EYUMEMA USA Impact Report (2019–2025)

Caption: Scenes from EYUMEMA USA projects in Manyu Division (2019–2025).

Executive Summary

EYUMEMA USA (Manyu women for Empowerment) is a nonprofit organization of Manyu women (by birth or marriage) in the diaspora dedicated to empowering communities in Cameroon. Between 2019 and 2025, EYUMEMA USA implemented several life-changing projects focused on healthcare and clean water in the conflict-affected Manyu Division of Cameroon. Key achievements include the donation of vital medical equipment after the local hospital was destroyed, the installation of solar-powered boreholes in remote villages, the expansion and equipping of a health center, and the provision of solar power to healthcare facilities. These initiatives restored essential services for thousands of residents – improving access to clean water, revitalizing healthcare delivery, and empowering women and youth.

Over this period, EYUMEMA USA invested a total of 203,434,500 FCFA in community projects. This impact report provides a detailed account of these projects, the growth of the organization, and the social outcomes achieved. It is intended for a nonprofit audience, including donors, members, the general public, and institutional partners, highlighting how collective action and diaspora engagement have transformed lives in Manyu. The report documents EYUMEMA USA’s journey from its founding to its rebranding in 2024, showcases the projects completed between 2019 and 2025, and shares inspiring stories of resilience and empowerment that have emerged from these efforts.

Historical Background

Origins (2018–2019): EYUMEMA USA traces its roots to the Manyu Women’s Association USA (MOHWA USA). The inspiration came in 2018 when three visionary Manyu “founding mothers” – Mami Faustina Yembe, Mami Sarah Besong Adelowo, and Mami Bertha Eta – resolved to establish a vibrant Manyu women’s branch in the United States. Their initiative culminated in the formation of an interim executive team of 21 members on July 8, 2019, led by Mami Faustina Yembe as the first President. MOHWA USA was officially registered and launched in Texas in August 2019, heralding a new era of sisterhood and community service among Manyu women in the diaspora. From its inception, the organization (open to Manyu women by birth or marriage) was grounded in unity, cultural solidarity, and a mission to uplift the girl child and communities both in the U.S. and back home in Manyu.

Growth and Rebranding (2020–2024): In the early 2020s, a new administration under National President Ma Bridget Bessem Voma expanded the organization’s reach and philanthropic footprint. By 2022, MOHWA USA had solidified its presence with impactful projects in Cameroon and charitable endeavors in the U.S. In 2024, amid preparations for the 3rd Annual Convention, the association undertook a strategic rebranding. “Heeding Michelle Obama’s call to ‘go high’ in the face of adversity,” MOHWA USA reinvented itself as EYUMEMA USA – “The Voice of a Mother,” reaffirming its core values of resilience, growth, and the nurturing spirit of motherhood. This change was far more than cosmetic – it signified a deepened commitment to the organization’s legacy and mission. EYUMEMA (an acronym embodying youth and motherly empowerment) honors the strength passed down through generations of Manyu women and positions the group as a beacon of hope and unity in action. The rebranded EYUMEMA USA carries forward the rich legacy of MOHWA USA Inc. while embracing an even broader vision for empowering women and communities.

Organizational Growth: Membership & Global Footprint

From a modest start, EYUMEMA USA has grown into a robust international network of Manyu women, with a thriving membership and global presence. As of 2025, EYUMEMA USA encompasses 15 branches and sub-branches across the United States, bringing together approximately 728 members nationwide. These members are organized in regional chapters (including branches in Texas, Georgia, Minnesota, New England, Ohio, Virginia, California and more), fostering local engagement and sisterhood.

