Happy Ending for Cameroon Mother
By Marise Nazzaro, New Media Producer
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Zangue Louise holds her youngest daughter Nguadjo Bgich.
© Heifer International
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Looking at Zangue Louise and her family today, it's hard to imagine the hungry times they went through. But behind the grins and brightly colored clothes is the story of a single mother of four who has created a sustainable life in a society that can be less than welcoming to women living on their own without a husband.
Eighteen years ago she married and moved to the city. However, her husband threw her out because they had been unable to have a child. She returned to her rural community hoping they would take her back.
According to Raymond Fopa a field officer at Heifer International Cameroon, "It is very difficult for a woman to receive a legal divorce in this country. For men, the laws are more lax."
In her culture Zangue Louise would have to return the dowry her husband paid at the time of the marriage in order to gain a divorce. Zangue Louise was unable to do that. Her community, recognizing the unfairness of her situation, acknowledged her as a single person. When she found another man the community recognized him as her "husband" even though there had been no divorce. The couple had two children in what seemed to be a happy ending to a sad story.
But Zangue Louise's hardships did not end there. Her second husband died. With her community's acceptance, she "married" a third man and had two more children. Another shot at a happy ending that wasn't to be. This husband also died.
On her own again and raising four children, Zangue Louise, was determined to survive. She became part of a group that received from Heifer International pigs and training in animal husbandry, breeding, and crop farming. The pigs produced litters, and soon each family had its own pigs. In a short time Zangue Louise was able to send healthy pigs to market.
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Zangue Louise's three older children are (from left) sons Franco and Nelson, and daughter Feudjo Zangue Laura.
© Heifer International
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Because of Heifer Intenational, today Zangue Louise and her children, Franco, Nelson, Feudjo Zangue Larua, and Nguadjo Bigich, have enough to eat, clean clothes to wear, a happy home in which to live, and smiles on their faces. And maybe this time the happy ending she has worked so hard to achieve.
Help other families in Cameroon and around the world. Give to heifer International today.
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