From Preschool to Pharmacy:
The Lifelong Impact of St. Marc School
For 45 years, St. Marc School has been a beacon of hope and education in Jeannette, Haiti, changing lives from the earliest years of schooling to post-graduate success. This month, we highlight two students—one just beginning her academic journey and another whose years at St. Marc set him on a path to becoming a medical doctor, now serving his community with life-saving care.
Meet Woobens Oxilus: A Joyful Beginning
Woobens Oxilus is in her second year of preschool at St. Marc. Her father is a farmer, and her mother runs a small business—both working tirelessly to support their family. Woobens has two sisters: one who recently finished school and another still studying at St. Marc. Known for her love of learning, Woobens thrives in the classroom, where she eagerly works hard, enjoys reading, and brings joy to her teachers and classmates alike. Her enthusiasm for school is a testament to the nurturing environment St. Marc provides for its youngest learners.
Dr. Jean Ernest Chervil: A Dream Realized
While Woobens represents the bright future of St. Marc, Dr. Jean Ernest Chervil embodies its lasting impact. Though he did not live in Jeannette, he traveled from another village to attend St. Marc Secondary School, drawn by its reputation for academic excellence. When he graduated in 2016, he dreamed of becoming a medical doctor but lacked the resources to pursue higher education.
Acting in faith, he applied to the Episcopal University in Port-au-Prince and was accepted. Thanks to the efforts of then-Priest-in-Charge Pere Lenord, a donor was found to sponsor his medical education. That donor—once the Haiti Project coordinator and still one of our most generous contributors—not only supported his schooling but also helped finance his own pharmacy.
After years of perseverance through school closures, delays, and safety concerns, Dr. Chervil graduated from medical school in August 2024. Now, he runs a pharmacy in Leogane, providing critical medical care in a country where doctors are in desperately short supply. His work is a godsend, especially as gang violence has forced many medical professionals to flee their communities. He continues to receive business and financial mentoring from Rudolph Eloi, former St. Marc School administrator and current CFO of APSHA, ensuring his practice remains sustainable and successful.
The Power of Education in Haiti
Haiti has long struggled with limited access to quality education and medical care. Schools like St. Marc are rare and precious, serving as lifelines for students who otherwise might not have the opportunity to reach their full potential. By providing a solid foundation from preschool onward, St. Marc is not only educating young minds but also creating leaders who bring transformation to their communities. Dr. Chervil’s journey from a rural student to a practicing physician is just one powerful example of the ripple effect that education can have in a nation in need.
The success of students like Woobens and Dr. Chervil is made possible by the unwavering commitment of donors and supporters who recognize the value of investing in education. Contributions to St. Marc School don’t just pay for books and uniforms; they pave the way for brighter futures, professional careers, and essential services that improve countless lives. Every donation, big or small, makes a tangible difference in sustaining this vital mission.
A Legacy of Transformation
St. Marc School is more than just a place of learning—it is a launching pad for students who go on to change their communities and the world. From preschoolers like Woobens to professionals like Dr. Chervil, the support of our Haiti Partnership ensures that education remains a path to opportunity, resilience, and hope.
Through your generosity, students at St. Marc continue to dream, achieve, and serve. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.
