Believing in People, Investing in People

Believing in People, Investing in People

Two years ago we met a 17 year old girl, Mimi, at the hotel.  She was with a young boy who was carrying a scale and offering to weigh us for a little money compensation.  Although I was not specific as to where we worked, Mimi found us and thus began a journey to attempt to help a talented girl establish herself in life.  It has been a rough road.  Mimi became pregnant shortly thereafter.  We helped her with her school fees.  She did not do well with her exams.   Mimi is back at school this year.  A younger girl is looking after the baby. 

Mimi’s mother is a very talented person.  With a little help, she has established herself in a business in the Bamenda City Main Market.  One has to see this market, it is otherwise unimaginable.  Cameroon is famous for its exquisite 100% waxed dyed cottons.   Fabrics are designed for special occasions, organizations, village promotions and further enhanced by the incredible designs created for both men and women.   

Mimi’s mother met at the market, we entered  through the Bamenda City Main Market gate.  Streets are well market designated for designers and textile vendors.  Never have I seen such color in fabric!  The latest design is for today, Women’s Day March 8^th 2014.  Mimi’s mother has her treadle machine set up just inside their small, efficiently arranged small shop.  There are two apprentices, two ladies on electric machines (one an industrial machine) and a man who operates a serger.  If my count was right, there were seven little ones being cared for by the various ladies.  One little boy was eating a bowl of beans, the small baby was ready to nurse, the toddler was situated beside one machine, two little boys were quite curious about the camera.  Amidst all of this, we managed to do a little film.  I have never seen a treadle machine so efficiently operated. 

Mimi and her Mother are from the village of Sabga.   The village appeared to be well represented in the market.  We went to visit Mimi’s aunt who operates a textile shop.  There is a strong family resemblance between the two sisters. 

Two years ago, Mimi’s Mother was very sick.  She has made changes in her life; she and Mimi moved from Sabga to Bamenda where Mimi can go to school and Mimi’s Mother can be employed.  She has addressed her health issues and has regained her energy and stability.  Very rewarding to see.  Again, IDF through Oussematou has taken an individual (in this case both Mimi and her Mother), given counselling and a little help.  Mimi’s Mother is doing really well.  We are hoping that Mimi with do well with her studies.  It is not an easy world, especially here!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxMOg3Yfk30&index=3&list=UUKLdLUrOXVJPkIJuTTJxaAQ