In the quiet mountain villages of Haiti, life is marked by hard work, deep faith, and unimaginable sacrifice. For the Datius family, each day has been a struggle to survive—but also a testament to their determination to give their children a better future.
Mr. and Mrs. Datius have spent their lives working in the farm fields, earning just enough to keep food on the table. Together, they’ve raised five young children—Woudley, Aleida, Fania, Erica, and Lovedensky. But in their remote mountain village, there’s one heartbreaking reality: there is no school.
When their oldest son, Woudley, was old enough for preschool, they made the difficult decision to send him to live with his aunt in Luly—hours away—so he could attend school. Every month, they worked long days in the fields to pay for rent, school fees, and a few simple meals. Holidays and summer breaks were precious times of reunion and joy.
When Aleida grew old enough, she followed in her brother’s footsteps. She, too, moved to Luly to live with her aunt and attend school. These were not easy choices—what parent wants to live apart from their children? But for the Datius family, education represented hope. It was their children’s chance to rise above a life of poverty and field labor.
Then, tragedy struck.
Gangs from a nearby mountain community swept through their village—burning homes, churches, and farms. The Datius family hid under dense brush, watching in terror as everything they owned went up in flames.
When the smoke finally cleared, their home and livelihood were gone. With nowhere else to go, they fled to Luly—arriving with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
Thanks to the generosity of caring supporters, the Datius family received emergency food assistance and a safe place to stay. But they are still rebuilding, one step at a time.
Today, despite all they’ve endured, the oldest children are back in school thanks to sponsorship! Their smiles tell a story of hope rising from ashes. Because when a child in Haiti has the chance to learn, they also have the chance to dream again.
Education is more than books and uniforms—it’s dignity, hope, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
The youngest of the Datius children, 4-year-old Lovedensky, is ready to start school but is still waiting for a sponsor. He’s been chosen as part of “Little Steps, Big Futures” and is praying to take that first step into school this year! Lovedensky lights up whenever he has a ball and can’t wait to learn his ABCs, but needs your help.
Find Lovedensky and other students waiting for sponsorship at: worldwidevillage.org/student-sponsorship