Change a Girl's Life Through Microentrepreneurship

Maria, a resilient 24-year-old single mother from Mundemba, has faced numerous challenges that have shaped her journey. The ongoing Anglophone crisis in the English Region of Cameroon forced her to drop out of school, significantly impacting her opportunities for education and personal growth. Despite these obstacles, Maria demonstrated determination and a strong desire to improve her circumstances by seeking vocational training in tailoring.

Initially, Maria enrolled in a tailoring program in Mundemba, where she began to develop her skills. Unfortunately, her progress came to an abrupt halt when her trainer passed away, leaving her without the guidance she needed to continue her education. This loss, compounded by financial difficulties, made it impossible for her to pursue training independently.

Recognizing her potential and the urgency of her situation, social workers from Reach Out conducted a thorough needs assessment in the community. They identified Maria as a suitable candidate for their vocational training program, which aims to empower individuals with critical skills for better employment prospects. With their support, Maria was selected to participate in the program, providing her with a new lease on life.

Relocating to Buea marked a significant turning point for Maria. There, she was able to continue her training in both tailoring and shoemaking at a reputable vocational center. The program was designed to be comprehensive, offering her not only valuable skills but also essential support during her training. She was granted nine months of accommodation, which alleviated the burden of housing insecurity and allowed her to focus solely on her education and skill development.

In addition to housing, the program provided Maria with a monthly allowance of 20,000 FRS ($33.33) ,enabling her to cover basic living expenses while she trained. This financial support was crucial, as it allowed her to concentrate on mastering her craft without the distractions of daily survival struggles.

Through the training, Maria gained hands-on experience, learning how to design and sew a variety of outfits as well as create custom shoes. Her hard work and dedication have placed her on a promising path toward achieving economic independence and significantly improving her quality of life.

After completing her training, Maria made the conscious decision to remain in Buea to hone her skills further. She recognized the value of refining her abilities in shoemaking and tailoring before returning to her community. She plans to operate a tailoring and shoe-making business that not only serves her future customers but also contributes to the local economy.

Maria's commitment to her craft will continue for several months, as she aims to perfect her techniques and build a robust portfolio. Once she feels confident in her skills and ready to take the next step, she will receive start-up capital to launch her own business. This opportunity will empower her to establish a sustainable livelihood, allowing her to provide for her family while also giving back to her community. Through her perseverance and the support she has received, Maria is poised to transform her life and the lives of those around her.