In a community marked by the long, silent cries of loss and survival, one woman's smile became the unexpected highlight of a humanitarian event in Ntamulung Bamenda. On Thursday 15 May 2025, the Centre for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development (CAGEAD) handed over income-generating items to 35 vulnerable community members as part of its “building community resilience and improving livelihoods with Ntamulung and Santa Communities” project, supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). But it was not the size of the items or the quantity that stirred emotion; it was the quiet rebirth of hope seen in the smile of Afuh Judith, fondly called Mama G and other beneficiaries.
View of beneficiaries as they received their items
For the first time in more than eight years, Mama G’s face carried a visible expression of joy; an emotion that had long been eclipsed by loss, displacement, and survival. Sitting besides the income generating items she had just received, her eyes sparkled with a mix of gratitude and disbelief.
“Only God could have planned this.” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
Originally from Batibo Central town in Momo Division, an area ravaged by the armed conflict in the North West Region, Mama G had once made a living selling cooked food to support her family. When the fighting intensified, she fled to Bamenda, seeking refuge in Ntamulung with her family. The journey since then has been one of pain. Four years ago, she lost her husband in the midst of displacement. Later, she also lost her 29-year-old son then a sibling shortly after. Left with nine dependents and battling illness for over eight months now, life had grown heavy and bleak.
Mami G with her items
“I did not know how we were going to survive... But the day the CAGEAD team came to my house (for a needs assessment), they told me everyone had waited for me. That’s when I knew God had remembered me.” she recalled
Through CAGEAD’s intervention, Mama G was trained and empowered. Today, she walks away with items that promise a fresh start with her food cooking and selling business. Her group is part of several income generating sectors supported by the project, including poultry, mobile money services, tailoring, hairdressing, barbing, restaurant services, pastry-making, and table market businesses.
She is not alone.
Ambe Gerald Che, a young man from Agyati Bafut, stood beside his newly manufactured cooking pots, items he says symbolise a second chance at life.
“Our home in the village was burnt. I lost everything and now take care of four of my younger brothers... With these, I can start again.” he explained
Gerald Che with his pots From Oku in Bui Division, Jaff Lizette, a hairdresser, expressed similar gratitude.
“It has not been easy since my father died during the conflict. But with this support, I can finally earn something to take care of the family.” she said
From Awing, Pemiah Phanuel, another recipient, was visibly moved.
“I never expected all of this” she said, showing off her new embroidery machine, velvet material amongst others
“Now, I can work from home and support the children.” she added
Each testimony echoed the same narrative, displacement, loss, and finally, a glimmer of hope through empowerment.
According to Ndifor Kishana, Project Coordinator at CAGEAD, the distribution of items is more than just a gesture of kindness; it is a calculated step toward sustainable livelihoods.