From Displacement to Empowerment: Bridget’s Journey to Self-Reliance
Ngah Sen Bridget’s life took a drastic turn when conflict forced her to flee from Wum to Bamenda. As an Internally Displaced Person (IDP), she struggled to make ends meet while trying to continue learning a trade. But just when things seemed impossible, a radio announcement changed everything.
"I heard a call for interested persons to apply for training under the Bamendakwe Vocational Training Skills Center. By then, I was already involved in a trade, but I had financial constraints, like money to continue paying to keep learning. This opportunity came at the right time because it was completely free. I immediately applied, and fortunately, I was selected under the Fashion Design department" Bridget recalls.
Her time at the training center was life-changing. Beyond learning tailoring, she received essential support, including stipends for transportation, hygiene products, and even soap which are crucial things that eased her burden. The biggest breakthrough, however, was the chance to sit for a national examination that provided her with a recognized certificate, opening doors to greater opportunities.
"For me, this was more than just training. We even wrote a national examination that gave us eligibility for several opportunities. Upon graduation in 2021, we were empowered with start-up kits like a sewing machine, materials, an iron, threads, amongst others. This has gone a long way to help me put something on the table for myself," she shares.
Though she still faces financial challenges limiting her from opening a shop, Bridget remains hopeful. She currently works from home, using the skills she gained to support herself.
"I know that by the grace of God, I will have my own shop in the nearest future. I just want to encourage other youths out there never to choose idleness. As they say, an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. It’s good for young people to come and experience such impactful initiatives, learn a trade, and be able to fend for themselves and their loved ones."
Bridget is just one of over 84 young women and girls who have been trained since 2019 at the Bamendakwe Vocational Training Skills Center. In a region deeply affected by conflict, the center provides a safe space for young women and girls to acquire skills in Tailoring, Hairdressing & Makeup, ICT, Pastry, Bead Making, and more. Upon graduation, trainees receive startup kits to help them launch their own businesses and secure a decent livelihood.
Bridget’s journey is a testament to the power of skills training and economic empowerment. Through initiatives like this, Youth Outreach Programme Cameroon is not just training individuals it is reshaping futures, one skill at a time.
By - Admin
By - Admin
By - Admin
