Change a Girl's Life Through Microentrepreneurship

Evodia is an internally displaced widow and a single mother from Bafan in the North-West Region of Cameroon. She lives in Buea, in the Fako subdivision, with her three children: one son and two daughters. Before the Anglophone crisis, her primary source of income was selling food items such as maize, groundnuts, beans, and cocoyam in large quantities to retailers. With a capital of 300,000 CFA (approximately $493), she earned a monthly profit of 75,000 CFA (around $124) and rented a shop for 20,000 CFA (about $23) per month. This income supported her family, while her farming activities provided food for their household. When the Anglophone crisis began, Bafan became increasingly unsafe, and tragically, Evodia lost her husband. She fled on foot through the bushes to a nearby town, where she was able to catch a car to Buea. In July 2023, a social worker from ReachOut Cameroon identified her during a door-to-door initiative aimed at assisting vulnerable individuals. This initiative provided seed capital under the project "Support Internally Displaced Persons Access to Self-Employment with the Right Approach." A social inquiry revealed Evodia's vulnerability and the viability of her business plan, which focused on farming. At that time, she was surviving by doing minor jobs on farms, earning just enough to feed herself and share a small living space with her son. Evodia was selected for the program and participated in training alongside other beneficiaries. After a three-day intensive program on business management, bookkeeping, savings, and reproductive health and rights, she received a business grant of 57,200 CFA (approximately $96). After six months of business coaching from Reach Out Cameroon social workers, she showed significant progress and received a second-level grant of 114,000 CFA (around $192) for business expansion. Equipped with entrepreneurial knowledge and skills in savings and business diversification, she increased her business capital to 200,000 CFA (approximately $329). With this support, Evodia was able to rent additional farmland to cultivate groundnuts and corn. She proudly states, “I have been able to send my children to school,” thanks to a monthly medical allowance from Reach Out Cameroon. This support allows her to run her business with less stress. She has also saved money for future crises by opening accounts in her name at a cooperative in Buea. As a result, Evodia can comfortably provide for her family and sponsor her son’s education.

• Evodia cultivating on her farmland (DOCX)

Lizzette is a 29-year-old mother of six who runs a modest business selling tomatoes, okra, and peppers. She started her venture with a capital of 20,000 FRS ($32.99), selling her produce at the OIC and Muea markets on market days. This business provides financial support for her husband, and Lizzette feels that her family has finally found a path to stability. She attributes their success to her hard work, the support of her loving husband, and the quality of education her children are receiving.

Before Lizzette was identified by a social worker from Reach Out, her life was anything but promising. She and her family struggled immensely, living hand-to-mouth and often finding it difficult to afford three meals daily. With six children to care for, they faced significant financial hardships and relied on relief handouts. Each day was a battle for Lizzette, a determined mother striving to support her family despite overwhelming challenges. The thought of not being able to feed her children or send them to school weighed heavily on her heart. Their small, overcrowded living space added to the daily stress, making every aspect of life a constant struggle.

The turning point came when a social worker from Reach Out identified her during a door-to-door initiative. Her vulnerability was evident, and her determination to improve her family's situation was strong. She was selected to participate in a three-day intensive workshop on entrepreneurship, bookkeeping, savings, and other essential skills.

During the workshop, Lizzette received valuable training and was empowered with a total of 171,600 FRS about ($281.73) from the first and second grant awards. This financial support was a lifeline for her. She invested the money into expanding her small business, which she had initially started with just 20,000 ($32.99), FRS. With the new skills and financial backing, Lizzette transformed her enterprise. Now, she buys in bulk and sells tomatoes, okra, and peppers. She not only supports her family but also ensures her children receive a quality education. Additionally, the monthly medical allowance from Reach Out NGO has alleviated some of her stress, allowing her to save money for future emergencies.

Lizzette's journey from struggle to stability is a powerful testament to the impact of targeted support and her resilience. Today, she stands as a beacon of hope and an example of what can be achieved with determination and the right guidance. Her success story reflects not only financial improvement but also the emotional and psychological transformation that comes with empowerment.