Social Welfare

Background
Disability is a complex and challenging phenomenon, with individuals facing various obstacles in their daily lives. The lack of knowledge and awareness about diseases and disabilities among the public is a common theme, affecting care-seeking behavior and resulting in further impairments, disease exacerbations, and social exclusion. Despite the existence of Cameroon's law for the protection of persons with disabilities, such as Law Number 2010/002 of 13th April 2010 on the promotion of persons with disability, individuals with disabilities face marginalization and limited chances of recovery. Negative perceptions about disability, including beliefs that it is a curse resulting from evil spirits, intensify the challenges faced by people with disabilities.

Objective
Improve the lives of people living with disabilities to reduce vulnerability through trainings on varying life skills adapting to their disabilities.

Achievements

171 persons with disabilities have been trained in various life skills and equipped with start-up materials to set up their own workshops after graduation.
About 100,000 persons have been sensitized on social inclusion.
Established and operate a Rehabilitation center with seven departments (sewing, hairdressing, cane weaving, traditional embroidery, traditional jewelry/craft, knitting, and shoe making/mending).

Challenges

Limited funding for start-up materials, and maintenance of equipment and running of the center.
Lack of transportation means to and from the center.

TESTIMONIALS

1. Honorine

Honorine, a trainee of the SHUMAS rehabilitation center, shared her touching story. She recounted, "My name is Honorine. I was born deaf and dumb and have been surviving with this condition to this day. Growing up in this condition has not been easy. I had to beg from neighbors to have something to eat." During her time at SHUMAS, Honorine received training in hairdressing and was given start-up materials to open a salon. She expressed profound gratitude to SHUMAS, acknowledging the significant improvement in her life and that of her family. With her newfound skill, she was able to support her parents, pay her siblings' and child's school fees, and even contribute to funding the roof for their house. Honorine emphasized the life-changing impact of the gesture, remarking that it had not only transformed her life but also united and strengthened her family.

GALLERY