1. Introduction
The Bridge Leadership Foundation (TBLF), through its Leadership and Community Development (LCD) Mentoring Programme and Teachers Support Programme (TSP), aims to equip students with leadership, financial literacy, life and community development skills while strengthening teachers’ personal and professional development.
The 2026 project covers five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Cross River State: Odukpani, Abi, Yakurr, Calabar South and Calabar Municipality.
2. Programme Mapping and Mentor Selection
The Foundation mapped out 27 public secondary schools across the five LGAs:
- Odukpani – 3 schools
- Abi – 3 schools
- Yakurr – 3 schools
- Calabar South – 6 schools
- Calabar Municipality – 12 schools
The mentor recruitment exercise attracted over 120 applicants, of whom 60 attended the selection interviews. Following the assessment, 23 applicants were selected to volunteer as mentors.
3. Training of Trainers (ToT)
A three-day Training of Trainers was held in Calabar from 29 September to 1 October 2026, preparing selected teachers, corps members and community mentors for their programme responsibilities.
A total of 56 participants attended the training, comprising 38 females and 18 males. Topics covered included adolescent development, ethics, child safeguarding, communication, problem-solving, counselling, mental health awareness, personal development and digital skills.
4. LCD Tour and Teachers Support Programme
The LCD Tour and TSP activities were conducted simultaneously in Odukpani, Abi and Yakurr LGAs on 12, 14 and 15 October 2026, respectively.
The activities engaged teachers and students, introduced the programme’s objectives and strengthened stakeholder participation ahead of continued school-based implementation.
Attendance by LGA
| LGA | Male Teachers | Female Teachers | Total Teachers | Male Students | Female Students | Total Students | Overall Attendance* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odukpani | 21 | 12 | 33 | 60 | 83 | 143 | 176 |
| Abi | 17 | 11 | 28 | 92 | 125 | 217 | 245 |
| Yakurr | 26 | 16 | 42 | 120 | 135 | 255 | 297 |
| Total | 64 | 39 | 103 | 272 | 343 | 615 | 718 |
Overall attendance is calculated from the individual male and female figures supplied.
Across the three LGAs, the activities recorded 718 participants: 103 teachers and 615 students, comprising 336 males and 382 females.
5. Programme Implementation and Next Steps
Following the preparatory activities, the 2026 LCD Mentoring Programme commenced in 27 public secondary schools across Odukpani, Abi, Yakurr, Calabar South and Calabar Municipality.
Mentors have been matched with participating schools and are working with designated teachers and school counsellors to onboard students and facilitate mentoring sessions.
Although implementation has commenced, some schools have experienced delays and operational challenges. The Foundation will continue to engage participating schools, support mentors, monitor activities and address emerging challenges to ensure effective programme delivery.
6. Conclusion
The 2026 LCD and TSP project has progressed from school mapping and mentor recruitment to training, stakeholder engagement and school-based implementation. With 27 schools mapped, 23 mentors selected, 56 participants trained, and 718 teachers and students engaged during activities in three LGAs, the Foundation has established a foundation for continued programme delivery.
The Bridge Leadership Foundation remains committed to supporting students’ leadership development, strengthening teachers’ capacities and monitoring implementation across all five LGAs.
