The teachers were working for free and were in jeopardy of discontinuing their work because of not being able to feed their families. I was amazed at their dedication and told them I would see how I could help them. We were able to provide some money for them over the past 6 months, but more is definitely needed (this will be a recurring theme!). We estimate that $1000 will sponsor a classroom of kids for a year. There are 3 classrooms of kids (maybe 25-30 kids in each class). These teachers really need our help. I've encouraged the townsfolk to feed the teachers, which I think they'll do.
We helped this village in a couple of other ways as well! Some will recall that we raised money to build school benches. This was the village that built the benches! The carpenter donated much of his time and so there was some money left over. They used that money to construct a door for the school room to keep the benches safe. They're VERY thankful for the gift, and you can see the kids sitting on them in the photos (see below).
We also raised money for plastic cisterns (Chateau D'Eaus). More on these later, but this village received one of the Chateau D'Eaus, installed by a team under direction of Dr. John Leininger (who works further up in the mountains--thanks a million, John!). You can see a photo of the Chateau D'Eau as well!
Enjoy the photos!
Specific ways to consider giving:
1. We're hoping to get LOTS of school supplies for the next trip. This is such a fun and practical way to give. Classrooms, boys and girls clubs, sunday school classes or civic groups can all participate in this! There are a bunch of schools that need supplies. And during School Sales these are dirt cheap for us. Let me know if you're interested!
2. Teacher salary support for Thomas Eli. $1000 will support an entire classroom, and I think that's a pretty good investment. Consider adopting a classroom, in part or in full. I'll make sure you get photos and updates.
3. Finish school room floor. I know this may seem trivial, but I don't think it would take too much money to finish off the floor of that one classroom to make it more usable.
As always, thanks for reading!
Ben
If interested in giving financially:
Check to Slate Hill Mennonite Church
Memo: Haiti Medical (Thomas Eli)
1352 Slate Hill Road
Camp Hill PA
17011
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