Sag Harbor - Artist and pilot, Jonathan Glynn, from Sag Harbor was propelled into action in January as he watched the devastation of Haiti's earthquake unfold. While the world stood powerless, Jonathan realized his single-engine plane was a tremendous asset to relief efforts. Because of its size, it did not require much of a landing strip. He could get in and out of places no one else could. With a mission to help on his mind, he flew down to Haiti. The trip took just under a day because of the required frequent stops for refueling. Jonathan spent the next 19 days ferrying medicine, doctors and patients around the tiny country.

The school before.

Back In New York
When Jonathan returned home, his community in Sag Harbor embraced him and the courageous, selfless work he had done. Jonathan was steadfast in his desire to return and continue his work in Haiti. Innumerable people stepped forward to help him raise money. Wings Over Haiti was born. He reached out to people throughout the island connecting with local media and school children. By late March, he had raised enough money to make a return trip to Haiti to provide tents and relief materials. At this point, the earthquake response efforts were diminishing.

Development Of Sustainable Change
Jonathan realized that while the need for emergency efforts might be over, Haiti was in need of support to bring about sustainable change. Working with his new partners in Wings Over Haiti, Shad St. Louis, Guidance Counselor, and Melissa McMullan, teacher, it was decided that Wings Over Haiti would focus on education as a means of driving change. The idea for the Wings Over Haiti school was born and its most critical feature was the mission to reach out to children everywhere, not just in Haiti.

Haitian school children.

Wings Over Haiti School
Wings Over Haiti collaborated with local students in New York to devise a curriculum for the school in Haiti. It became very clear that students in the United States and Canada could work together in mutually beneficial ways with children in Haiti. Very quickly, the school plans fell into place. Jack Hunter, from Hunter Shelters, donated the school building, a teacher house and a medical clinic. Jack not only flew the modular buildings down to Haiti, but brought a crew that took care of the community - many times they sacrificed meals so the villagers could eat. One Laptop Per Child donated laptops. Doctors and dentists donated medical supplies. Students in New York hired the teacher. The list is infinite, as are the benefits to the community.

Wing Over Haiti's Mission
All Haitians have a right to food, water and education. Children need love, nurturing and critical thinking. Wings Over Haiti's school will teach children how to grow their own food and support their community. The curriculum will be in a multi-lingual format with Creole as the anchor language.

For more information go to www.wingsoverhaiti.org.