Everything Under The Sun: Micro-Loans And So Much More

Training program for the original thirty women.

Throughout the world, in just about every country, there are people who live at the margins, for whom poverty is their daily challenge. If it's happening in countries with all of the advantages, it takes an even bigger toll in countries that are still developing.

Not one to be deterred by challenges, Genesis Etali had a plan to address poverty issues in the rural area of the Ngie Subdivision in Cameroon. He helped start THE ASSOCIATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT LIVELIHOODS INITIATIVE (SUSTAIN). He started with thirty women and girls, who grew up with disadvantages, and provided them with skills and training in various income-generating activities. The women receive seed capital to establish small businesses that have the potential to provide an independent income source.

As the businesses grow and thrive, the program offers guidance to these successful women to develop their own micro-loan programs that would furnish startup funds to other women to do the same. SUSTAIN Cameroon would develop the curriculum to educate the women who come on board to develop their own small businesses.

Genesis talks about his inspiration behind the organization, "The struggle of all humans on earth is to live peaceful and secure lives, where their worries do not dominate their daily thoughts. A situation that can only be realized with the satisfaction and ability of every being to satisfy their livelihood needs."

Among those who have benefited from the work of SUSTAIN Cameroon are 11-year-old Samba and his sister Elizabeth, who lost both of their parents and subsequently went to live with their aunt on her farm. They had very little hope of being able to break out of the cycle of poverty because the family couldn't afford to send them to school. That's where this organization stepped in with funding, so both children could receive that education. Samba now has dreams of what his future could become, "I wish to become a doctor so that I can support children who do not have money to pay for their health treatment."

Obviously, the support provided to the community has expanded since SUSTAIN Cameroon started. Micro-loans are still a prominent part of the program, provided now without discrimination to men and women. This organization now has an advocacy campaign to prevent childhood sexual abuse by raising awareness and educating the public. There is education and vocational training support for orphans and other vulnerable children, just like Samba and Elizabeth, not only helping with monetary funding but by addressing other challenges in the children's lives. They also run an anti-stigma campaign and promote positive sexual values in order to address the issue of HIV/AIDS and have programs to promote handwashing and the provision of potable water.

Checking out mushroom seeds in the micro-credit program.

SUSTAIN Cameroon can't do its work without financial support, so if you are moved by what this group does, you can check their website for ways to contribute. This is a growing organization that is trying to address some of the major issues that impact a small rural area of Cameroon.