As it is currently the region with the highest conflict, Rivers State is our first area of concentration. Rivers state consists of twenty-three local government areas. Our Niger Delta Project will begin in 4 of the 23 local government areas. These local government are Etche, Port Harcourt, Obio Akpor, Gokana. The project Plan for the first few months is briefly outlined below:

August 2008

• Fundraising activities. Meeting with local government officials. CORA officials create databases of clientele in the different local governments

September 2008

• In Etche: The building of phase one which is the orphanage and hostel begins

• In Port Harcourt, Gokana and Obio Akpor: The Search for staff for CORA and volunteers for the Orchard program begins.

• Fundraising and partnership building

October 2008

• Construction, volunteering and staff search and hiring continues.

• Networking with local authorities and other for profit organizations

• Fundraising activities

November 2008

• Hiring, training and orientation for volunteers. Construction continues. Networking and liasons continue.

• Fundraising activities

December 2008

• Phase 1 of construction completed (a shelter with a minimum capacity for 50 single mothers and their children). Volunteer and staff training completed

January, February 2009

• Accept clientele from Group 1 and 3 only.

• Orientation for clientele and evaluation of individual abilities.

• Construction of second phase begins (School block and technical rooms for training schools)

• Search for volunteers and teachers for school for children who are old enough.

• Purchase of 50 chickens and 2 cows for small scale animal farm

• Planting of easy to grow crops and fruits trees.

March 2009

• Basic math and English classes begin for the children.

• After School lesson begin in Gokana

• Training school preparations begin (Hiring and acquiring equipment). Classes offered in one of Sewing/ Accessory design classes or Baking/ Culinary Classes.

April 2009

• Training Schools begins for young single mothers

• After school lessons and sports programs begin in Obio Akpor

For a list of services, or products you might be able to provide, please see the current needs.