From Floors to Desks: A New Chapter for Students in Cross River Communities
A Glimpse into the Past
Imagine trying to concentrate on a lesson while sitting on the bare floor, your knees aching as you struggle to write. This was the reality for children in 15 rural communities in Cross River State. But hope arrived with the Ikom Farmer Child and Community Development (IFACCOD) Project, funded by the Rainforest Alliance’s Africa Cocoa Fund with Beyond Beans Foundation as the Certificate Holder and Kids & Teens Resource Centre (K&TRC) as the Implementing Partner. It wasn’t just about giving desks—it was about giving dignity, comfort, and the chance to dream without limits.
420 Desks, 15 Communities, One Future
Through this project, 420 three-seater desks were distributed across Alesi, Ekukunela, Afi-Nde, Okosora, Adijinkpor, Bendeghe, Biakwan, Akparabong, Akam, Ochon, Balep, Opu, Biajua, Orimekpang, and Bashua. Each desk brought a new chapter to these communities, giving 1,260 children the opportunity to learn without discomfort. Pupils and Students, once hunched over on the floor, now sit proudly, eager to engage with their lessons and eager to attend school always. Teachers have reported a transformation in enthusiasm—a simple desk has unlocked joy, attentiveness, and the will to learn.
One student remarked, “Now I can write neatly. My books don’t get dirty anymore.” These words reflect the true impact of the project. Beyond providing a physical place to sit, the desks have created a positive learning environment where children can focus on their education without the distraction of discomfort.
Cultivating Change: Seeds of Hope
In parallel, the project also addressed the root causes of child labour by empowering families. By distributing 4,500 bush mango trees, 3,500 plantain/banana suckers, and 3500 pawpaw seedlings to 1,185 farmers, the IFACCOD initiative gave farming households the resources to diversify their income. With better livelihoods, parents no longer needed to rely on their children’s labour. Instead, they could afford to keep them in school, where they belong.
The combined efforts of these initiatives have not only lifted students off the ground but have also created a ripple effect, changing entire communities. Parents have a renewed sense of hope, knowing that with steady income, their children’s futures are no longer in jeopardy.
Celebrating the Journey: The IFACCOD Project Close-Out Event
The IFACCOD Project concluded with a close-out event in Ikom, Cross River State. The event brought together Head Teachers, Volunteer Teachers, officials from the Ministry of Education, Lead Farmers, Community Heads, learners, and NGO representatives. Mr. Kazeem Sanni represented the Rainforest Alliance. Mr. Afolabi Olayiwola led the Beyond Beans team that attended the event, witnessing the progress made through the project. During the event, educational materials were presented to the schools, reinforcing the commitment to supporting students’ education.
In addition, the CEO of Kids & Teens Resource Centre, Martin-Mary Falana, presented awards to outstanding volunteer teachers. Peace Otang Ada was recognized with the award for Best Outstanding Teacher for being both intelligent and hardworking. Other volunteer teachers who received awards include Joseph Stephen Udie, Ijang Oba Okpasu, Isek Sunday Otaba, Peace Osisi, Ekok Okpuruwu Osim, and Nku Peter Alim.
While the event marked the end of the project, it was a moment to reflect on the positive changes that have taken place in the community. For the students and their families, it signaled a new beginning full of possibilities.
A Journey Towards Brighter Tomorrows
The impact of the IFACCOD Project extends far beyond the classroom walls. With the support of the State Ministry of Education, 20 new teachers were recruited and engaged. Also, the awareness of child labour has been created, and investing in livelihoods. This project has built a sustainable foundation for growth and education. Communities that once struggled, now has the sounds of children learning, laughing, and growing in schools.
As these students have been raised from floors to desks, the journey to a better life for them has only just begun. The foundation laid by the Rainforest Alliance (Africa Cocoa Fund), and its partners is proof that when communities work together, even the smallest interventions—like providing a desk—can create ripples of change that last for generations.
