Rural Women Industrialization Centre (RUWIC) Foundation

By Melvice Ngalle Epede

“My name is Epede Melvice Ngalle and I came from Cameroon. I’m a highly motivated and proactive research fellow in the field of Phytoremediation and holding a master’s degree in Biology, specializing in Biodiversity, Conservation, and Restoration. I’m a doctoral student, with a research topic of ‘Assessing plants capacity to take up Metal(oid)s’ at the faculty of Chemistry and Physics, TU BAF. I’m very passionate about sustainable development and business ideas for emerging and underdeveloped economies. Organized with the ability to adapt and perform under diverse circumstances. I am always determined to finish a project successfully with a strong focus on perfection and profitability. I’m involved in few aspects for development of the EMPOWER program: Good Governance and Social Entrepreneurship Program “Creating Impact in Developing Regions” which has as objectives to empower international Ph.D. students to take an active part in different development programs in developing or emerging countries, by Centre for Advanced Study and Research (GraFA) Technical Mining University Freiberg.- Thank you”

What project idea did you generate or nurture during your time in EMPOWER program?

I developed a project called „RURAL WOMEN INDUSTRIALIZATION CENTRE – RUWIC Foundation“ for Sustainable Development in Cameroon.

The whole idea is to Empower women especially widows and school dropout girls through various pieces of training to embark on agriculture as a profitable business via corporate farming and permaculture practice by mixed vegetable/fruits cultivation for the community. Tubers (e.g. cassava) and grains (e.g. maize) cultivation for processing and marketing can be nurtured by the community.

What lasting memories do you associate with your time in EMPOWER program?

Through this program, I am bold enough to see and carry myself as an “entrepreneur” whilst I was purely a scientific researcher at TU BAF.

What is the current status of your EMPOWER project?

Still at an initial stage. So far, I have been able to support a dropout girl who is also a single mother with three kids in Nkikoh village. We helped with the installation of solar panels in her home and society sees her now differently (i.e. treating with more respect). As soon as I begin the implementation phase of my project, she will be one of those who will teach and train others.

The installation of solar panels in Nkikoh, Cameroon.

What is the next phase of your project?

We are currently soliciting support for the implementation of the project. As soon as I have the opportunity to visit my home country, I hope that first my project idea will be registered as a Common Initiative Group (CIG) at the local level.

What internal and external contacts did you build throughout your time in EMPOWER program?

Many organizations, such as CIM/GIZ, Startsite, SOLARLY, SAXEED, Shisasay, Shisásáy e.V. – Aktiv in Cameroon – Verein, are interested in my project and have shown willingness to work with us in various capacities.

What is your motivation for joining this EMPOWER project?

Building capacity for project development and enhancing my home country.

Will you tell us your life motto at the end?

“Determination-Passion-Vision”.

Which elements of EMPOWER training do you find most helpful?

I would portray EMPOWER output as “Networking and teamwork makes the dream work”.

EMPOWER – a programme for good governance and social entrepreneurship

Archive

Kategorien