For Regina Lum, life has been a constant struggle. Growing up an orphan in Ntamulung II, Mankon, she has known hardship for as long as she can remember. Now, a mother of seven, her daily life revolves around making ends meet, selling what little she can at the local market to feed her family.
Despite her efforts, poverty has often stood in her way. Last year, two of her children passed the Advanced Level exams, but with no means to send both to university, only one could continue their education. The other remains at home, waiting for a chance that seemed as elusive as the next meal.
But on October 19 and 20, 2024, Lum's story and that of others took a turn for the better. On these days, she, along with 69 other women and youths in Ntamulung and Santa communities, received startup kits to help launch their own businesses, a lifeline that promises to change not only her life but the futures of her children. These kits were handed over as part of a broader initiative by the Center for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development (CAGEAD), with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
“I be very, very happy,” Lum said with her voice trembling with emotion as she looked over the yams and coco yams she had just received.
“In my entire life, I have grown as an orphan, I have grown as a suffering woman. I never seen such a miracle.” she added
For Lum, the support from CAGEAD is not just about a few bags of yams. It is about hope, a chance to take control of her future and provide for her family with dignity.
"This is an opened door for me. I will be selling at the food market where I have been selling before, but now with capital." she said, explaining how she plans to expand her small food-selling business in the local market.
Assumpta Lum, CAGEAD Programs Manager presenting startup kits in Santa
This support comes at a critical time. Like many in her community, Lum has been deeply affected by the armed conflict that has torn through the North West Region of Cameroon. Many have lost their homes, livelihoods, and even loved ones. Regina’s story is echoed in the lives of dozens of other beneficiaries, most of whom are internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Ntamulung and Santa. The trauma of displacement, coupled with the loss of their means of income, left these individuals on the brink of despair.
Through this project, CAGEAD is not only providing immediate economic relief but also offering sustainable pathways to financial independence.
“This project is meant to build resilience in the communities by improving economic empowerment and financial freedom. We want people to be able to support their families by getting food, medications, and other essentials.” Waah Clotilda Andiensa, CEO of CAGEAD, explained the deeper mission behind the initiative.
Clotilda Andiensa, CEO Of CAGEAD
The project follows a participatory, community-based approach, allowing beneficiaries like Lum to identify the type of business they are passionate about.
“We worked with the community to identify these people, and they themselves identified the type of business they can do. We are making an effort to make these businesses sustainable by buying what they want and giving them training on income-generating activities and basic bookkeeping.” Andiensa said.
This approach is designed to ensure that the support offered is not just a one-time handout, but a long-term solution. CAGEAD's Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) team will be tracking the progress of these beneficiaries to ensure that the businesses thrive and provide lasting change.
Ngwa Peter Amabou, the quarter head of Ntamulung II, expressed the community’s deep gratitude to CAGEAD and IOM during the handover event.
“The project has been very supportive,” Amabou said, recalling how the initiative had also supported community activities, sports, and back-to-school donations in the past.
For women like Regina Lum, the training provided by CAGEAD was as valuable as the startup kits themselves.
"They taught us many things. How to be firm on decision-making, especially on pricing, and how to secure our goods.” she said
The impact of this project is expected to go far beyond the immediate beneficiaries. By empowering 70 individuals in Ntamulung and Santa, the ripple effects will extend to their families, communities, and the local economy. For Lum, this opportunity represents a chance to break the cycle of poverty and give her children the future she always dreamed of.
“I am praying that this will lift me. I want to thank these organizations for thinking of me. I know that it is difficult, but I am sure they want me to improve, to stop suffering and move to joy.” she said, her eyes filled with hope.
As the startup kits were handed out on that sunny Saturday and Sunday, the crowd in Ntamulung and Santa respectively was filled with stories just like Lum’s stories of resilience, gratitude, and a renewed belief that brighter days are ahead. With the continued support of CAGEAD and partners like IOM, this initiative promises to not only change lives but transform communities that have long been defined by hardship.
By Bakah Derick
Email: hilltopvoicesnewspaper@gmail.com
Tel: 6 94 71 85 77