Originally from the Republic of Guinea, Fatoumata Yacine Diallo arrived in Yellowknife in 2023 with the goal of building a new professional path. With a bachelor’s degree in management and marketing, she initially faced a language barrier that limited employment opportunities in her field.

An opportunity to work as a substitute educational assistant gave her a first experience in an educational setting. With no previous training in the field, she gradually learned through her interactions with children. One of her first experiences with a student helped her realize how rewarding she found supporting children in their learning.

“At first, it was very difficult. I remember my first day as a substitute. I was standing there and didn’t know what to do. Then I saw a child who needed help with math. I went over and started helping him, and little by little, I could see him smile. He was happy to have found the right answers.”

Following this first experience, Fatoumata joined an after-school program, where she has spent the past two years developing her experience working with children. This new path led her to choose early childhood education as a field in which she now wants to continue learning and growing professionally.

Training to strengthen her practice

Without a formal background in early childhood education, Fatoumata quickly made professional development a priority. Collège Nordique’s free online courses and workshops allow her to deepen her knowledge while continuing to work.

“The fact that it’s free is a major advantage. It’s also very accessible because we can take the courses after work. It allows me to continue my training without having to stop working.”

Among the training she has completed, Fatoumata particularly values the course on professionalism and the mentorship support she received. Her conversations with Leticia Nadler Gomez gave her an opportunity to ask questions directly related to her daily practice and diversify the activities she offers children, including painting, dancing and cooking.

“The mentorship helped me a lot. The course was well developed, but I had a lot of questions, and the mentorship gave us the opportunity to ask them. I also really appreciated the tips and examples of activities. I took notes every time we were given a new idea for something to do with the children.”

Fatoumata’s journey reflects one of the objectives guiding Collège Nordique’s early childhood education offerings: making training accessible to people already working in the field and helping them develop skills that reflect the realities of the North. Online courses, workshops and mentorship provide different pathways for professional development and, in doing so, contribute to strengthening the early childhood education sector in Northern communities.

Fatoumata now plans to continue her early childhood education training with Collège Nordique, in collaboration with La Cité.

Observing to better respond to each child’s needs

Her experience in the field has led Fatoumata to develop an approach based on observation and adaptability. For her, supporting children requires patience and affection, as well as the ability to understand what their behaviours may be communicating.

She recalls working with a very active child who struggled during quieter periods. After recognizing his need for movement, she adapted the environment and introduced more physical activities. The experience reinforced a belief that now guides her practice:

“Every child is unique, and every child develops at their own pace.”

Becoming a mother has also influenced how she approaches her role. She says it has deepened the empathy and affection she brings to her work with children.

“Since becoming a mother, when I see a child, I immediately think of my own. I would never do to a child what I wouldn’t want someone to do to mine. Whatever I can do to help them develop, whether emotionally, socially or physically, I try to do it.”

The relationships she has built with the children are now among the most rewarding aspects of her work.

“At the end of the day, when I see their smiles, when they say, ‘Bye, see you tomorrow,’ or come over to give me a hug, it makes me proud. I tell myself that I’ve succeeded, even just a little.”

From a shortage of spaces to a childcare centre project

Fatoumata also understands the importance of early childhood services from her perspective as a parent.

“I tried to enrol my child in daycare, but there were no spaces available. Everywhere I went, I was told I had to join a waiting list. To this day, no one has called me to say that a space has opened up. So I had to leave my child with his grandmother so that I could work.”

This experience has inspired a project that brings together several aspects of her journey. Once she completes her training, Fatoumata hopes to draw on both her experience with children and her management background to open her own centre.

“I would like to open a large childcare centre, not only francophone but bilingual, French and English, where all children would be welcome. The goal would also be to welcome infants and offer something different from what is currently available.”

In doing so, she hopes to help address a need she has experienced firsthand by providing more options for families with very young children.

Building her path in the North

Fatoumata’s first months in Yellowknife were marked by the cold, isolation and distance from her loved ones. By participating in activities within the francophone community, she gradually built connections and found her place in the North.

That same ability to adapt is reflected in her professional journey. An initial opportunity in a school setting led her to after-school care, then to early childhood education training and, today, to a longer-term professional project.

“I adapted by staying open and taking opportunities, even when they were outside my field of study.”

For Fatoumata, the next chapter is about continuing her training, gaining experience and contributing to the development of services for children and families in the North.

“Children’s well-being and development are at the heart of my commitment every day.”