Code, confidence and a seat at the table
Girls in Tech
Putting computers, digital skills and role models in front of girls who are too often left out of technology, with partners like Skye8 and Women Techmakers.
From first skill to first income
Skills for Self-Employment
Hands-on training in pastry, IT, hairdressing and business for young people displaced by the crisis and for single mothers, so they can earn a living on their own terms.
Why this programme exists
The crisis in Cameroon's North West Region has forced thousands of families from their homes. Young people who were in school, or about to start a trade, found themselves in a new town with nothing to fall back on. Single mothers carry the same weight, often alone.
Our Youth Empowerment Programme for internally displaced youths of the North West Region was built for them. The idea is simple: a skill you can sell is a future you control.
How it works
Each cohort begins with a first physical meeting where students meet their trainers, choose their track and set a goal. From there, training is hands-on from day one.
- Pastry. Students learn snacks that sell every day in Cameroon: drop doughnuts, meat pies, fish rolls, scotch eggs, chin chin and roasted peanuts. Between sessions they practise at home and share photos in the group for remarks from the trainer.
- IT. At the offices of our technology partner Skye8, students learn computer skills under the guidance of IT supervisor Nsom Emmanuel.
- Hairdressing and beauty. With tutor Afuchwi Poplela, students learn a trade that can be started with very little equipment.
Our founder, Yekov Cindy, is often in the room, assisting in training sessions and checking in on every student.
What changes
By the end of the programme, students have a skill they have practised for real, products they are proud of, and the confidence to start earning. As one student wrote to us afterwards: "I truly appreciate all the support and sponsorship you provide for people in need."
Help the next cohort
Ingredients, transport, equipment and trainer time are what make this programme possible. A gift of any size helps one more young person begin.
See it in action
A pastry training session in our Youth Empowerment Programme.
Photos
Moments from the programme
Keep exploring
Our other programmes
Every girl in school, safe and heard
Girls' Rights & Gender Equality
Advocacy and sensitisation on the rights of the girl child, from menstrual dignity to education, and celebrating the women who are changing their communities.
No gatekeeping. Just the blueprint.
Opportunities & Leadership
Linking young people with opportunities at home and abroad: the Winning Global Opportunities webinars and a Career Orientation Tour that takes guidance into high schools.