At the age of twenty, Esther experienced the loss of her brother due to conflict in her homeland, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Seeking refuge, she spent 17 years in a Tanzanian refugee camp. According to Esther’s account, life there proved to be extremely challenging with limited opportunities to earn money and secure sufficient food for her family.
In 2013, Esther resettled in Boise and took up employment at a cotton company. However, she faced difficulties in providing for her family and enhancing her skills and English proficiency. In 2016, a friend referred Esther to RCBD, where the staff supported her with training, licensing, and acquiring supplies to establish a safe and high-quality childcare service in her rented home. In a matter of months, Esther successfully launched her business, achieving full enrollment. “I love working with children, and I want to expand my business,” she said. “That is my dream.”
Currently, three of Esther’s children are enrolled in college in Boise, and another son serves in the Navy. Boise has proven to be a wonderful place for Esther and her family to thrive. “It has been a wonderful place to raise my family. We love it here,” she said.
Her childcare business continues to flourish, and she actively imparts guidance to newer RCBD providers during the program’s bi-monthly trainings.
