About Us

The Solomon Edet Effiong’s Foundation (SEEF)

Brief History of the Solomon Edet Effiong’s Foundation (SEEF)

The Solomon Edet Effiong’s Foundation (SEEF) was established in 2020 to honor the legacy of Barrister Solomon Edet Effiong, a man who dedicated his life to justice and the empowerment of the disadvantaged. Founded by Joseph Edet Effiong, SEEF was officially registered in March 2022 with the Nigerian Corporate Affairs Commission. SEEF focuses on youth development, aiming to raise a generation of enlightened youths who understand their rights and adopt proactive measures to ensure their well-being and success.

Mission and Vision

SEEF’s mission is to empower the youth and the marginalized in Calabar by providing access to education, healthcare, and skill acquisition programs. The foundation envisions a society where every individual, regardless of their socio-economic background, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their community.

The Need for International Affiliation

While SEEF has made significant strides in its mission, the scale of poverty, illness, and disability in Calabar requires substantial international support. By forming international affiliations, SEEF aims to enhance its capacity to serve the poor, sick, and afflicted, particularly focusing on the blind, the crippled, and other marginalized groups.

Current Challenges

Healthcare Access: Many individuals in Calabar, particularly the poor and homeless, lack access to basic healthcare services. This results in high rates of untreated illnesses and chronic conditions.

Educational Opportunities: Education is a critical pathway out of poverty, yet many children in Calabar do not have access to quality education due to financial constraints and lack of resources.

Skill Acquisition: Unemployment and underemployment are significant issues in Calabar. Providing skill acquisition programs can help individuals become self-sufficient and economically empowered.

The Role of International Communities

International communities, including NGOs, governmental organizations, and private sector partners, can play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. By partnering with SEEF, they can provide the necessary resources, expertise, and support to make a lasting impact.

Healthcare Initiatives

Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, yet many in Calabar are deprived of this essential service. SEEF aims to change this by seeking international support to enhance its healthcare initiatives.

Medical Camps and Mobile Clinics

One of SEEF’s primary healthcare initiatives is the organization of medical camps and mobile clinics. These camps provide free medical check-ups, treatment, and medication to the poor and homeless. International partners can assist by providing medical supplies, funding, and volunteer healthcare professionals.

Case Study: Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) operates mobile clinics and medical camps in underserved areas around the world. A similar partnership with SEEF could bring much-needed medical expertise and resources to Calabar.

Health Education and Awareness

Preventive healthcare is just as important as treatment. SEEF conducts health education and awareness programs to inform the community about hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention. International organizations can support these efforts by developing educational materials and training local health workers.

Example: World Health Organization (WHO)

The WHO runs health education campaigns globally, promoting preventive measures and healthy lifestyles. By collaborating with the WHO or similar organizations, SEEF can expand its health education programs.

Educational Support

Education is the cornerstone of development and empowerment. SEEF is committed to providing access to quality education for the underprivileged children in Calabar.

Scholarship Programs

SEEF offers scholarships to children from low-income families, covering school fees, uniforms, and supplies. International donors can contribute to these scholarship funds, ensuring that more children have the opportunity to attend school.

Initiative: The Global Partnership for Education (GPE)

The GPE works to increase access to education in developing countries. By partnering with GPE, SEEF can secure funding and resources to expand its scholarship programs.

Building and Equipping Schools

Many schools in Calabar lack basic facilities and teaching materials. SEEF seeks international assistance to build and equip schools, providing a conducive learning environment for children.

Project: Build Africa

Build Africa constructs and renovates schools in rural areas, providing essential infrastructure and resources. A similar collaboration with SEEF could enhance the educational infrastructure in Calabar.

Skill Acquisition Programs

Unemployment is a significant issue in Calabar, particularly among the youth. SEEF aims to address this by offering skill acquisition programs that equip individuals with the skills needed to secure employment or start their own businesses.

Vocational Training Centers

SEEF plans to establish vocational training centers where individuals can learn trades such as carpentry, tailoring, and computer skills. International partners can assist by providing funding, equipment, and expertise to set up and run these centers.

Example: USAID’s Youth Empowerment Projects

USAID runs youth empowerment projects that focus on skill development and entrepreneurship. Partnering with such organizations can help SEEF establish effective vocational training programs.

Entrepreneurship Support

In addition to vocational training, SEEF offers entrepreneurship support to help individuals start their own businesses. This includes training in business management, access to microloans, and mentorship. International organizations can provide technical assistance and funding to support these initiatives.

Model: Kiva Microfunds

Kiva provides microloans to entrepreneurs in developing countries, helping them start and grow their businesses. A partnership with Kiva or similar organizations could provide essential financial support to aspiring entrepreneurs in Calabar.

Reaching Out to the Disabled

The blind, crippled, and other disabled individuals in Calabar face significant barriers to education, employment, and healthcare. SEEF is dedicated to improving their lives through targeted programs and initiatives.

Accessible Education

SEEF aims to provide accessible education for disabled children, including braille materials for the blind and specialized training for teachers. International partners can assist by providing resources and expertise in inclusive education.

Example: Perkins School for the Blind

Perkins School for the Blind offers resources and training for educators working with visually impaired students. Collaborating with Perkins or similar institutions can enhance SEEF’s capacity to provide inclusive education.

Healthcare and Rehabilitation

Disabled individuals often require specialized healthcare and rehabilitation services. SEEF seeks international support to provide these services, including physical therapy and assistive devices.

Project: Handicap International

Handicap International provides rehabilitation services and assistive devices to disabled individuals worldwide. A partnership with such organizations can help SEEF deliver essential services to disabled individuals in Calabar.

Sustainable Development and Long-term Impact

To achieve lasting change, SEEF focuses on sustainable development, ensuring that its programs have a long-term impact on the community.

Community Involvement

SEEF involves the local community in its programs, ensuring that initiatives are culturally appropriate and meet the actual needs of the population. International partners can support by providing training and resources to build local capacity.

Approach: Community-Driven Development (CDD)

CDD approaches involve the community in the planning and implementation of development projects. By adopting CDD principles, SEEF can ensure that its programs are sustainable and effective.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) are critical for assessing the impact of SEEF’s programs and making necessary adjustments. International organizations can provide technical assistance and tools for robust M&E processes.

Framework: The Logical Framework Approach (LFA)

LFA is a widely used tool for planning, monitoring, and evaluating development projects. By implementing LFA, SEEF can enhance the effectiveness and accountability of its initiatives.

How to Get Involved

International communities, organizations, and individuals interested in supporting SEEF can get involved in various ways:

Donations: Financial contributions can support SEEF’s programs and initiatives, providing essential resources for education, healthcare, and skill acquisition.

Partnerships: Organizations can partner with SEEF to provide technical assistance, funding, and expertise. Corporate partnerships can involve CSR initiatives, employee engagement, and in-kind donations.

Volunteering: Individuals with relevant skills and expertise can volunteer their time to support SEEF’s programs. This can include healthcare professionals, educators, and business mentors.

Advocacy: Raising awareness about the plight of the poor, sick, and disabled in Calabar is crucial for mobilizing support. Advocacy campaigns can highlight the work of SEEF and encourage others to get involved.

Contact Information: For more information or to get involved, please contact the Seef Foundation at info@seefs.org.

By working together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of the poor, sick, and afflicted in Calabar. The Solomon Edet Effiong’s Foundation (SEEF) is committed to creating a brighter future for all, and with your support, we can achieve our mission of empowering the vulnerable and building a more just and equitable society.