“Walk To Me”

2019: Cecelia has earned herself a new name… She’s now known as “Walk To Me”. With After Girl Power Africa had empowered Cecelia, she started going to the ocean front to buy fresh fish directly from the fishermen as they bring their canoes off the shore of the Atlantic Ocean around 5AM, bring with them fresh fish that they had caught during the night. She is usually one of the first fish buyers to arrive on the shore, therefore, she gets the fish at a reasonable price. Cecelia started selling raw fish until one day, she realized that she needed a way to dry her remaining fish to preserve them due to the lack of refrigeration. She build a fish dryer (see photos below). From there, her business increased substantially because she no longer had to disgard her left over fish. She would simply dry them, which preserved the fish for up to a month!  Cecelia is now suppling other fish sellers and buyers who are buying in larger quantity. The customers call Cecelia “Walk To Me” because she will walk practically any distance to deliver her fish to her customers.

Below is Cecelia’s original story:

2016:  Cecelia is a single mom with 7 children. In 2009, her husband died from a snake bit up country were they have lived all of their lives. Their village had a population of about 500 people; where everyone knew each other and looked out for one another. Since her husband’s death, one of her friends who lives in Monrovia (the capital city with over 1 million population) has been trying to convince Cecelia to move closer to her in Monrovia. The friend had told Cecelia that she had a house that was big enough for all of them. She had promised Cecelia that she would find a house work job (maid) for her. About 2 years ago Cecelia packed up the 3 younger children and moved to Monrovia, the big city with endless opportunities. The first disappointment was upon arrival at Red Light (the transfer point which is infested with criminals). The friend whom was supposed to have met them never showed up…. until a kind hearted store owner give her (300LD, about $3.20 USD) to pay their way to the friend’s house . When they finally arrived at the friend’s big house, it was a two room zinc round (latterly a 2 room zinc shed. No living room, no bathroom, no kitchen… only 2 rooms). And the friend had 4 kids of her own plus her boyfriend. With no money for Cecelia and her children to go back up country, she started attending a church near her new community. Before long, one of the prominent ladies at the church, Mrs. Notee, befriended Cecelia. Mrs. Notee found a home (a zinc shed) for Cecelia and her children to live and take care of her one Lot of land. Recently, Mrs. Notee had brought Cecelia to Girl Power to see if we are able to help her start her own business. Thanks to Ann Milne, the answer was YES! These are photos of Cecelia receiving her new supply of selling goods to now be able to successfully start her very own business.