Corpers weeee!!!!
The new bees (otondo's) are out of camp. Their 3weeks orientation has finally come to an end. Welcome to the Team guys.
Things loads of the new corpers are going to be worried about now are;
1) Securing a job at their Primary Place of Assignment:
On the day you leave camp you would be or were handed a paper containing details of the area and organisation you have been posted to serve.
On getting this letter, you can either rejoice or be sad. In the sense that, sometimes people rejoice when there are posted to areas that they think would be more fun to be in. While others get posted to very horrible locations with no idea of how to survive.
Well however you see it manage it. Some corpers get lucky and are reposted back to join their family or back to a specific location of choice. This is only taken into consideration after an application is made based on health grounds or marriage.
Avoid giving money to unreliable individuals (workers) who claim they can help you "work" your posting to another place. Many have been scammed and delayed. So be warned. It's better you settle for what you received.
After all, one of the aims of the programme is to familiarise one with another culture.
So my fellow corpers just accept your PPA & Given Location in good faith.
2) Opening the Nysc bank account:
This is for the monthly Allawee. It's very significant that you do this before travelling home. Else you would miss your first and maybe 2nd monthly NYSC salary.
Well I missed mine and I was told I couldn't apply for it. According to the person "if I apply for the allowance it might lead to being remobilised". That means going camp to camp to start all over again.
Am guessing your wondering what could have happened? