Project Title: Ikpe Udok Rural Education Project

Project Sponsors and Background:  This project was originally initiated and implemented by Ikpe Udok Youth Development Association in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria in collaboration with the UK based Sustainable Development Network Limited (SDN). Ikpe Udok is one of the smallest villages in Ikpe Annang clan, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Ikpe Annang is a clan of 14 villages. Ikpe Udok, a small village with roughly 100 households, can boast of less than 10 graduates and several people without profession or vocation. Desperate to improve the situation, members of the Ikpe Udok Youth Development Association decided in early 2002 to source volunteer teachers from the community to teach secondary (and primary) school level subjects to educationally disadvantaged youths.  They started by using the Methodist Church hall in the village to hold classes.  SDN was approached in 2002 to help and is now the main supporter of this initiative. The newly formed Akwamfon Sustainable Community Association is also supporting the project. The first set of Youths who benefited from the project passed their last secondary certificate exams in flying colours.  The project has since been extended to include participation of children from other 13 villages in Ikpe Annang Clan and now requires more teachers. Hence the need to recruit paid teachers.  SDN is raising funds to support the project on a continuous basis.  To learn more about Ikpe Udok Village, please click here to visit the BBC 'My Africa' where you can read more detailed  diary entries (with pictures), written by Eseme, our project coordinator in Nigeria, about the village.

Project Aims:

The project aims to provide access to basic academic qualifications for the educationally disadvantaged youths of Ikpe Udok and other villages in Ikpe Annang Clan. Additionally, the project seeks to provide vocational training for the youths.   

The project will: 

1.           Provide Preparatory classes for youths struggling with or having no access to;

a)    Secondary education, to sit for GCE, JSCE, SSCE or equivalent exams (this include secondary school drop-outs, those already in secondary education but needing extramural support, and those with no access at all to secondary education)

b)    Primary education, to prepare for First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) exams.

c)    Higher education, to prepare for necessary entrance exams (e.g. JAMB). 

2.        Provide career counselling for those trying to choose course subjects, career or vocation.

 3.           Provide those with no means to vocational training with the;

a)    Means to their chosen apprenticeship training.

b)    Equipment to set up workshop after apprenticeship.

c)    Business guidance and mentoring to set up and run the business properly.

 4.           Provide scholarship to one or more poor students per year at higher Education level.

 Target Group:  The project is currently targeting educationally and economically disadvantaged Youths (5 to 45 years old) residing in Ikpe Udok and neighbouring villages of Ikpe Annang. The age range is widened to include the many adults without formal education.

 **Note: In future, we hope to encourage Youths from other communities within Akwa Ibom State to replicate this project in their communities.

 Facilities, Teachers and other Requirements:

Ø    The project is currently in need of funds to recruit part-time teachers to supplement the volunteer (non salaried) teachers. 

Ø    Funds are needed to support the students to meet Exam fees for respective National examinations (GCE, SSCE, JAMB etc). Just to support those who cannot afford to put in for the exams.

Ø    Donations of used and new books are needed

Ø    A Computer and printer is needed to prepare teaching materials and for teaching basic computer skills.

Please click  here to contact us for more information or offer your help