Beyond the U.S., EYUMEMA’s influence extends globally through partnerships and sister chapters. In Cameroon, the home country, there are 10 active EYUMEMA branches with over 900 members leading on-the-ground initiatives. Additionally, EYUMEMA has established chapters or alliances in Canada, Equatorial Guinea (with two active branches), and across Europe and the United Kingdom, creating a vibrant worldwide network. This growing global footprint reinforces the power of collective action – uniting Manyu women from different continents in the shared mission of community development and cultural preservation. Together, these interconnected chapters exemplify the strength of diaspora engagement: the USA branch works hand-in-hand with international partners, all “forging a path forward, united in dedication to community development and the empowerment of women and girls.”

Key Projects and Initiatives (2019–2025)

Over the past five years, EYUMEMA USA has translated its mission into tangible impact through strategic investments in health and water infrastructure in Manyu Division. The following major projects were executed between 2019 and 2025:

1. Medical Supply Initiative

In 2022, after conflict-related turmoil led to the destruction of the only district hospital in Mamfe, EYUMEMA USA responded swiftly to help restore healthcare services. Through the Medical Supply Initiative, the association donated essential medical equipment valued at 17 million FCFA to the Mamfe Preventive Health Center. This preventive health center in Mamfe town became the interim facility serving the area after the main hospital was burned down. The donated equipment (including hospital beds, diagnostic tools, medications, and other supplies) helped re-establish basic healthcare delivery for the local population. It enabled the health center to handle increased patient load and urgent cases, thereby bridging the gap in medical care. This initiative was a lifeline for the community – ensuring continuity of care for thousands of residents and stabilizing healthcare access for vulnerable groups (mothers, children, the elderly) in the immediate aftermath of the crisis. By equipping local providers with critical tools, EYUMEMA USA’s support significantly mitigated the impact of the hospital’s loss and saved countless lives.

2. “Manyep” Water for Life Project

Launched in 2023, the “Manyep” Water for Life Project was a groundbreaking clean water initiative that brought solar-powered water wells and solar electricity to communities across all four subdivisions of Manyu Division. In Manyu’s rural and post-conflict communities, access to clean water and reliable power are essential for public health. EYUMEMA USA undertook the installation of solar-powered boreholes (wells) in villages lacking potable water, as well as solar panel systems to power health centers and a hospital. The project was named “Manyep” (meaning “water” in the local dialect) to signify life and hope. Highlights of this project, by subdivision, include:

·         Mamfe Central: Three new solar-powered boreholes were drilled at Small Mamfe, Banya, and Lala quarters, expanding access to clean drinking water in the Mamfe urban area. These wells now provide free, safe water to local neighborhoods that previously struggled with water scarcity.

·         Eyumojock: Two solar panel installations were completed – one at Kembong Village Integrated Health Center and another providing electric power in Inokun village – and one solar-powered borehole was constructed in Ayukagba village. Remote communities in Eyumojock subdivision now have electricity for healthcare services and a reliable well for clean water.

·         Upper Bayang: Two solar-powered boreholes were installed in Obang (Three Corners) village and Bachuo-Akagbe village. These rural communities gained year-round access to safe water, reducing water-borne diseases and the burden of traveling long distances to fetch water.

·         Akwaya: One solar-powered borehole was drilled in Avartu village, and solar power systems were installed at Kesham Health Center and the Akwaya District Hospital. This was especially impactful in Akwaya, a remote subdivision with rugged terrain – the district hospital and health center can now pump clean water and run medical equipment on solar energy.

(Note: “Akwaya Town District Hospital” was also equipped with solar panels as part of this project.)

The Manyep Water for Life Project was a massive undertaking, with 7 solar-powered boreholes and 4 solar installations completed in total. It was funded by just over \$170,000 raised by EYUMEMA USA members and supporters. Today, these water points and solar systems benefit an estimated 15,000+ people across 9 communities, improving sanitation and daily living conditions. Women and girls in these areas have been especially impacted – with clean water available nearby, they are freed from walking long distances to rivers, allowing more time for education and economic activities. Additionally, local health centers now have lights, refrigeration, and powered medical devices, vastly improving the quality of healthcare (especially maternal care and emergency services) in these underserved communities.

