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GHAPE

Grounded and Holistic Approach for People's Empowerment

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On this page you will find other information about our organization that may be of interest, such as past documents, financial reports, and the requirements to become a GHAPE borrower.

History and Background:

GHAPE (Grounded and Holistic Approach For Peoples Empowerment) was established in October 1998 in Alabukam, Bamenda, in the North West Province, Cameroon. The organization was spear headed by Bernadette A. Ngoh. GHAPE was created to find creative solution to one of the underprivileged’s most pressing problems: unsustainable empowerment packages. The basic problems facing the underprivileged are the same everywhere: poverty, illiteracy, ignorance and diseases. These problems are interlocked. The successful resolution of one depends upon the successful resolution of the others. A success solution will demand simultaneous actions; thus GHAPE takes the holistic approach for people’s empowerment—hence the name.

The holistic approach taken by GHAPE provides scarce resources (especially credit for self–employment) to those that do not have access to these resources. The Empowerment Credit (EC) scheme is backed with functional, life skills and business development training and moderated by social activities to improve the standard of living of the poor. GHAPE’s approach is greatly based on the Grameen Bank approach which Bernadette Ngoh was able to see first hand when she worked with Mohammed Yunus and the Grameen Bank.

GHAPE’s ultimate objective is poverty alleviation amongst the poorest of the poor in the society. These are humans who are unable to afford basic human needs such as food, primary education, generic drugs, accommodation, proper roofing, and sufficient clothing and shoes. GHAPE has created a Basic Needs Assessment for Cameroon and every client must be below a certain level on this test in order to enter the program.

GHAPE’s Empowerment Credit (E C) program has been growing. The credit volume increases every month and more centers continue to be created to meet the growing demands. Currently there are eighteen centers in the Bamenda area and ten centers at the branch outside Bamenda, in Belo. The demands on GHAPE’s revolving credit funds for income- generating activities continue to grow. Unfortunately, the availability of credit funds has not been proportional to the growth in demand. GHAPE has reached out to more than 1900 poor households cumulatively with small credits for self-employed income-generating activities following the Grameen bank concept. This is less than 20% of those presently queuing up and requesting start-off capital.

How to become a GHAPE Borrower:

Step One: Knowledge about GHAPE

1. Know the organization

2. Know who can become a borrower

3. Know the geographical outreach

Step Two: Group Formation

1. Five people

2. Self chosen

3. Same sex

4. Same age bracket

5. Same neighbourhood

6. Same socio-economic status