Girl empowerment: Mother Gladys medical foundation celebrates 4th anniversary, donates scholarships to 20 young girls in Limbe

The Mother Gladys Medical Foundation on Friday, August 21, 2026, celebrated its 4th anniversary with the launch of the 3rd edition of its Sustainability Educational Scheme, awarding scholarships to over 20 young girls in Limbe. 

The ceremony, which took place at Lower Motowoh at the foundation premises, marks a shift from the Foundation's four-year tradition of distributing back-to-school materials to a more sustainable model of empowerment. 

Speaking at the event, the CEO of the Foundation, Dr. Oben Tanyi, said this year's edition is special because it focuses on the girl child. "We sent out application forms and over 30 young women applied. 

Through a screening criteria by the committee put in place by the Foundation and in line with the rules and regulations of our partners, over 20 of them were retained," 

“Mother Gladisse Medical Foundation is a community-based health care foundation that carries out health care education, humanitarian activities, youth empowerment and philanthropy” 

“We thought of doing something sustainable. When the young girl is empowered, society will have less vices and moral values are protected." Dr. Oben Tanyi said.

He added that the beneficiaries have begun training  across Limbe I, II and III Municipality. The training duration varies from 3 months, 6 months to one year,  depending on agreements with their trainers. 

"Upon graduation they will have the necessary skills to be self-employed and also have the opportunity to create jobs for fellow Cameroonians, thereby reducing the rate of unemployment and contributing to nation building," he added. 

He noted that the Foundation thrives on holistic care rooted in the Word of God. "God is the ultimate healer. A visit to Mother Gladisse Foundation is a visit you will never regret." 

Government endorses initiative 

Endorsing the initiative, the Divisional Delegate for Youth Affairs and Civic Education for Fako, Essomba Junior Mussongo described the scheme as a laudable initiative. "I am very grateful to chair this Mother Gladisse Medical Foundation scholarship. 

“It is a good initiative from Dr. Oben Tanyi, a young dynamic doctor who has been working in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs to see that youths are well catered for and sustainable," the Delegate said. 

“He is not working alone. He is being supported by the government through the arm in charge of youth affairs." Essomba called on the beneficiaries to take the training seriously and to use it to empower others. 

"We ask Mother Gladisse Medical Foundation not to relent. Developing this mentality will lead to the development of Cameroon and Cameroon will be inherited by the youths of tomorrow."

Empowerment as solution to domestic violence

The Divisional Delegate particularly emphasized the link between girl child empowerment and the fight against domestic violence. "To the beneficiaries, nothing good comes easy. Take this opportunity and make maximum use of it”,

“One of the issues of domestic violence in marriages is because most girls are not empowered. When the husband says 'leave my house', they start doubting where they will go because they have nothing doing," he explained.

Beneficiaries express gratitude

Tohnain Laurie one beneficiary who will be undergoing training in tailoring said: "I want to thank Mother Gladys Medical Foundation and Dr. Oben for this opportunity. I applied with little hope, but today I have been selected. I promise to take this training seriously so that tomorrow I can be self-reliant and also help other girls in my community." 

Another beneficiary, Tonjah Queenneth, selected for hairdressing added: "This scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for me. As a young girl without a job, this will help me acquire a skill to support my family and protect my future. 

We will not disappoint the Foundation." The beneficiaries collectively pledged to be committed, disciplined, and to complete their training as required. 

The 3rd edition of the Sustainability Educational Scheme is being implemented in partnership with several partners and is expected to contribute to reducing unemployment and promoting moral values in Fako Division. 

BY BEATRICE MOKAM

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Divisional Delegate for Youth Affairs and Civic Education for Fako, Essomba Jr. Mussongo, CEO of Mother Gladys Foundation, Dr. Oben Tanyi, Quarter head of Lower Motowoh head rep. and beneficiaries pose for picture

CEO of Mother Gladys Foundation, Dr. Oben Tanyi