Real Life Stories: People Trafficking in Cameroon (RECEPEDIS)
The latest in our series of partner interviews is with Patricia Ngum. Patricia’s story was compiled by Liluye staff writer Sylvia Nalubega. Patricia Ngum is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer for the Redemption Center for Persons in Distress (RECEPEDIS) Cameroon, an organization focused on supporting the vulnerable in society, especially with mental health issues.
To watch Patricia’s interview, please watch below:
This is the Liluye interview of Patricia:
How did you first get involved in being part of this work? In other words, what motivated you, or still drives you, to work on the issue of trafficking? Can you share a personal story?
I work with the Redemption Center for Persons in Distress (RECEPEDIS), an organization dedicated to improving the mental well-being of the less privileged in society. Over the years, I have tirelessly worked on various humanitarian initiatives, with a strong focus on fighting against human trafficking. Human trafficking is a global issue that preys on the vulnerable and robs individuals of their dignity and their freedom. My passion for combating human trafficking stems from my firm belief that every person has the right to live free from exploitation and abuse. I have therefore dedicated my leadership to not only awareness raising about human trafficking but also providing practical support for victims as well as collaborating with national and international bodies. I am working with Social Affairs in Cameroon and other partners in this domain to advocate for stricter policies and stronger support systems for survivors. As a mental health expert, I have seen firsthand the deep scars that trafficking creates on its victims. This fuels my determination to advocate not only for their freedom but also for their complete recovery and reintegration back into society. I lead with empathy, strategic insight, and a vision for a world where everyone can live in safety and dignity. Therefore, RECEPEDIS has safe lodging facilities where victims and survivors of human trafficking are sheltered, rehabilitated, and empowered so that they can be reintegrated into society and not be abused again.
What are the specific mission and goals of your organization?
RECEPEDIS started in 2014 to reach out to the vulnerable in society, especially those with mental health issues. By 2017, we were implementing several activities to respond to the ongoing armed conflicts in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon. This is because armed conflicts leave people even more vulnerable to human trafficking while they’re searching for safer places.
Share with us some of the things you are doing to support survivors of trafficking, or to prevent those who are vulnerable from going through it.
RECEPEDIS set up a safe lodging facility that is strictly monitored by the State and other international organizations to ensure the protection and safety of victims or survivors. We provide rescue, counseling, coaching, and psychosocial support to victims and survivors. We empower them with appropriate life skills and provide them with start-up capital once they are ready. Similarly, we provide medical care and detoxification (helping them overcome physical dependence on substances like drugs or alcohol) for those who have been injected with harmful substances. We also do referrals to hospitals for those who are in bad health.
Additionally, we have rescued many girls and women from trafficking by providing information on human trafficking, e.g., how to detect situations of trafficking, means of protecting themselves, and where to receive support.
What kind of change do you want to see as a result of your work among the survivors of trafficking, or those who are most vulnerable to it?
I want to see more people get involved in the campaign on preventing and stopping human trafficking. We need to sensitize more people on this issue so we can prevent it. Many people become victims because they have no information. I want to see more people readily be able to access information and support.
What kind of support do you need for your work?
The kind of support we need is both short and long-term support and assistance. For instance, we will need more lodging facilities to accommodate more victims and survivors. Our facilities are overcrowded yet we need the girls and women to feel at home while they are undergoing healing and rehabilitation. We are also in need of materials such as food, clothing, and training materials like computers for the economic empowerment program.
Where to send funding for your work?
To fund the work of RECEPEDIS, please use WhatsApp: +237677087801, email: recepedis237@gmail.com, or via phone: +237697670507.
To find out more about RECEPEDIS:
Visit RECEPEDIS on Facebook: RECEPEDIS
Visit RECEPEDIS on LinkedIn: RECEPEDIS
Visit RECEPEDIS on Instagram: RECEPEDIS
Visit RECEPEDIS on YouTube: RECEPEDIS
Visit RECEPEDIS on TikTok: RECEPEDIS
For more information about Liluye or to inquire about becoming a partner, please visit: www.liluye.org/contact. Or, if you are interested in donating to Liluye, please visit: www.liluye.org/donate.
Patricia was interviewed by Liluye staff writer Sylvia Nalubega who also writes a blog, Sanyu Centre for Arts and Rights. Sylvia’s personal message to everyone is, “We live beyond ourselves by sharing our story to hopefully impact a person.”