3. Healthcare Restoration Project (Mamfe Health Center Expansion)

Building on the emergency aid of 2022, EYUMEMA USA spearheaded a comprehensive Healthcare Restoration Project to rebuild and expand healthcare infrastructure in Manyu. The focus was on upgrading the Mamfe Preventive Health Center – the facility that had been sustaining medical services after the main hospital’s destruction. In partnership with local stakeholders, EYUMEMA funded a major expansion of the Mamfe Preventive Health Center building. This construction project transformed the health center into a more capable community hospital by adding multiple new wards and amenities:

·         A 16-bed Maternity Ward – providing a dedicated space for women to receive prenatal care and deliver babies safely.

·         A 16-bed Children’s Ward – expanding capacity to treat pediatric patients and reducing child morbidity.

·         Four Private Wards for individual patient care – improving privacy and quality of care for those requiring special attention.

·         Dedicated Labor & Delivery rooms and a Minor Surgery Ward – enabling the facility to handle childbirth and perform minor surgical procedures on-site.

·         Two nursing stations, eight toilets, and six bathrooms – ensuring proper clinical oversight and sanitation for both patients and staff.

This expansion effectively created a mini-hospital with a total of 32 new inpatient beds (doubling as maternity and pediatric capacity), along with the necessary support rooms. By late 2023, the renovated Mamfe Preventive Health Center was operational, restoring vital healthcare services that had been lost. The facility now handles maternal deliveries, inpatient treatment, and minor surgeries that previously required referral outside Manyu. Health outcomes have already improved – women can deliver their babies closer to home in a safe environment, which is expected to reduce maternal and infant mortality in the area. The expanded center has greatly increased healthcare access for over 40,000 residents of Mamfe and surrounding villages. This project stands as a testament to EYUMEMA’s commitment to “restore what was broken” and ensure the community can receive quality healthcare locally.

4. Preventive Health Center Expansion Equipment (New England Branch)

In tandem with the infrastructure expansion, the EYUMEMA USA New England Branch organized a significant donation of medical furnishings and supplies to outfit the new wards. This Preventive Health Center Expansion Equipment Support initiative supplied the Mamfe health center with much-needed hospital furniture and linens, including:

·         40 medical hospital beds (with adjustable frames) and 40 new mattresses

·         40 bedside cabinets for patient use

·         40 complete sets of bed linens, including sheets, pillows, and pillowcases

These items, shipped from the United States, ensured that each of the new ward beds was properly equipped for patient care. Prior to this donation, the health center had a severe shortage of functional beds and basic furniture, which limited its capacity. By providing 40 modern bed units, EYUMEMA USA enabled the facility to accommodate the increased number of patients in clean and comfortable conditions. The linens and pillows have improved infection control and patient comfort. This support from the New England Chapter exemplifies the power of branch-led efforts feeding into a national project. Together with the building expansion, the equipment donation helped fully realize a rejuvenated healthcare facility for Manyu. Community members returning to the center have found a vastly improved environment – a source of pride and hope after the hardship of losing their hospital. The local health staff have expressed deep gratitude, noting that these beds and supplies have “made our hospital feel whole again.”

Financial Summary

The table below summarizes EYUMEMA USA’s project investments in Manyu Division from 2019 through 2025. All figures are in CFA Francs (XAF), the local currency of Cameroon:

Project                                                                                                  Amount (FCFA)

 Solar-Powered Boreholes                                                                      74,434,500

4 Solar Power Installations                                                                       22,000,000

Medical Equipment Donation (2019–2022)                                                17,000,000

Mamfe Preventive Health Center Expansion                                            90,000,000

Total Investment (2019–2025)                                                          203,434,500

(Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 600 FCFA)

As shown above, EYUMEMA USA’s total direct investment in Manyu community projects during this period was 203.43 million FCFA (approximately \$340,000). This funding was raised through member contributions, fundraising events, and the generosity of donors and partners. The Manyep Water Project accounted for the largest share (about 96.4 million FCFA for boreholes and solar power installations), followed by the Mamfe Health Center expansion (90 million FCFA construction) and the medical equipment and furnishings donations (57 million FCFA combined). Every FCFA was channeled into project execution on the ground, thanks to volunteer efforts and in-kind support that minimized overhead costs. These financial resources have been life-changing investments in the Manyu communities, yielding benefits that far exceed the monetary values in terms of human impact.

