Educator Taviel Genas creates haven with 24-hour daycare
Published:Sunday | June 2, 2024 | 12:07 AMKrysta Anderson - Staff Reporter
Growing up, Taviel Genas dreamed of one day becoming a paediatrician so that she could help children. But as she got older, the vision shifted to nurturing children through knowledge and understanding. Today, the educator has found a home in starting her very own 24-hour daycare.
“I started my journey on my little veranda teaching summer school. It was a big accomplishment and from that summer school, I was able to save to get a bigger house that could accommodate the start of making a bigger change in my community. I am now the proud owner and operator of [a] 24-hour daycare in St Catherine: Nana’s Bananaz 24/7 Daycare,” she told Sunday Lifestyle.
A native of Trelawny, the mother of two and stepmother of one, moved to Spanish Town in 2018. Now residing in Eltham Park with her family, she wanted to create a safe haven for children, where their parents know that they are protected and are in an environment that also facilitates learning.
“Childcare has been my only passion since I was little. I studied early childhood education in college after finishing my studies. When I moved to Spanish town, I worked in the classroom as an early childhood teacher and enjoyed every minute of it,” Genas explained.
The passion remained strong but the compensation proved problematic in making ends meet. So last year, she decided to take a chance on herself. With the help of God and the support of family, she mustered up the courage to put her thoughts of opening a daycare a beautiful reality.
Almost a year later, the teacher and entrepreneur has been grateful for the growth and positive feedback she has received from other parents.
“My daycare has helped the community, especially those young fathers and mothers who have been restricted from taking on work due to the limited daycare hours usually available at other facilities,” she said.
This venture has seen more than its fair share of challenges along the way, “My biggest obstacle right now is getting noticed to move my daycare from the home I am currently in. I have also had to deal with the ‘NOs’ when I am seeking help or sponsorship.”
But Genas remains steadfast in her goals, noting, “This school means the world to me. It is like therapy; I get to give double the love. And being a mother makes my job as a teacher and caregiver way easier.”
With hopes of having Nana’s Bananaz in every parish, God’s willing, the educator is looking towards sourcing additional supplies for her daycare in the meantime. “Some of the supplies we need are furniture as well as books and toys that facilitate learning. Most of all, we are in great need of a building,” she added.
Here is her advice to those seeking to bring their dreams to fruition, “Ensure that you make the first move. God helps those who help themselves. Never be afraid to ask questions; there are people around you who are willing to give you advice and the right channel to take. Information is at your fingertips in this day and age. Go online, do your research and then get to pursuing it.”