Change a Girl's Life Through Microentrepreneurship

Felicia is a returnee who is married and currently supports a household of ten children, of whom only two are biologically hers. All the children are enrolled in school. Prior to the ongoing Anglophone crisis, Felicia operated a tailoring shop in Muea, where she employed several women. However, due to heightened security concerns, particularly as Muea was classified as a red zone, she relocated her family to her village in Bum, located in the Fundong subdivision, where conditions were relatively stable. They resided there for two years before returning to Muea, a small community within the Fako division. During their time in the village, they depended on family members for assistance and food.

Upon her family's return to Muea, they faced significant challenges, including the loss of employment for Felicia's husband. Consequently, Felicia became the primary provider for the household through her sewing business. Unfortunately, the demand for school uniforms, which constituted a considerable portion of her income, had decreased. In order to sustain her family, she initiated a sustainable farming venture with an initial capital of 10,000 FRS ($16.67), generating an average monthly profit of 35,000 FRS ($56.27). Providing for her household proved difficult, as adults consumed only one meal per day while children managed with two meals.

During a door-to-door identification process, Felicia was recognized and selected for support. Her skills were enhanced in areas such as entrepreneurship, bookkeeping, savings, sexual and reproductive health, and business management. She received business capital, which she utilized to expand her operations by incorporating firewood sales. This new venture resulted in substantial profits, enabling her to save funds at a microfinance institution. The increased earnings allowed her to rent additional land and employ women to cultivate more vegetables.

In July, following the receipt of her second-level grant, Felicia successfully secured a contract with a primary school to produce uniforms for all students. She allocated the funds towards the purchase of sewing equipment, completing the uniforms and earning 200,000 FRS ($321.53) for her services. Currently, her combined profits from farming and firewood sales average 60,000 FRS ($96.45) per month.

Thanks to the support she has received, Felicia is now able to assist her husband in providing sufficient food and ensuring that their children can attend school. She states, "We now have three square meals a day, and I have also gained the capability to sew uniforms for the school, thanks to the capital I received from Reach Out."