Executive Summary
The BEYANA Empowerment Hub is a vocational training initiative designed to empower children and youth from low-income backgrounds in Cameroon with marketable trade skills. The project will provide hands-on training in hairdressing, tailoring, culinary arts, handicrafts, and basic Information and Communication Technology (ICT), combined with entrepreneurship education, mentorship, and post-training startup support. The goal is to break cycles of poverty, reduce youth unemployment, and restore dignity and hope to vulnerable populations.
We seek donor support to launch and sustain this program, to train 100 children in the first year and scale annually.
Background and Problem Statement
In Cameroon, a significant number of children from disadvantaged backgrounds are unable to complete school due to poverty, family instability, or lack of opportunity. Many end up in child labor, on the streets, or in vulnerable living conditions. The formal job market cannot absorb all school leavers, and vocational education remains underutilized and underfunded.
These children need practical skills to become self-reliant, provide for themselves, and contribute to their communities. However, they often lack the means, mentorship, and materials needed to pursue trades that can transform their lives.
Project Objectives
Overall Goal:
To empower underprivileged children and youth in Cameroon through vocational training and entrepreneurship development.
Specific Objectives:
– Provide practical, hands-on training in at least 5 vocational trades.
– Equip 100 children and youth annually with income-generating skills.
– Offer mentorship, counseling, and life skills support.
– Provide toolkits or startup capital to 50% of graduates.
– Foster long-term self-employment and small business development.
Target Beneficiaries
– Children and youth (ages 10–22) from poor households
– Orphans, vulnerable children, and early school leavers
– Young girls at risk of exploitation or early marriage
– Youth with a strong interest in learning a trade
Target Area (Phase 1): Bamenda and surrounding communities in the Northwest Region of Cameroon.
Project Activities
A. Training Programs (6–9 months per cohort):
1. Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy
2. Tailoring & Fashion Design
3. Culinary Arts & Baking
4. Handicrafts & Small-scale Production
5. Basic ICT & Digital Literacy
B. Support Services:
– Entrepreneurship & Financial Literacy Workshops
– Counselling and Life Coaching
– Mentorship by professionals in each trade
– Graduation, certification, and job fair for trainees
– Toolkits or startup grants for high-performing graduates
Expected Results
– 100 youth trained annually in at least 5 trades
– 80% retention and program completion rate
– 50 graduates start their own income-generating activities
– Improved self-esteem, purpose, and dignity among beneficiaries
– Reduced risk of unemployment, crime, and exploitation
Sustainability Strategy
– Trainees provide low-cost services to the community
– Set up an in-house BEYANA salon, tailoring shop, or bakery
– Graduates return as junior trainers or mentors
– Partnership with churches, NGOs, and government programs
– Income from sales of student-made crafts and goods
Monitoring and Evaluation
– Monthly progress reports and attendance tracking
– Pre- and post-training evaluations
– Quarterly donor updates and success stories
– Graduation exam and skill demonstrations
– Impact tracking 6 and 12 months after graduation
Budget Overview (in FCFA & USD)
| Expense Item | Amount (FCFA) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Training Center Rent & Setup | 2,000,000 | ~$3,333 |
| Equipment & Materials (all trades) | 3,500,000 | ~$5,833 |
| Trainer Salaries (6–9 months) | 3,000,000 | ~$5,000 |
| Entrepreneurship & Life Skills Support | 500,000 | ~$833 |
| Toolkits for 50 Graduates | 1,500,000 | ~$2,500 |
| Admin & Logistics | 1,000,000 | ~$1,667 |
| Monitoring & Graduation Costs | 500,000 | ~$833 |
| Total | 12,000,000 | ~$20,000 |
Partnerships and Collaborations
We welcome partnerships with:
– NGOs and faith-based organizations
– Trade unions and vocational centers
– Local councils and ministries
– International donors and diaspora supporters
– Entrepreneurs and trainers willing to mentor youth
Call to Action
We invite you to join us in transforming lives and futures. Your support can train one child, set up a training hub, or fund an entire trade program. Every donation sows hope.
Together, let’s equip hands and change lives.
Sponsorship Levels
| Sponsorship Option | Amount (CFA) | Approx. USD | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sponsor a Child | 120,000 CFA | ~$200 USD | Covers a full year of vocational training and life skills development. |
| Sponsor a Toolkit | 30,000 CFA | ~$50 USD | Provides essential tools for a graduate to start working immediately. |
| Equip a Trade Track | 2,500,000 CFA | ~$4,167 USD | Fully equips a training center for one trade (e.g., tailoring, welding). |