By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
“I am happy because MASO has made me a complete person.” These are the words of Smith Agwe Tayong, one of the mutualists that have benefited from the Mutual Assistance and Solidarity, MASO.
In an interview over the weekend, Agwe Tayong, a proud taxi owner in Yaoundé, expressed his gratitude for MASO’s role in his success.
“I received a taxi through the MASO Act 1 Tombola draw during the first edition,” he explained. “I was one of the winners, and today I’ve finished paying it back, completely interest-free.”
Owning a taxi in Yaoundé was once a distant dream for Agwe Tayong, who had faced challenges working for other taxi owners. However, upon learning about MASO, joined and began contributing FCFA 100 daily. Through the Tombola draw during the first edition, he became a lucky winner of a taxi.
“MASO is a godsend for those struggling with poverty,” Agwe Tayong said. “I truly appreciate the initiative by the RENAPROV authorities. It really works, as long as you are committed.”
He recounted a time when he faced difficulties due to engine problems with his taxi. He contacted MASO, and they promptly assisted him, even purchasing a new engine to ensure he could continue working.
As a proud taxi owner and entrepreneur, Agwe Tayong can now provide for his family. He can comfortably manage his children’s education, save money, and even pay his rent.
Believing in MASO’s effectiveness, he encourages those who haven’t won yet to persevere. “God’s hands are not too short to reach them,” he assures them. “With faith and commitment, you will benefit just like me. For those who haven’t joined yet, don’t waste any time – MASO is real.”
Agwe Tayong is just one out of the many mutualists that have benefited from the initiative. Some have benefited well-constructed furnished houses, households’ materials, electronics and many others.
MASO is a brainchild of RENAPROV Finance S.A., a microfinance institution established in 1996 to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With 28 branches across Cameroon, RENAPROV Finance S.A. is a major actor in the country’s microfinance sector.
MASO was created with the goal of promoting the African spirit of Solidarity, alleviating poverty and unemployment, and empowering individuals to become entrepreneurs as well as help them come out of the vicious circle of poverty. Membership requires a weekly contribution of FCFA 500 and a yearly contribution of FCFA 26,000.
MASO membership comes with a multitude of benefits, including: Interest-free financing, housing assistance as well as life event support. These comprehensive benefits aim to improve the lives of members and their families, offering a safety net throughout life’s challenges. MASO remains a constant source of support, even in the face of death.
Recognizing that financial ignorance is a significant societal issue, MASO provides opportunities for members to save money and secure their future. Anyone looking to maximize their income and maintain a modest lifestyle can potentially benefit from MASO membership.
The program encompasses various sub-groups, including: Mutual of Road Transport Professionals of Cameroon, MUPTROC, Mutual of Assistance and Solidarity of Actors of Very Small Business and Small Commerce, MUASAPEPC, Mutual of Information Communication Professionals and Animation, and MUPCIA, Mutual Assistance and Solidarity of Servants of God, MASSED.
MASO membership is open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 65. Notably, the medical and health benefits can extend to up to ten family members.
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