By Godric Mbunya.

Faced with the emergency of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the EoC-iin (Economy of Communion International Incubating Network) Hub of Cameroon has taken concrete actions to restore hope.

In the wake of the current socio political crisis plaguing the two English speaking regions of Cameroon, activities in these regions have been seriously paralyzed and people have been displaced. According to the UNICEF report of May 2018, there were 160,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the two regions where they are living under very difficult conditions. Now numbers are surely more consistent and today almost 500.000 persons have been displaced. Most IDPs have abandoned their livelihoods to seek safety and refuge in towns like Dschang, Douala, Bafoussam and Yaounde; some living with other family members and others living on their own and are compelled to hardship and extreme poverty. Host families with a household of 5 persons now host more than 15 persons living in one or two rooms.

A project to train and empower IDPs has been initiated in some towns.

What is a “HUB”?

In a computer network it is a device that connects the various clients to the server, collecting the cables coming from the different computers. A hub is also both a physical and a virtual space where innovation resources, ideas and relationships are intertwined, in order to develop projects and new entrepreneurship.

The first training session was launched on Saturday 12 January, 2019. This training is expected to empower the first 50 persons from Yaoundé. At the end of this training process, IDPs will be able to cater for themselves and their families.

“CRE”, the hub Eoc-iin in Cameroon

It means: “Centre for entrepreneurial resources” . The CRE is a coworking space where all entrepreneurs, meet up and help one another to either Start their business or to mature it. At their disposal we are networking with others entrepreneurs around the world within the EoC IIN platform and ressources. During their experience at the CRE, entrepreneurs are opportune to enhance their personal and organizational effectiveness and script their business identity.

Some of the trainers present are young Entrepreneurs incubated by Eoc-iin. There were: Mr Martin Tiku of ROBOGA organization who will contribute as a coach the trainees; Miss Milliycent Nchotu Ngwe, a trainer on shoes making using beads and other beads related products; Miss Suzanne Kadia , a trainer on crocheting of caps, mufflers and chains; Mr. Fabian Asong a trainer on soap making. One of the participants; Anamecha Nicolas shared, “I am unable to write well and I hope the training doesn’t involve so much writing. All I want is to make shoes”.

One of the participants; Anamecha Nicolas shared, “I am unable to write well and I hope the training doesn’t involve so much writing. All I want is to make shoes”.

Mr Steve Azeumo, Mr Nkeng Nkafu Simon and Mme Melanie Njounou, Economy of Communion Entrepreneurs, were also present to encourage the trainees, stressing the importance of helping displaced people who, in turn, as required by the training agreement, will return part of the services that they received to their communities, involving as many people as possible. Also, all trainees will be expected to plant a Tree in various quarters where they live. This is a small way for them to give back to humanity by taking care of their environment.

The Eoc-iin Entrepreneurs, the Focolare community, Roboga Organisation, LECUDO association, the Fon of Fontem and other well-wishers must continue to support these IDPs because empowering them rekindles their hope for the future and ensures that they can be emotionally balanced after a trauma.

For information or to support the initiative write to: edcafriquecentrale@gmail.com and eoc.iin@edc-online.org

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