Our story

The city of Jacmel, Haiti, is breathtaking—rolling hills overlooking the ocean, full of beauty and possibility.

It was a place my late husband, Lionel Chery, deeply loved. With family nearby, it felt like home to him. For me, it was different. I had grown up on the opposite side of the country, far from Jacmel, without close connections there. Still, I followed his vision—and over time, Jacmel became part of my story too.

In 2007, Lionel purchased land where we planned to build our home. In his excitement, he also bought additional land in the countryside. At the time, starting a school in Haiti was only a distant idea—something I had carried in my heart after more than 30 years in education, but not yet a plan.

Everything changed the following year.

When we visited our land, we encountered a reality that deeply moved us. We saw children playing outside a small mud home. They were of school age, but they were not in school.

Their father explained why. He simply could not afford tuition, uniforms, or books.

In Haiti, where most schools are private, even basic education is out of reach for many families.

That moment changed us.

We realized that without education, these children had no real path out of poverty. Their potential—no matter how great—would remain unrealized.

It wasn’t just unfortunate. It was unjust.

We knew these children belonged to God. And we felt clearly that He was calling us to act.

That day, the dream took root.

Soon after, Lionel purchased land specifically for a school. What began as a burden on our hearts became a mission:
To create a school that is Christ-centered, academically strong, and accessible to children who would otherwise be left behind.

Today, that vision lives on through Lionel Chery Christian Academy.

Here, children are not only educated—they are known, supported, and nurtured spiritually and academically.

What started with a single encounter has become a growing community of hope.

Our mission continues:
To transform lives through Christ-centered education—one child at a time.