On our 1st anniversary, I reminded myself I want to make a difference not make a living



I love the microphone I used above all lol
I love the microphone I used above all lol
And I prayed for and got me an all strong women team. Our mantra is: We are in this together. I refuse to drive my team any crazy because I want to fit into any chauvinistic box
And I prayed for and got me an all strong women team. Our mantra is: We are in this together. I refuse to drive my team any crazy because I want to fit into any chauvinistic box

Anniversaries for me are reflective moments.



I celebrate a milestone, the memories, the lessons and make some resolves, for example about what my flash line about my work is. I am talking specifically about my association Hope for the Abused and Battered which turned 1 year old on the 10th of December 2019. In one year, I marvel at how much my team and I have carried out. We deserved the party and the following was our anniversary message.



The first birthday of a child is usually celebrated with so much gratitude. We are doing the same for the 1st anniversary of our association Hope for the Abused and Battered (H4AB) founded by Barrister Marie Abanga. She has the following reflections on the journey to getting H4AB up and running to this milestone. In her own words: " It was a vision that came like the strike of lightening and I shuddered. I felt there were already many associations out there. But, the Lord kept urging me on and putting Angels on my path. The registration formalities lasted a month, and that is a feat. I spoke to and with people, many taught me lessons by their naysaying and criticism. On a personal scale, there was a lot to give up including my hopes for a committed relationship. But, because I believe in making a difference and not a living with this association, so I forge on. Team building wasn't easy, and it's still work in progress. I was practically alone for 8 months and got two people for a month who left for reasons best known to them. I am hoping the current team picks up the steam and make the most of their experiences with me - and with association. If I were to do it again, I will do it just the same because I am learning and loving it all the way. Getting a grant from the US Embassy at barely 9 months of existence and with no field projet experience to show, could only be as a result of my 3Ds of Determination Discipline and Dedication. That's what I have to reflect on and share with us all on this day - am full of gratitude to God and the angels on my path especially my current team". As busy people, we often forget to stop and celebrate the good stuff that happens everyday. Think of all the motivational memes you see on social media about self-belief and the importance of acknowledging your successes. Yet, it’s rare that we actually sit back and give ourselves that much deserved pat on the back. There is no doubt that running a CSO requires grit and determination. Statistically only a few survive beyond their 2nd year of community work. So, whilst this 1-year anniversary is a personal milestone for us at H4AB, we think it’s also a high-five for every single abused and battered survivors we've worked with. We are navigating the highs and lows of Civil Society Work together. With time comes wisdom We don’t for one minute claim to be an expert on all things community engagement, but we have learnt some useful pearls of wisdom along the way. Here are a few little gems that we will like to share…. Good humanitarian work is about good relationships. Worrying about it won’t get the job done. It takes a community to raise awareness and fight for a good cause– get a network you can count on. Taking a leap of faith and trying something different can lead to great things. To those of you that we’ve already worked with – thank you. And to those we have yet to work with – let’s stick with it, as great things might be just around the next corner! Kindly email us: hope@hope4abusedbattered.com visit our website www.hope4abusedbattered.com Call/whatsapp # +237672576011 Support us by mobile money - account name is Hope for the Abused and Battered. Thank you very much. #Thereishope #H4ABplusOne #Mentalhealthmatters #Weareinthistogether #H4AB



Let me share some pictures and the video for those who would loved watching it.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeg9yI73YF4&t=132s

Like this story?
Join World Pulse now to read more inspiring stories and connect with women speaking out across the globe!
Leave a supportive comment to encourage this author
Tell your own story
Explore more stories on topics you care about