For Burns Vatiquant, teaching is more than a job—it’s a calling. Whether he is teaching music or computers to high school students at Grace Emmanuel School, he sees an opportunity to help young people build a better future for themselves and for Haiti.

That calling has carried Vatiquant through some difficult seasons. After violence forced him from his home in Source Matelas and cost him his job, he faced another devastating loss when his father died just two months later. Through it all, Vatiquant says his faith in God has given him the strength to keep moving forward.

We asked Vatiquant to share more about the experiences that have shaped him, the faith that keeps him going, and the students he loves to teach.

1. Tell us a little about where you grew up and your family.

I live in Simonette in Source Matelas, which is also where I grew up. I live with my wife, my son, and my mom.

2. What led you to become a teacher?

Ever since I was young, I’ve enjoyed teaching. I started by teaching art at an organization called Compassion International that helped children and families living in poverty. They helped me, too, and later I became a staff member. I went to college in Cabaret and studied education for four years.

3. What has kept you committed to teaching at Grace Emmanuel School, even when circumstances have made it difficult?

Teaching is a calling, and I have a lot of respect for GES and for the students. I am willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to keep coming to teach because I feel that I am making a positive contribution and helping my country move forward.

4. What is one of the most difficult seasons you have faced?

The greatest difficulty I have faced was the attack on Source Matelas. At that time, I was responsible for one of Compassion International’s programs. But because of the attack, the organization had to close its site in Source Matelas, and I lost my job.

Then two months after the attack, my father died of a stroke. We were still displaced from our home, and I am my parents’ only child. I had to gather all my strength so that my mom wouldn’t fall apart, and I took responsibility for caring for her.

5. How did your faith in God help you through that difficult time?

My faith helps me remain firm in God because difficulties will always come, but that is not a reason to give up. We have to stand firm, as Job did, and wait for God’s help.

6. Is there a Bible verse or truth about God that has encouraged you during difficult times?

Romans 8:14: “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”

7. When you face an obstacle that seems difficult to overcome, what helps you keep going?

My family, especially my mom, depends on me. That always motivates me to keep moving forward and not give up.

8. What has support from JiHM meant to you, especially during difficult times?

JiHM has always helped me, especially when I was in Arcahaie after my dad’s death. It was a very difficult time for us, and what encouraged me was knowing that I still received a paycheck from JiHM even though I was not yet able to return to work. I also want to thank JiHM for the way they help the children because, without that support, many children would not be able to go to school.

9. What do you hope for your students—and for your own future—in the years ahead?

I always encourage students to love school because it is the one way we can help our country move forward. The only reason I am able to find ways to support my family is because of the education I received.

10. If you could encourage someone who is facing a difficult circumstance in their own life, what would you tell them?

I would tell them that life is not easy. Keep moving forward with God, believe in yourself, and keep working toward your goals.