Rebuilding Dreams in Glass and Aluminium: Moses’ Story of Resilience and Renewal

Evidence-Based Narrative:

Moses Nana Ndonga, a 25-year-old man originally from Cameroon’s Northwest Region, exemplifies the resilience and determination of a generation affected by crisis. Like thousands of English-speaking Cameroonians, Moses was forcibly displaced by the ongoing conflict, torn from his family and compelled to abandon his education. He sought refuge in Bertoua, in the East Region of Cameroon, where he began to rebuild his life by enrolling in a technician program in glasswork and aluminum. However, financial difficulties forced him to halt his training halfway through, leaving him idle and struggling with depression.

In 2025, during a door-to-door outreach initiative, the GHSS team identified Moses, and he expressed a strong desire to complete his training. Thanks to GHSS support through the Education and Economic Empowerment Project (EEE-P), he was re-enrolled in a six-month program and provided with full training fees, materials, and a monthly stipend. This support not only lifted his financial burden but also reignited his hope and determination.

Today, Moses has finished his training and is forging a bold new path. He has started his own workshop and plans to train at least five youths every two years in glasswork and metalwork. His goal is to equip each graduate with the tools and materials needed to start their own businesses—creating a ripple effect of empowerment and opportunity.

Moses’ journey is a compelling example of what targeted support and belief in potential can accomplish. His story is not just one of personal victory, but also a shining example of hope for many others whose lives are being transformed through the joint efforts of GHSS and the MasterCard Foundation.

Ripple Effects of Impact:

Individual: Moses overcame depression and idleness, completed his training, and regained confidence and purpose. He now envisions launching his own workshop and becoming a mentor to others

Household: With financial support and a clear career path, Moses is well- placed to contribute economically to his family, potentially helping his family escape hardship and regain stability after displacement.

Community: Moses aims to train at least five youths every two years, building a local network of skilled technicians and encouraging entrepreneurship in Bertoua and beyond.

Systemic: His journey illustrates how targeted interventions can restore lives affected by conflict, aiding workforce development, youth empowerment, and social cohesion in post-crisis regions.

Foundation’s Role: Through seed funding, mentorship, and material support, the MasterCard Foundation and GHSS helped Moses complete his training, envision a sustainable future, and become a catalyst for change in his community.