Fact is, Diane lost her mother at the age of nine. She had little self-confidence and since going to class has improved her self-esteem. She has been helped greatly by starting to work in associations and has accepted different level executive posts. She’s been treasurer for her literacy class(Formation St. François) committee for four years now and is also a member of the regional literacy council.

I enrolled in a literacy class in my village six years ago. I wanted to continue my education that I had to interrupt at the age of 15. I had to stay at the house and help my stepmother, who was not in good health, take care of my younger brothers and only sister. I had to quit school at the beginning of grade 7, and that caused me much sorrow since I really liked school. However, since I was the oldest, I had to make the sacrifice. I really liked to read. I would read everything I could get my hands on. I stayed at home until the age of 20.

I got married and had a son the year after. In between, I started working in a restaurant as a cook’s assistant. I liked it, but I had to work nights and weekends. Then, I had a second child. A girl. Since I liked working less on weekends and nights, I stopped.

When my oldest started school, I started taking care of children in my home. It’s lucky that I had a grade 6 education and that I knew how to read. I was able to help my children in their schoolwork. My husband had his grade 12. Therefore, my children didn’t suffer. However, I wasn’t happy in all this. I knew that with more education, I could do better than look after children all day.

To increase my self-worth, I agreed to take part in organizations as a volunteer. I was shy, and I wanted to be able to speak in public. That’s why I accepted positions as secretary and treasurer of many different organizations. Today, I am still a member of certain organizations. By doing that, I think I was able to maintain a certain control over my Math and French skills.

I always kept taking care of children because I really liked them. That’s why, in 1990, I established my own government-licensed daycare. I am very proud of this!