Back-to-School Pressure: SMAT Supports Single Mothers In Bamenda

 

By Raymond Dingana

For many single mothers in Bamenda, capital of Cameroon’s North West Region, preparing their children for a new school year comes with serious financial pressure.

But for more than 50 single mothers, some of that burden has been eased following a support initiative by the Single Mothers Advocacy Task Force International (SMAT).

The organisation recently provided school materials to the women at the Bamenda Handicraft Centre to help their children return to school.

SMAT Managing Director, Nsah Beltila, said the initiative was created after the organisation observed that single mothers were often left out of support programmes targeting vulnerable groups.

“We decided to embark on this journey because we noticed that many organisations focus on widows, orphans, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, but single mothers are often neglected,”

 Beltila said.

She said this situation inspired the creation of SMAT, with a focus on empowering single mothers, helping them earn a living and better provide for their children.

Cross Section Of Beneficiaries 

For some beneficiaries, the assistance came at a time of growing concern over how to meet their children’s back-to-school needs.

Claris, a single mother of two, expressed appreciation for the support.

“I just want to appreciate SMAT for what they have done for us. I am really grateful. The school bags, books and pens will help my children go to school without difficulty,”

 she said.

Another single mother, Julaiatu said:

"my child has received a bag, books, pens, and everything needed for school. I am very happy about that because they have really supported me in insuring my child go to school."

The Vision Bearer of SMAT, Dr Mbongmba Fedelis said the initiative was motivated by the social and economic difficulties faced by many single mothers.

“They face community rejection, stigma and many other social problems. Some people treat them as if they are not part of society. I saw that this is a group of people who are really vulnerable, but they are not benefiting from enough assistance. People care less about them. This pushed me to start this initiative,”

 he explained.

Beyond Back-to-School Support:

SMAT says its assistance to single mothers will not end with the distribution of school materials.

The organisation plans to establish a vocational training centre where single mothers can acquire practical skills and improve their ability to earn an income.

“We want to create a vocational training centre for single mothers, with activities such as tailoring, bead-making, dressmaking and beauty services. We also intend to establish partnerships with institutions so that, after their training, the women can be certified and better integrate into society,”

 Dr Mbongmba said.

He added that equipment for the planned vocational training programme is expected to arrive in Bamenda soon.

SMART Officials Handing Over Didactic Materials To 

For the beneficiaries, the support has provided some relief at a time when families are facing the demands of a new school year.

SMAT says it plans to extend its support and empowerment activities to more single mothers in Bamenda and beyond.