At 79, Christiane Badel is in great shape. A former national league basketball player and physical education teacher, she has kept every ounce of her vitality. Today, she is wearing a simple outfit all in pastel shades, reflecting her deep commitment, which has never needed grand speeches.

She was president of Sentinelles for 10 years, but her fight for the most disadvantaged began much earlier. In April 1987, the therapist who was treating her back mentioned that an organisation was looking for volunteers. She then met the man who would become her role model: Edmond Kaiser, a man whose heart and soul were totally devoted to the most vulnerable. Three months later, during the school holidays, Christiane set off for Senegal to set up the project for child-guides of blind persons.

‘I feel lucky because Edmond trusted me,’ she explains. As a result, around 40 children have been able to attend school instead of being forced to help their visually impaired parents beg. Sentinelles’ holistic approach also offers support to parents so that families can provide for themselves. “The results are wonderful! Some children have become artisans, others teachers or even school principals.” Christiane was also closely involved with a number of other Sentinelles programmes.

This individual approach to supporting people truly moved Christiane. ‘Being a Sentinel means being close to the people you support, giving them the opportunity to continue on their path without assistance.’

She carries out her missions during her holidays. Even as a child, she dreamed of becoming a nurse so she could help people in Africa. That dream has changed. She has not been treating illnesses, but rather she has supported lives. This Geneva native cannot explain her love for Africa; she simply lives it. In fact, she taught for two years in Burundi before joining Sentinelles.

In Geneva, she leads a simple and balanced life. In her daily life and in her tastes, she favours authenticity and shuns hypocrisy, falsehood and dishonesty.

When asked about her personality, she remains reserved: ‘It’s not for me to say what should be remembered.’ Those who know her speak of her rigour, her unfailing commitment and also of her uncompromising nature.

During her 38 years of commitment, Christiane Badel has witnessed the evolution of Sentinelles. ‘Evolution, evolution… more like continuity. The administrative work has evolved. The substance of the work itself has not changed

So many people have not had the chance to get what they need to take control of their lives.

She draws this conviction from her experiences in the field. She talks about the children she met who were injured, sick or forgotten. “Some families were living under just a simple piece of plastic. Each story is quite striking.”

Much of the daily administrative burden has been lifted. But not the essentials. ‘You don’t leave Sentinelles, you leave a job, but not the cause.’ She now takes time for herself, which she devotes to country walks. Walking in the woods and forests and watching animals is her way of recharging her batteries. She belongs a group of birdwatchers and will head off to the Jura without a second thought to spot chamois.

‘I am grateful to Edmond and Sentinelles for giving me the chance to take part in all of this’.

And our thanks to her for helping rebuild so many lives.

L.M.