International Women’s Day 2023—Mama Jocelyne’s Story

Mama Jocelyne (left) and Mama Auguy (right) standing outside EMSF’s Le Prince Orphanage’s restaurant sustainability initiative. Mama Jocelyne is so proud of this restaurant and grateful to have the opportunity to serve others with her talents and passion for cooking.

When I asked Mama Jocelyne if she’d like to share her story with you, she leapt to write it down, honored to have the chance to allow you to know her. To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we are sharing her story with you. Mama Jocelyne has served Enfance Meurtrie Sans Frontières’s Le Prince Orphanage (EMSF) in the Ivory Coast as another mother to the children for longer than we’ve known the orphanage. Her story is a testament to the love each child and staff share at the orphanage, and I hope her vulnerability encourages and moves you.

Hello, my name is Koua Niamessan Jocelyne. I am in charge of one of the sustainability initiatives of Enfance Meurtrie Sans Frontières’s Le Prince Orphanage, more precisely of the restaurant. I'm going to tell you the story of my meeting with Maman Auguy, who is the president of the orphanage, and my coming to EMSF. 

After the death of my mom, I lived with my uncle in Yopougon, which is a city of Abidjan, and it was a bit difficult. I felt alone in the world, and financially it was also not going well. So I started looking for work everywhere. And that's how I found myself working in Mama Auguy's house.

Being at Mama Auguy’s, I worked as a housekeeper and she took me under her wing like her own daughter because she noticed that I put love into everything I did. I served her with respect and with a lot of determination. So I was always with her wherever she went. That's how we came to the orphanage one day.

She introduced everyone to me and me to everyone. Arriving at the orphanage, the children welcomed me, appreciated me, and each time Mama Auguy left for the orphanage, I went with her. We sometimes stayed for a long time at the orphanage, so sometimes I cooked for the children and they loved my cooking. That's how the restaurant project got started. Mama Auguy decided to trust me to take charge of the management of this restaurant to help the orphanage. 

At first it was difficult, but thanks to God and your support, I now have more customers and business is going better. I feel very good here. I feel at home. It's as if God gave me a second chance, because after the death of my mother, I had lost all hope. So I thank God for giving me this second chance, for giving me this beautiful family. 

I have a child, a big boy who is a student, and all of that is thanks to God. I also thank you for all that you do for us and for all these children. May God bless each one of you as well as your families. May God remember you. 

Here is a bit of my story with EMSF summarized in these few lines. Thank you for your humble attention. God bless you.

We love our Mama Jocelyne! Happy International Women’s Day, everyone!