Testimonials of Short Term Volunteering in Rainforests of West Africa

Lucy Christopher (UK), author of best selling novels for young teens ('Stolen', 'Flyaway'),  joined CERCOPAN in November 2009
 

I visited CERCOPAN in November 2009 in order to research my latest novel.  I was initially worried about visiting Nigeria, especially after hearing so many bad things about the country in the international press reports.  I was indeed anxious when I arrived into Lagos airport, especially after a South African oil worker told us we were “entering a minefield”.  However, my experience in Nigeria never once felt unsafe.  I had the most amazing and enriching time in this fascinating country, and learnt lots of brilliant things to pepper my writing with.  

The CERCOPAN staff were particularly brilliant.  Claire, Richard, Amy and Sylvain could not have been more helpful.  Sylvain in particular went out of his way to help me learn about the fascinating environment, and I am incredibly grateful for the time he spent.  The staff at Rhoko were always kind and friendly.  Charity cooked tasty dishes with a smile on her face always, and we were looked after extremely well when we took the hike to the nearby volcano. I will never ever forget meeting the local villagers on market day and dancing into the early hours, fueled by Kai Kai and Garri!

Rhoko is an amazing place.  It’s teeming with life and laughter and experiences.  The sounds and sights are lush and exotic.  But it is the people who are the most beautiful of all.  I had a life enriching and life changing time at Rhoko, one for which I am truly grateful. I can’t wait to write about it now!

Lucy

Postmaster and mother of two Nicole Cook from Sybertsville, Pennsylvania joined CERCOPAN in December 2009
 

My visit to the rainforest of Nigeria was AMAZING thanks to the staff of CERCOPAN who took such great care of me! They spent so much time showing me the rainforest and their conservation work that I feel privileged to have had such an intimate experience with the environment and people of Cross River. 

The people: During a visit to the village, we met the village chiefs, shopped at the local markets where we bought some beautiful batik fabric, and had the opportunity to see how the local people make palm wine or distil the palm sap to make kai-kai, a (much!) stronger version. I was also most fortunate to be invited by Chief Owai to visit the secondary school and was able to give a lecture to the students about conservation of the rainforest and the work that CERCOPAN is doing in their community forest.
The wildlife and forests: The Mona release project is fascinating and is so important to the survival of the species of guenon monkeys in that part of Africa. The endangered red-capped mangabeys are spectacular! I thoroughly enjoyed our hikes through the forest for tree identification, bird walks, river and mountain hikes and night walks to catch glimpses of bush babies and other night creatures. We were accompanied by guides who were very knowledgeable about the rainforest and the plants and creatures that we saw there.
The food: The delicious (and spicy!) Nigerian food that was grown, gathered and prepared locally was always very good and we enjoyed preparing our evening meals together at Rhoko camp.

I would like to thank CERCOPAN for allowing me the opportunity to visit the beautiful rainforest in the Cross River State and I would ask everyone to please support CERCOPAN so the important work that they do can continue. I would highly recommend the volunteer program at CERCOPAN as an incredible adventure.  

Nicole
 

Irish Veterinary nurse Emma Higgs joined CERCOPAN for 6 weeks in August/September 2008
 

"But Nigeria of all places!!! It’s corrupt, you’ll be abducted, robbed, if you’re lucky you’ll just be arrested, or you’ll die of malaria.”  This seemed to be the most common response when I told people I was going to volunteer at CERCOPAN in Nigeria. By the time I was on the plane, I had to work hard to put these warnings out of my head.

The reality of what I found was SO different! My stay was unfortunately only 6 weeks, and although I can only speak about Calabar and Rhoko (the rainforest site), I have never felt so welcome when meeting people, working, or travelling around, as I did here. Working with the primates in Calabar, who are so similar to ourselves, is fascinating. Then to see the rainforest site and the monkeys who have already been moved here from Calabar prior to release, that just makes the whole project so worthwhile.

It was an unforgettable experience that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in primates, conservation or Africa! The scope and approach to the work undertaken by CERCOPAN deserves nothing but the utmost respect and support.

I can’t thank you and Claire enough for accepting me. I really am trying hard to focus on enjoying being home but it’s not easy, if not for Andrew and friends I don’t think I’d be here! I had a fantastic time and hope I was of some use in return. Perhaps let me know if there’s anything specific I could do for you from over here as I’d be delighted to help."

Emma