Trained in anthropology, Marie Garnier very early developed a deep passion for education and for understanding young children. This dual sensitivity, both scientific and pedagogical, naturally led her towards teaching. She began in preschool, where she learned her profession through daily contact with the youngest learners. There, she developed strong expertise in classroom management, the implementation of structured learning workshops, and the individualization of instruction, convinced that every child progresses at their own pace and deserves guidance that respects their uniqueness. 

For five years, she also held the position of preschool coordinator, where she oversaw pedagogical organization, supported teaching teams, and strengthened the coherence of educational practices. Her path then led her to the French School of Bamako, where she taught at the elementary level, and later to the American School, where she taught French from preschool through grade 12, supporting students in preparing for their exams. 

In parallel with her classroom work, Marie Garnier became a project coordinator in 2017. After observing that Bozo children—members of a Malian fishing ethnic group—were largely excluded from schooling, she created an association dedicated to establishing a public school on an island, offering accessible education to children from riverside and island communities. There, she promoted a vision of meaningful schooling, where official curriculum skills are taught through hands-on activities rooted in local culture and valuing the students’ identities. 

Finally, noting that many children had little knowledge of the river—despite its essential role in their lives and culture—she began developing educational games focused on rivers, aiming to convey their importance and strengthen the connection between territory, culture, and learning.