Help Achiri Start A Food Stand

My name is Achiri Nelson Geh. I am from Cameroon, a country the size of California located on the coast of Central Africa.  I fled my country because of the political persecution I faced . Following a long and treacherous journey,  traveling by plane, bus, boat and foot across ten countries, I reached the US border in April 2017. I was in for a big shock. Instead of receiving the protection that I was desperately seeking I was treated like a criminal and immediately taken into custody. I was detained for almost three years, shuffled between different detention centers. Thanks to the incredible generosity and tireless hard work of so many dedicated individuals, lawyers and organizations, I was finally released last October. I am currently living in San Jose, California.

There are many challenges ahead of me but at least I am free and can now focus on moving forward. But still it hasn't been easy. For one thing, this is my first time in the US so everything is very new to me. As I learn a new way of life, and take in the different sights and sounds, I have found myself full of joy and exuberance and at the same time I can feel terribly homesick. After all I left my country because I had no choice. One thing that always brings a bright smile to my face is when I'm cooking Cameroonian food.  I'll call my mom and my sister with WhatsApp and it's like they're right there with me in the kitchen taking me through different recipes, but mostly we're enjoying each other's company, and all the while I'll have the soulful and upbeat rhythms of Cameroonian music playing in the background. Everything always seems a little brighter and I feel a little bit closer to home when I'm cooking. What has surprised me - to my great delight - is how much other people love eating my food!

Now I'm looking to share my cooking with everyone! I have decided to start my own small stand selling Cameroonian style street food at local farmers' markets. I am very excited because this is an opportunity for me to bring together my experience of running my own successful business back home and my love of Cameroonian food. I'm beginning to see clearly now, and feel that the promise of building a new life in the "land of opportunity" may actually be on the horizon. 

PLEASE help me raise money so that I can make it all happen. Your donations will go towards paying the equipment and materials I need to get started. 


Thank you for your support and solidarity!!