(Source: EYUMEMA USA 5-Year Project Investment Summary.)

Social & Community Impact

The successful completion of these projects between 2019 and 2025 has led to significant positive changes in Manyu Division. The impact extends beyond the raw numbers, touching on various aspects of community well-being and empowerment:

• Restored Healthcare & Reduced Mortality: The rehabilitation and equipping of healthcare facilities in Mamfe have literally saved lives. With a functional maternity ward and better medical equipment, women can now give birth safely under skilled care – a critical factor in reducing maternal and infant mortality. Hundreds of childbirths have been attended in the new wards, with improved outcomes and fewer complications. The availability of minor surgery and emergency care within the community has also increased the survival rate for trauma and acute illnesses. In short, Manyu families no longer have to undertake perilous journeys to distant hospitals; lifesaving care is now accessible locally, which is improving overall public health indicators in the post-crisis period.

• Access to Clean Water & Improved Public Health: Thanks to the Manyep Project, nine communities now enjoy reliable access to clean water year-round. An estimated 12,000–15,000 people are benefitting from the 7 solar-powered wells, which has drastically reduced water-borne diseases like typhoid and cholera. The burden on women and children – who traditionally trekked long distances to fetch water – has been lifted, giving them more time for education and economic activities. Clean water close to home means improved hygiene, better hydration, and healthier lives. The visible impact is profound: village elders report a drop in diarrheal illnesses, and local clinics note fewer water-related infections since the boreholes were installed. Sanitation practices have also improved, as people have water to keep homes and latrines clean. In essence, the gift of clean water is transforming community health and daily convenience across Manyu.

• Women’s Empowerment & Leadership: EYUMEMA USA’s projects have been driven by the collective power of women, showcasing the capabilities of Manyu women as agents of change. In the diaspora, over 700 Manyu women members worked together to fund and execute these initiatives – strengthening their leadership skills, financial stewardship, and project management experience. On the ground in Cameroon, women were central to community mobilization for each project (from organizing labor for construction to leading local water management committees). The presence of new water points has particularly empowered women and girls: freed from water-fetching duties, many girls have re-enrolled in school and women have more time for income-generating work. The entire endeavor has amplified women’s voices in community decision-making, validating EYUMEMA’s credo as “The Voice of a Mother.” It has also inspired a new generation of young women (through the Youth Wing launched in 2023) to continue the cycle of empowerment and service.

• Education & Skills Development: Alongside the physical projects, EYUMEMA USA facilitated knowledge transfer and skill-building. Local technicians were trained in installing and maintaining solar power systems and water pumps, creating jobs and ensuring sustainability of the infrastructure. Community water management committees have been taught basic maintenance of the boreholes and hygiene education to maximize the benefit of clean water. Moreover, the collaboration between diaspora professionals and local workers during the health center construction led to informal on-site training in modern construction techniques and hospital management. The improved health and reduced drudgery (from water fetching) also means children, especially girls, have more consistent school attendance. In the longer term, healthier and better-educated youth will be an asset for the community’s development – a ripple effect of these projects.

