Change a Girl's Life Through Microentrepreneurship

Perlazie is a 37 year old internally displaced woman who was forced to abandon their home in Kwakwa in Meme Division in the South West Region of Cameroon due to the ongoing Socio Political Crisis. Before the crisis, Perlazie was into petit business as a source of livelihood while living in their compound in Kwakwa.

When the crisis began in 2016, Perlazie lost everything as her shop was burnt down and their house became unsecured due to the presence of military and none state Armed Group (NSAG) characterized by massive arrest, killing, adoption and the burning of homes and businesses. Perlazie had to run for her life to seek refuge in Buea. While in Buea, life was unbearable as she had to strive to survive. She was offered shelter for free by a pastor in his church. She later on raised capital from menial jobs which she was carrying out and engaged into shoe business where she sell ladies sleepers/sandals and male sleepers. At times she will run out of capital and will have to take goods on credit and sell before paying back.

In July 2022, Reach Out NGO through its social workers identified Perlazie during a door-to-door identification process. After conducting her social inquiry and going through the vulnerability criteria, Perlazie presented a realistic expansion business plan for her shoe business. After going through a 3-day intensive training program on business management, bookkeeping, savings, and reproductive health and rights, Perlazie was given an expansion grant of $114 (57,200 CFA). With this, her capital increased from 35.000 FRS to 96200.

From her business, Pelazie has been able to rent and equip her own house; she currently has a capital of 120.000 FRS and has added readymade shoes aside her old business which was second hand shoes. Perlazie can afford a 3 square meal in a day and also assist others financially.

On the other hand, Perlazie has been able to save money for future use and emergency. The knowledge she had on savings after the training completely wiped off the notion she had that you must have a large amount of money in other to own an account in a financial institution. She became so overwhelmed when she receives updates on her phone after every transaction in her account.

Perlezie is just 1 among the 107 internally displaced women and girls whom your numerous donations have been able to put small on her face once more after she lost her source of livelihood as a result of the crisis ravaging the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon. Thank you so much the donations.