Change a Girl's Life Through Microentrepreneurship

Maureen  is a determined and hardworking internally displaced woman from Mudeka, one of the many affected by the ongoing crisis in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon. In the midst of hardship and uncertainty, Maureen has carved a path forward not just for herself but for her children through the humble yet powerful means of a small scale fish-selling business.

Her journey began when ReachOut social workers during a door-to-door identification exercise identified her and she was trained in business management, bookkeeping, savings and entrepreneurship. She was then supported with an initial grant of 57,200 FCFA ($102). With this capital, she started selling fresh fish within her community and in surrounding areas, fueled by a simple but powerful dream: to build a sustainable livelihood that would allow her to care for her children and uplift their living conditions.

Despite her modest start, Maureen quickly demonstrated discipline and a strong sense of responsibility. She diligently saved 5,000 FCFA($8) daily in her microfinance account a testament to her commitment to long-term growth. However, the journey was not without its challenges. Seasonal heavy rains disrupted the fish supply chain, severely impacting her primary source of income.

But Maureen didn’t give up. She adapted. Observing the changing needs of her customers, she made the strategic decision to diversify her business. She began selling cooked food and sliced eru, ensuring that her enterprise could continue serving the community while sustaining her household.

This turning point became even more impactful when she received a second grant of 114,400 FCFA.($204)  With this support, Maureen expanded her operations significantly. She began buying goods in bulk lowering costs and increasing profits. Her business grew to include essentials like waterleaf, eru and crayfish all in high demand. These new additions not only increased her income but also reinforced her place as a reliable vendor in her community.

Beyond the profits and product lists, Maureen's journey reflects profound personal transformation. With her increased income, she has been able to purchase a bed and a television, bringing newfound comfort and dignity into her home. Most importantly, she can now pay her children’s school fees, lifting a heavy burden from her shoulders and investing in the future she once feared was slipping away.

 With deep gratitude, Maureen shares:

“Thank you to  Reachout NGO and her partners  for all the support given to me. Because of this opportunity, I can now take care of myself and my children. My business has grown, and my hope for a better tomorrow is alive again.” Her story is a shining example of how even small support, when placed in the hands of someone resilient and determined can create lasting change.

Mirabel was identified by Reach Out in 2017 in Tole in the South West Region and since then she has been consistent in her business. Even during the crisis season she worked so hard to keep her business alive but the Anglophone crisis dramatically disrupted businesses and forced her to relocate. She was one among Reach out’s active beneficiaries that faced severe challenges with their businesses during that period. The persistent gun battles, unlawful arrests, tragic killings, and the destruction of homes created an overwhelming atmosphere of tension, compelling many beneficiaries to seek safety elsewhere.

Mirabel had to relocate due to the fact that the environment in which she was doing her business was tagged a “Red Zone” marked by high level of instability. Due that movement she made a lot of loses as some of her business properties were missing and other things were taking forcefully by the non state armed group.

Before the crisis, she successfully operated a provisions business with a capital of 150,000 FRS ($241.48) and a monthly profit of 30,000 FRS. When the crisis struck, she prioritized her family's safety, leaving behind her business assets and using her savings to relocate. In the village, she embraced farming vegetables for sale, generating income to send her children back to school.

When calmness was restored in 2020 in Tole she decided to relocate back to Tole.  She encountered a lot of challenges while in the village and that was the major reason she decided to return back to Tole to start all over again. Getting a loan from her meeting group she rented a piece of farm land for the cultivation of vegetables and other crops for sale. She also decided to hawk fresh fish as this could give her daily income since farming is seasonal. She is currently has a capital of 70,000frs and she is working hard to see that she gives her children a better life.

Today, her farming venture is thriving. She has joined cooperative and savings groups to raise capital for a new business. Reflecting on her journey, Mirabel  proudly shares, "Thanks to Reach out for the invaluable training and support, I have been able to cater for my family and also encourage other young girls like me to start their own small business and instilled in them the importance of managing their finances wisely”. Thank you for your donation