Veronique, an educator committed to child protection in Mali

In Ségou, Mali, many children grow up in contexts marked by violence and poverty. To address these situations, our partner Caritas Mali works through the Action Enfants de Tous (AET) project, which provides children a comprehensive support combining protection, education and socio-professional integration. 

At the heart of this initiative is the support provided by educators, who work with these children every day. Among them is Veronique, who has been an educator for nearly thirteen years within the AET project and carries out her work with strong dedication. 

“I love children, and that's what motivates me every day to support young people. My role is to offer them a strong and secure emotional bond, to accept them without judgement, and above all to help them with their projects.” 

Aged between 7 and 17, the children supported have life paths marked by family and social breakdown. 

 “They are children from broken families, talibé children, children in conflict with the law, or whose parents are separated or deceased." explains Véronique. 

Talibé children are children entrusted to a Quranic teacher in order to receive religious education in a Quranic school. This practice exists in several countries in West Africa, particularly in Mali and Senegal. In some contexts, it can expose children to situations of forced begging or exploitation.  

A large part of the work begins in the field, during outreach visits in the streets of Ségou, where teams go out to meet children in street situations. For Véronique, it all starts with a simple attitude: not judging, accepting the child as they are, and above all reassuring them.  

“During the first contact with a child, it is important not to judge, to accept them as they are, to reassure them, to listen to them, and to encourage them to believe in themselves.”  

Over the years, certain stories have clearly illustrated the impact of the work carried out by our partners on the field. Veronique recalls the story of a young man who, thanks to the support of the AET project, was able to return to live with his family and start his own business. 

Through the commitment of Veronique and the educational teams, the true meaning of our work is revealed: to offer vulnerable children a space where they can feel safe, be listened to and regain the opportunity to build their future.