Sis Joanita Nongmesey Gahgwanyin is a member of TACC Bambili District and a daughter of late Fon Doh Gahgwanyin of Balikumbat village in Ngoketunjia Division of the North West Region of Cameroon. Before he passed away in September 2012, Fon Doh had 28 wives and about 152 children. Her mother was the 18th wife to the Fon with five children (four boys and a girl)
Sis Joanita was a second year student in the Regional College of Agriculture in Bambili (a two year institution). She accepted the Lord Jesus Christ in January 2008 when she was in Form 4. She was the first in the history of this Fondom to become born-again, as such was regarded as an abomination to the royal family. She was severely tortured and asked to denounce Christ but she stood firm. Due to all this, she escaped to one Christian family in Ndop. Consequently, she was disowned by her father. Her mother struggled to take care of her education for one year but when it became difficult for her to continue. She sought help from the mayor who sponsored her for two years and was unwilling to continue beyond that. When her father died, the heir to the throne took care of her in Upper Sixth. When she passed the GCE Advanced Level, he too became unwilling to continue assisting her. She had to stay at home for a year during which with the aid of some villagers, she cultivated peanuts on small portions of land. She sold her produce and was able to raise money to register for the entrance exam into the Regional College of Agriculture (a two year institution). Upon acceptance into this college, she sought help from the new Fon who supported her with 150,000 FCFA of 195,000 FCFA for tuition which she was able to complete.
Upon completion of the first year, the Fon informed her that he was no longer able to assist with her academics. Sis Joanita paid the boarding fees of 50000 FCFA with the money she received from the company she did internship with but missed classes for two weeks because of other needs.
When the Liaison Officer learned of her case, it was presented to TACC friends. Sis Joanita was assisted with the following from the Charity Fund of TACC-Friends International:
– School fees 220,000 FCFA ($400)
– HND Registration 50,000FCFA ($90)
– Other needs including feeding 100,000 FCFA ($181)
Total: 370, 000 FCFA ($672)
There are prospects of her getting employed with the Public Service or private agricultural enterprises after she finishes her course and this will help her to be financially independent so she can take care of herself and serve God joyfully.
Presented by:
Deaconess Taku Sylvie Nteping
LO for North West Region
