The mapping of schools took place for two weeks, during which our team conducted visits across various communities. The primary objective was to identify the local government areas and assess the unique challenges in each terrain. Additionally, we aimed to locate the actual positions of public secondary schools where the TEACHERS SUPPORT PROGRAMME and the LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MENTORING PROGRAMME will be implemented in 2023.
This exercise provided an excellent opportunity for us to engage and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders in the identified coverage areas. These stakeholders included the Honorable Commissioner for Quality Education, the Director of Schools, and Education Secretaries (E.S) across the Local Government Areas where the programme will be implemented.
The success of our engagements was significantly enhanced by the endorsement letter secured earlier from Cross River State, which lent credibility to our programme.
Regarding the Leadership and Community Development Mentoring Programme, we have identified a total of 24 schools for comprehensive implementation. Of these, nine schools are located in Northern Cross River, while the remaining 15 are situated in Southern Cross River State. This programme aims to provide mentoring to students over a minimum period of six months. The selected schools include Government Secondary School, Igoli; Government Girls High School, Igoli; and Government Technical College, Abakpa — all in Ogoja LGA.
Furthermore, Mathias Offoboche Secondary School, Okuku; Government Secondary School, Okpoma; and UBEC Model Secondary School, Abachor, are part of the programme in Yala LGA. In Bekwara LGA, we have Bekwara Secondary School, Abuochiche; Community Secondary School, Ugboro; and Ukpah Community Secondary School, Ukpah. The programme also encompasses Government Secondary School, Lagos Street; Government Secondary School, Atu; Government Secondary School, Uwanse; Government Secondary School, Henshaw Town; Government Technical College, Mayne Avenue; Pinn Margaret Secondary Commercial School, Atakpa; Government Secondary School, Idang—within Calabar South LGA.
Moreover, West African People’s Institute (WAPI); NYSC Model Secondary School; Magaret Ekpo Secondary School, Off IBB Road; Army Day Secondary School, Eburutu Barracks; Government Secondary School, Nyanghasang; Government Secondary School, State Housing; Government Secondary School, Barracks Road; and Government Secondary School, Akim, are included in the programme within Calabar Municipal LGA. Overall, the TBLF programmes team is prepared to train teachers and students in 84 public secondary schools across all five LGAs within Cross River State.
The mapping exercise has provided us with a solid foundation to implement our programmes effectively. By establishing relationships with stakeholders and identifying the specific schools involved, we can ensure a targeted and impactful approach to both the TEACHERS SUPPORT PROGRAMME and the LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MENTORING PROGRAMME. We are excited to move forward with the training and look forward to witnessing the positive impact it will have on students and teachers alike.
