10 rural communities in Cross River State have been benefiting from the partnership between Gede Foundation and UNICEM (now LAFARGE) since 2013. Every year, 100 youths are provided with tuition and books to continue in secondary and tertiary institutions. The programme also includes school-based anti drugs and substance abuse campaigns.

Recent reports showed that the programme has recorded improvement in school attendance, participation and academic performance among beneficiaries who are usually selected through approved community development committees (CMDs). Over 600 households have been reached with the intervention, and many have graduated from secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

This improved performance in schools is linked to the integration of other effective programmes such as the mental health, social and physical health among students (like counselling and outreaches), making available recommended subject textbooks, use of other instructional materials and choice of career courses.

This current year (2018/19 session) is reaching out to additional 100 households to enrol their wards into the programme aimed at laying foundations for productive lives.