Daniel Fontil is one of our fantastic Child Advocates in Haiti! He has a huge heart for children and for his country. Get to know Daniel!

How did you first hear about Restavek Freedom?

At a concert I was invited to at the stadium but couldn’t attend. I already knew about the restavek system but didn’t believe it could end (until now).

What languages do you speak?

French, Creole, English

What do you like most about your job?

Encouraging the children, helping them to know they are people. Helping them know their capacity and potential, their value, and that they should be respected as they respect others

What is one of the hardest parts of your job?

Visiting the children at their homes – it can be dangerous. But I like doing it because I want the children to be free and treated well in their homes. I go to the homes to see how they’re treated, and encourage the family to encourage the child’s education.

What is one NEW thing you have learned through your job?

How to care for people, specifically children living in restavek. I love what the Foundation is working on, I see positive differences in the children’s lives. I love seeing kids at camp, seeing them now have hope and a new light in their eyes. Restavek Freedom is different in how they treat people and in the way they really know the students – the students/schools are supported by Restavek Freedom.

What do you like most about your country (Haiti)?

Winter!  Also the way Haitian people are; if they are sad or sick they still laugh.

What do you wish most for Haiti?

To be able to take care of themselves tomorrow and to not perpetuate the cycle [of restavek].

What is your favorite song, book or movie?

The song “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”

What do you think is the most important characteristic of a leader?

To be respectful and respectable

What did you want to be when you were younger?

A pastor. As I grew older I wanted to be an economist or accountant. I still would like to be a pastor before leaving this earth.

What is one thing you’d like to accomplish in your life?

There are many – to meet all the pastors to talk about some things; I’d also like to have an orphanage. I love kids.

If you could meet anyone famous, who would it be?

I have met many famous Haitians already!  Former President Obama

Anything else you’d like to share?

I look forward to seeing how each of the students in our program becomes someone in the future and depends on themselves. I give myself to my job.