Celebrating 15 years of ENL Foundation: Yovanie Jeetoo’s story of resilience and engagement

As ENL Foundation marks its 15th anniversary, we reflect on its transformative impact through the stories of those it has empowered. Today our colleague Dean Rungen, Project Officer at ENL Foundation, meets with Yovanie Jeetoo, a determined mother of eight from Cité Jonction, Pailles. Her path illustrates the ENL Foundation's contribution to impacting the lives of its beneficiaries

At 36, Yovanie has faced many challenges in life. However, through the consistent support of the ENL Foundation since 2012 and her own persistent efforts, her family’s circumstances have significantly improved. Three of her children have benefited from the Foundation’s academic support programme, “accompagnement scolaire”. This programme supports children from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them maintain their educational track. Launched in 2010, this programme annually accompanies around 350 children, aged 5 to 18. Through these after-school classes, Yovanie’s children have made significant academic progress.

During challenging times, the Jeetoo family received support from the Foundation. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, they were provided with essential food aid, and following Cyclone Belal in 2024, they received assistance with roofing materials for their home that was damaged by the cyclone. Dean Rungen, who has been with ENL Foundation since 2016, played an integral role in assisting the Jeetoo family, as well as other families in the GRNW & Pailles regions. As part of the Community Development department, Dean works closely with residents in these areas, guiding them in their community projects and supporting the activities implemented by the Foundation.

Reflecting on the support, Yovanie said,

When we were most vulnerable, the help arrived; it was more than just aid—it was our lifeline.

Additionally, she has attended counselling sessions provided by ENL Foundation that have equipped her with tools to face everyday challenges and build resilience for herself and her family.

Inspired by this transformation, Yovanie now actively participate in ENL Foundation’s community platform. She has taken part in various activities organised, offering her time and efforts to assist others within her community of Cité Jonction.

Her journey, like many others, reflects ENL Foundation’s ongoing commitment to empowering individuals and families to overcome adversity and build sustainable futures.