I am Nadine Becking Ayong. I am a 3rd year student at the Bertoua training centre for young women, also known as CEFAF.

Having reached the end of my training, the big challenge which significantly poses itself to me is that of my socio-professional integration.

In regard of all the difficulties that this involves, one notable example is the lack of financial support and equipment, as well as the lack of support given to the young women after training.

Given what it entails, socio-professional integration remains a luxury for young people. Therefore, remaining in reality would throw the baby out with its bathwater.

My nephew Jean Baptiste Owoundi, who has left one of the local family agricultural schools, having benefitted from support to the amount of 1.5 million francs as well as mentoring support, is now the owner of a produce farm which is around 3 hectares where he does bee-keeping and earns on average 50-100,000 francs each week.

I am far from leaving the vicious circle of poverty and I am at the mercy of potential powerful tie-wearing predators.

Nevertheless, I was lucky to receive material support from a willing individual which allowed me to establish this small hairdressing salon, where I employ some of my classmates and where I earn on average 10 –15,000 francs per month. But then luck is not the thing best shared!

This English translation has been possible thanks to the PerMondo project: Free translation of website and documents for non-profit organisations. A project managed by Mondo Agit. Translator: Callum Melay