VANDERBILT
MICROFINANCE
CLUB
Cameroon Project
Working with an NGO called United Action for Children (UAC) in Buea, Cameroon, Dave, a member of the microfinance club, developed a microenterprise program for graduates from UAC’s Vocational Training Center. At the center, rural and street youth participate in a free three-year program which trains them in technical skills such as electricity, carpentry, or computers. After the program, many of these young adults wish to use their skills to start businesses, but they lack the financial capital to do so. They often end up working odd jobs or forced back into unemployment and poverty. Dave set up a business training class for graduates to learn the essentials of starting and running a business and to develop a business plan. Through a partnership Dave established with a local microfinance institution, graduates now have the opportunity to apply for a loan for their project.
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Flip through the photos and captions below to learn more about this project.
This is Buea, Cameroon, a small town located about a half hour’s drive from the coast. Compared to its neighboring countries (Nigeria, Chad, the Congo), Cameroon is generally safer but still suffers greatly from a weak education system, widespread political corruption, and a large portion of its population living in poverty.
This is the main road that runs through Buea, with a nice view of Mt. Cameroon, the active volcano right next to the town.
Mesumbe (the teacher of the business training class), Dave, and Henry (UAC's Manager) pose near the classroom.
This is Buea, Cameroon, a small town located about a half hour’s drive from the coast. Compared to its neighboring countries (Nigeria, Chad, the Congo), Cameroon is generally safer but still suffers greatly from a weak education system, widespread political corruption, and a large portion of its population living in poverty.