My name is Claire Coulson, I am the Director of CERCOPAN and have worked for the organisation since January 2007. I spend my time between Calabar HQ and Rhoko our bush site.
by Amy Baxter
A few months ago CERCOPAN applied to Brevard Zoo, for some football equipment to distribute to the local schools in our host village, Iko Esai. Football is extremely popular in Nigeria, with everyone having a team they support and with the National Nigerian team renowned for their excellent playing. We were lucky to be granted this equipment and it was gratefully received by the local schools. Later a letter, also to be used as an article in the community newsletter, arrived in thanks for this equipment from the local secondary school and we would like to share it with you. It is always nice to receive letters of this kind and greatly encourages us with the work we are carrying out. The letter was entitled ‘Youth Empowerment through Academic and Sports Development: The CERCOPAN Initiative’.
Members of the school team wearing their new primate conservtion football strips (CERCOPAN Community Liason Officer Mike Ekpe Centre)
‘’The conservation of our rare fauna and flora, especially the dwindling or diminishing population of monkeys and their habitats in the remaining tropical forest of West Africa, seem to be the primary concern of CERCOPAN – an NGO with a mission. The CERCOPAN mission is to conserve; their vision is to enhance the increase of the depleting primate population, and possibly return them to the wild.
Since the advent of CERCOPAN in Nigeria, the organisation has done much to improve the welfare of the host community, both socially and economically, in spite of their financial constraints. The organisation has left none in doubt of their commitment and special mission in the hunter forest of Iko Esai in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State. Like any other new organisation or establishment, people are often sceptical of their real intention, judging from the experiences of the colonial era. So was the case with CERCOPAN.
The host community of Esai land was divided in opinion about the ultimate objectives of their mission in the jungle of Iko Esai. However, the coming of CERCOPAN into Iko Esai community has been seen as a blessing in disguise; the host community has started to reap the dividend of CERCOPAN’s presence. We can now talk of improved water supply, skills acquisition and man power development, etc.
Most importantly, Iko Esai is now designated a tourism destination and centre for educational research – innovations which were hitherto unknown. Soon and very soon, the impact of CERCOPAN initiatives shall be harnessed and felt both locally and globally.
Socially, the advent of CERCOPAN has impacted much of the social lives of the people. The history of educational development in Esai community and its environment will be incomplete without mentioning the contributions of CERCOPAN. Just in a nut-shell, CERCOPAN has created educational awareness through conservation education, inter-schools competitions and the upliftment of sports in schools.
Mention should be made about the recent CERCOPAN magnanimous gestures towards the Esai Community Secondary School, which was given a face-lift during the last inter-house sports competitions, where CERCOPAN undertook the painting of the Academic/Administration block, which has improved the aesthetic view of the school.
Furthermore, CERCOPAN made their impact felt during the inter-house sports fund raising. Prior to this moment, CERCOPAN had donated sets of gaming equipment to the college, which has boosted sporting activities in the school. To be more precise, right now the secondary school’s football team is making history in football game. Hopefully, the school’s football team shall create much impact in the near future.
Most recently, CERCOPAN has done it again! A set of football kits, including jerseys, footballs and a football pump, were donated to the school. This will surely further boost our team’s quest for laurels and glory. This gesture is not only timely but highly commendable. The students, members of staff and management say thank you for the support.
In conclusion, we in equivocal terms fully endorse the CERCOPAN educational empowerment initiatives, aimed at empowering our youth for future development. As your organisation continues to support and encourage academic excellence, the future leaders of this community shall grow and live to appreciate your gestures. We shall collectively learn to conserve our dwindling and endangered species for the present and future generations.
Thank you.
Elder Robert O. Nkang
Iko Esai school children playing football in their new strips
