Change a Girl's Life Through Microentrepreneurship

Marcelline is a host and a single mother of five children residing in Mudeka, Tiko Sud-Division. Before participating in the identification program, she and her children lived in a two-room plank house, where she also cared for her ill brother. The family's primary source of income was a small snail business that Marcelline managed. With an initial capital of 30,000 FRS ($48.37), she purchased one and a half buckets of snails, which she cooked and sold with the help of her children. This endeavor generated a profit of 10,000 FRS ($16.12) every two days; however, this income proved insufficient to meet their basic needs and ensure adequate nourishment for her family.

During the door-to-door identification initiative organized by Reach Out Cameroon, Marcelline was identified as a candidate for support. A social inquiry was conducted with the assistance of a social worker, resulting in the formulation of a viable business plan to expand her snail operations. Utilizing an Excel scorecard, she was selected to participate in training alongside other vulnerable women in Mudeka. They received comprehensive training in entrepreneurship, savings, and family planning over the three days, facilitated by a team from Reach Out NGO.

Subsequently, the team established an account for her within a cooperative in Mudeka. Marcelline received expansion capital amounting to 57400 FRS, ($92.54) enabling her to purchase five buckets of snails for resale every week and subsequently generating a monthly profit of 60,000 FRS ($96.74 ).

With the profits realized from her business, Marcelline could secure a more comfortable residence for her family. The increased capital also permitted her to fulfill market demands, as she had previously established a customer base but lacked the necessary funds to procure snails. After six months of consistent business practices and regular coaching from Reach Out, she was awarded second-level grants that further enhanced her capital. This financial support enabled her to consistently purchase and stock snails, thereby preventing any interruptions in supply.

However, Marcelline encountered a significant setback when she acquired snails from farmers who had employed harmful chemicals, this resulted in substantial losses due to the death of many snails. Despite this adversity, she displayed resilience and purchased snails, albeit in lesser quantities.

Marcelline expresses gratitude for the support she has received, as it has significantly alleviated her burdens. She is now capable of sending her children to boarding school. Although she experienced the loss of her brother, she finds solace in the knowledge that the financial assistance she received allowed her to care for him during his illness. With her children engaged in schooling, Marcelline actively manages her snail business and has employed other young girls in the community who are not currently in school to assist in selling snails. She is meticulous in her savings and financial planning, utilizing these funds to support her family’s needs. Marcelline appreciates the assistance provided to her and acknowledges the positive impact it has had on her life.