Dreams to Reality: GHSS Empowers Over 1,400 Lives in Bamenda
In recognition of its transformative impact, Global Health Systems Solutions (GHSS) has been awarded two prestigious accolades for its outstanding contributions to community empowerment in Cameroon, particularly in Bamenda. Over 1,400 individuals have benefited from GHSS's initiatives, making a profound difference in the lives of many.
One of the awards was conferred upon Mah O. Tarke-Anoh, the Regional Coordinator for the North West Region.
She received recognition for her "Excellence, Exemplary Leadership, & Resilience in Advancing Youth Empowerment" through the Education and Economic Empowerment Projects (EEEP).
The second accolade was awarded to Prof. Patrick A. Njukeng, PhD, the Executive Director of GHSS,
acknowledging his "Strategic Leadership & Advocacy" in promoting youth empowerment in Cameroon.
Mission-Driven Impact
Founded in 2007, GHSS operates as an international non-governmental organization committed to enhancing health systems, services, and networks in developing countries. It aims to conduct operational research to bolster healthcare programs, recognizing that health and empowerment are intrinsically linked.
As Mah O. Tarke-Anoh stated, “Health is not holistic without empowerment.” The organization has expanded its efforts beyond health initiatives to include programs aimed at economic and educational support.
Educational and Economic Empowerment Project (EEEP)
The awards stem from EEEP, a program designed to uplift 15,000 vulnerable young individuals, with a focus on achieving at least 70% participation from young women. The program specifically targets internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, low-educated youths, and young mothers.
Over the pass three years, EEEP has enhanced educational attunement, vocational training, and created employment opportunities for disadvantaged youth across six regions: Northwest, Southwest, Littoral, West, Far North, and East. offering them the necessary skills and resources to achieve self-sufficiency.
Community-Centric Approaches
Mah O. Tarke-Anoh shed light on the project’s multifaceted approach: “We have this project running in six regions of Cameroon... We aim to empower 15,000 youths directly and indirectly.”
1. Formal Education Support: Financial assistance for school fees, didactic materials, and monthly stipends for the most vulnerable students.
2. Vocational Education and Training (VET): Empowering individuals through skills training and business startup kits to support self-employment.
3. Employability Skills Training: Equipping university graduates with practical skills tailored to current job markets, resulting in over 350 graduates securing employment.
4.Micro and Small Scale Enterprises (MSE): Assisting aspiring entrepreneurs in developing viable business plans, accessing startup capital, and enhancing collective initiatives within Common Initiative Groups (CIGs).
5. Youth Innovation Challenge: Promoting innovative solutions to local problems, providing training on pitching projects, and facilitating access to funding for promising ideas.
A Growing Legacy
The Regional Coordinator highlighted that the organization’s efforts extend beyond traditional empowerment sectors, touching the lives of various individuals, including bike riders, petty traders, Students and farmers.
"This Award means that our efforts are being recognized," Tarke-Anoh commented. "It's a booster to our work, and with around 1,400 youths empowered in Bamenda alone, we are motivated to strive for even greater impact."
By Bamenjo Petronilla