Name: Tante Messi 25yo
Single mother of 3 children (1, 3, 5yo)

Tante was originally from Bamenda. NSAG burnt her home in Bamenda 3 years ago. She escaped with 2 children at the time, all on her own, as the children's father was in Nigeria. She suspects her partner had another relationship in Nigeria and had no intention of coming back to her and their children. She was often abusive, angry and treated them like they were strangers.

Tante decided that she should remain in Buea rather than return to Bamenda as her own mother was not really in a position to help her. She rented a space in Buea, slept on the bare ground with the chidlren with no mattress. She was in a bad headspace. She thought about commiting suicide several times, but having met the social worker from IRC, she has really helped. Tante started to believe that she can survive and stand on her own two feet without a man. Life was possible without a man. She now runs a small provision store.