Before receiving their first childminder diploma in 2020 or 2021, they would never have imagined themselves in this role: today, they not only run their own mini-crèche, but also support the fledgling network of childminders in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Our team brought these 6 women mentors together in mid-July for 2 days of training and experience-sharing.
Odette, Rihanata, Béatrice, Talato, Sylvia and Huguette were all delighted to be invited by Inès and Raïcha, our childminder mentors, to meet at one of their crèches on July 15 and 16. On the agenda: a reminder of the role, qualities and responsibilities of mentors, an initial assessment and self-assessment of the actions carried out by each of them with the childminders they support, a sharing of best practices, as well as a reminder of the stages involved in setting up a crèche, the legal and administrative constraints and the organization of the day-to-day running of the establishment.
Prior to this mentoring experience, Odette was a hairdresser, Béatrice sewed, Rihanata ran a kiosk, Talato, Sylvia and Huguette did housework and petty trading.
Today, they have set up their own association with around forty member childminders. They feel valued because they have become important: they agree that they have a key role, not only in answering the professional questions of childminders, but also in managing their stress and their work-life balance. The development of the childminder sector means not only quality childcare for young children, but also a voice for women's empowerment.
" I never thought that one day I'd be speaking in public to share my experiences with other people. "says Beatrice.
