It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Françoise du Pouget on 30 June 2016. For over 30 years, she welcomed visitors and IIEP staff to the library. Her smile, generosity and professionalism have marked those who knew her. Having first arrived at IIEP in 1970, Françoise was later responsible for the documentation center from 1980 until her retirement in February 2006.
Following in the footsteps of Jacqueline Schwab, who preceded her in this post, Françoise left her mark and made the centre a place of reference in the field of educational planning. Françoise's secret was her availability and sense of service. It was essential for her that every visitor left having received excellent service and a satisfactory response to their request. She was able to anticipate the impact that new technologies would have on the dissemination of knowledge and encouraged the provision of relevant and targeted information. Trainees, visitors and IIEP staff have all benefitted from her excellent advice and reading suggestions.
In her office, Françoise displayed a phrase from Amartya Sen: "Being poor is not having the choice." Courageous and determined, she fought with elegance and it leaves us the memory of a radiant and generous woman who chose the way of rejoicing in the happiness of those around her.
Former students, former colleagues, and old friends of IIEP and of Françoise, we will be happy to forward your words and thoughts to her son Charles Edward. If you wish, send us your texts to the following address: documentationcentre@iiep.unesco.org.
