Sewing for a better life: Internally displaced persons regain hope In Kumba, South West Region, Cameroon.

Sixty Internally Displaced Person (IDP) girls have successfully completed a one-year tailoring skills training program in Kumba, located in the Meme Division of the South West Region. This initiative aimed to empower these young women who, due to financial crises and limited opportunities, faced significant barriers to undertaking vocational training.

A training center was established in the community, ensuring accessibility for the participants. This decision was made with local consensus, allowing the girls to engage in learning without the challenges of mobility. Given the trainees' mostly uneducated backgrounds, the program was designed as a practical training experience, emphasizing hands-on learning to enhance their skills effectively.

The selection of a qualified trainer and a resource person as an assistant was based on their expertise, experience, and education, ensuring that the instruction was both relevant and supportive. The participants were carefully chosen following an initial assessment that gauged their commitment, aptitude, interest, and willingness to learn.

As a result of this training, the IDP girls have acquired valuable skills, enhancing their employability and enabling them to contribute to their families and communities. The program not only addresses immediate economic challenges but also fosters a sense of empowerment, giving these young women hope for a brighter future. This initiative exemplifies the impact of targeted vocational training in improving the lives of vulnerable populations.