In a nation where access to quality early childhood education remains a challenge, Ariana Oluwole is paving the way for holistic child development through her groundbreaking initiative, Narnia Day Care. Located in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Narnia was born out of necessity when Oluwole, a young mother in 2012, struggled to find a daycare center that aligned with her vision of nurturing the physical, spiritual, and intellectual growth of children.
Oluwole turned this personal challenge into an opportunity, founding Narnia Day Care in 2013 with a mission to provide working and low-income families with a safe, nurturing environment for their children. Over the years, her efforts have positively impacted over 900 children, focusing on the critical developmental stage of infancy to toddlerhood.
Backed by her academic background in Biological Sciences and a diploma in early learning, Oluwole developed Narnia into more than a daycare. It is a hub for community empowerment, offering young women internships that provide training in early childhood education and personal development. This initiative has transformed lives, with 21 women now forming the backbone of Narnia’s workforce, thanks to her mentorship.
Despite financial and societal challenges, including skepticism about her age and expertise, Oluwole’s resilience has driven Narnia’s growth. The Ebola crisis in 2014 was a significant setback, yet she adapted and rebuilt, implementing innovative measures like CCTV monitoring, structured reporting, and rigorous process documentation to ensure consistent quality in childcare services.