• Global Diaspora Engagement: EYUMEMA USA’s impact in Manyu exemplifies the power of the global Manyu diaspora coming together for their homeland. Members across the US (from 15 branches) coordinated seamlessly with counterparts in Cameroon to identify needs, raise funds, and implement solutions. This has strengthened bonds within the diaspora and between diaspora and home communities. The international support network (including chapters in Canada, Europe, etc.) rallied to provide resources, demonstrating a model of transnational community development. Many donors and partners were inspired by EYUMEMA’s example to contribute, seeing a trusted channel to make a difference in a marginalized region. The success of these projects has enhanced the profile of EYUMEMA USA, attracting new members and volunteers who want to be part of its mission. In Manyu, the communities feel less isolated knowing their sons and daughters abroad care deeply about their welfare – it has fostered a renewed sense of hope and unity. By engaging the global Manyu community, EYUMEMA USA has not only delivered material projects but also a powerful message of solidarity and love that bridges continents.

Acknowledgements

These achievements were made possible through the generous contributions and support of EYUMEMA USA’s patrons, members, and friends. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every individual and partner who donated funds, expertise, and time to turn these ambitions into reality. In particular, we recognize the following National Patrons of EYUMEMA USA (2019–2025) for their outstanding support and philanthropy:

·         Dr. David Tambe

·         Dr. Walter Takang Enow

·         Dr. Eliot Obi-Tabot

·         Mr. Kwame-Eric Manyo Ashu

·         Dr. Steve Bate

·         Sisiku Etchu Ebott

·         Dr. John Etaka

·         Sisiku Phillip Tabi

·         Dr. Daniel Essim

·         Attorney Samuel Eno

·         Mr. Arrey Ebai Etek

·         Mr. Emmanuel Ekortarh

·         Dr. Moses Tambe

·         Attorney Michael Enoh

·         Mr. Samson Agbor

·         Attorney Adolf Tabi

     Mr. Bate Ayukbessem

We also thank the numerous EYUMEMA USA members at the branch and national levels whose dedication and fundraising efforts were the backbone of these projects, as well as community leaders in Manyu who collaborated in implementation. The solidarity of family, friends, and partner organizations has been invaluable. Your unwavering support has propelled our mission forward. Together, we have shown that a united community can overcome great challenges.

Conclusion

In the rich tapestry of EYUMEMA USA’s history, the organization shines as a beacon of transformation, resilience, and sisterhood. From humble beginnings to remarkable milestones, EYUMEMA (reborn from MOHWA USA Inc.) embodies the nurturing and empowering spirit of the Manyu woman. The impact delivered between 2019 and 2025 is not just measured in boreholes drilled or wards built, but in lives improved – a mother who survives childbirth, a child who can drink clean water, a girl who can stay in school, a community that regains hope. This legacy inspires us to continue “building, supporting, and empowering women across generations and geographies.”

As we look to the future, EYUMEMA USA remains resolute in its purpose. The success of these projects has laid a strong foundation, but there is more work ahead to ensure sustainable development and empowerment in Manyu and beyond. We are motivated by the voices of those we serve and the unity of those who serve with us. In the words of activist Malala Yousafzai, “I raise my voice... so that those without a voice can be heard.” This guiding principle resonates deeply with our mission. EYUMEMA USA stands as a testament to solidarity and progress – the Voice of the Manyu Mother – advocating for the upliftment of all and speaking up for the marginalized.

With renewed hope and determination, we march forward – united in purpose, grounded in strength, and guided by the enduring spirit of EYUMEMA. Long live EYUMEMA USA. Long live the Manyu women’s empowerment movement, and may our collective efforts continue to transform lives for generations to come.

Long live EYUMEMA USA!

Long live Manyu Women for Empowerment!

Sources:

1.      EYUMEMA USA Impact Report Draft (2019–2025)

2.      EYUMEMA USA – Our History. EYUMEMAUSA.org (2024)

3.      EYUMEMA USA – Manyep Water for Life Project Highlights. EYUMEMAUSA.org (2023)

4.      EYUMEMA USA – Project Launch Announcement (Healthcare Restoration). EYUMEMAUSA.org  

Eyumema USA

https://www.eyumemausa.org/