- Years of implementation: 2019-2023
- Funders: United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR)
In response to the refugee crisis in Nigeria, since 2019, SKILLS has received funds from United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to provide entrepreneurship training to Cameroonian refugees residing in Nigeria. Refugees receive training to start micro and small enterprises (MSEs) to address food security issues and generate income for their families, while also gaining valuable information and technology skills to grow businesses in digital spaces.
SKILLS has supported more than 5,000 individuals, created over 3,000 jobs, and created more than 1,700 MSEs. The project also supports a Farmer’s Field School providing agricultural training to support strengthening agribusinesses; as of 2023, more than 1,600 individuals have participated in classes at the field school.
SKILLS STORIES
Nigeria: Program helps refugee gain the right tools to grow their business
Since 2017, the ongoing conflict in Cameroon has caused thousands of people to flee their homes to neighbouring Nigeria, including 34-year-old Annette.
Program helps Cameroonian refugee grow business and help train others
The ongoing conflict in Cameroon has caused thousands of people to flee their homes to neighbouring Nigeria, including 25-year-old Vanessa Mbahwei.
Starting a new life in Nigeria
Starting over in a new country can be difficult. Some refugees not only lose their homes and communities, but their jobs, financial standing, and sense of purpose. Louise Tchuntang Eyong, 36, was living in Kumba, South-West province in Cameroon with her children, Austin Enow Eyong, 18, and foster daughter Imelda Okanda, 20, when the Ambazonia war, often referred to as the crisis in Cameroon, forced the family to flee to Nigeria. They lost all they had and needed support to start a new life.