On Tuesday, 22 October 2024, SHUMAS Cameroon’s headquarters in Mile 6, Nkwen, became a haven of hope for several internally displaced women who arrived with their children, some carrying infants, all burdened by the strain of survival in Bamenda.
Many of these women, displaced from their homes and communities due to the ongoing crisis in the North West region, faced anxiety and uncertainty, hoping that the day’s event would bring a fresh start for their families.
These women received essential business start-up packages from SHUMAS Cameroon, carefully selected to provide a foothold in small-scale trading. The “mustard seed” items included flour, plantains, corn, beans, eggs, fish, groundnut oil, and firewood: resources that could be used to start modest businesses, generating income to support their families. Beyond the raw goods, SHUMAS also offered training on managing small businesses to help the women develop sustainable incomes and improve their families’ well-being, healthcare, and education.
“It’s vital to make the most of every resource and opportunity available. Today, you are taking the first steps toward a more secure future. Use these tools to build something meaningful, for yourselves and, more importantly, for your children. Your hardwork is already remarkable; let this start-up be the stepping stone to a brighter future.” ,” Bilian Nyuykighan, SHUMAS Programme Director, saidbas she addressed the group
Bilian Nyuykighan addressing beneficiaries The project is part of a broader collaboration between SHUMAS and UK-based partners Building Schools for Africa (BSFA) and Gompels, designed to build resilience in vulnerable, displaced families who have suffered through traumatic displacements. Many of these women and their children have had their lives put on hold, experiencing barriers to education, healthcare, and basic livelihood opportunities.