CORAfrica Expands Access to Education for Children in Rural Communities

Mary Nnah

Children of Rural Africa (CORAfrica), a non-profit organisation founded by Fr. Peter Obele Abue, is strengthening access to education for children in underserved communities through school development, scholarship programmes and vocational training initiatives across Cross River State.

The organisation describes education as the foundation of its community development strategy, saying quality learning opportunities can help reduce poverty while improving health, economic prospects and social wellbeing for children and their families.

According to CORAfrica, its educational programmes are designed to provide holistic learning that promotes academic achievement, personal development and moral values. The organisation says its schools also encourage creativity, critical thinking and practical skills to prepare students for future opportunities.

Among its flagship projects is the John Stilley Secondary School in Victoria, Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State. Established in 2017 with support from the John and Denis Stilley family, the school has enrolled more than 300 students. CORAfrica said preparations are ongoing for students to participate in the Junior and Senior West African Senior School Certificate Examinations.

The organisation noted that the school has contributed to improving access to education in the community by reducing the distance many children previously travelled to attend school. It also said teacher development programmes, community engagement through the Parents-Teachers Association and agricultural activities have encouraged greater school participation, particularly among girls and young people.

A new classroom block has also helped address accommodation challenges, while sports competitions and agricultural programmes have been introduced to encourage student participation and practical learning.

CORAfrica has also established St. Peter’s Primary School in Adagom 3, Ogoja. According to the organisation, the project emerged from a community empowerment initiative launched in 2021, where parents received farmland through support from the John Stilley Family Trust Fund.

The organisation said participating families cultivated the land to improve household food security, while surplus produce was purchased, processed and redistributed through its empowerment programme. Revenue generated from the initiative contributed to the establishment of St. Peter’s Primary School, which now provides education for children from both refugee and host communities who are unable to afford school fees. The school was registered with the appropriate education authorities in June 2021.

To support learning, CORAfrica said it has constructed a six-classroom school block, supplied desks for more than 300 pupils, and provided books, learning materials and stationery. Pupils also receive daily meals and refreshments as part of the school’s support programme.

Beyond classroom education, the organisation operates a scholarship scheme for orphaned and vulnerable children living in rural communities. Applicants are assessed through a verification process, while recommendations are required from recognised community leaders, including parish priests, pastors or traditional rulers.

CORAfrica also provides scholarships for members of its workforce seeking professional training, with beneficiaries expected to return and continue serving the organisation after completing their studies.

Founded in 2006 while Fr. Peter Abue was completing a doctorate in International Development at Cornell University in the United States, CORAfrica has continued to expand its activities in Nigeria through its Community Education Centre (CEC) model. The initiative integrates education with healthcare, agriculture and livelihood support, with the aim of improving long-term outcomes for children and rural communities.

According to the organisation, its long-term goal is to create sustainable opportunities that enable children and families in underserved communities to access quality education while developing the skills and resources needed to improve their quality of life.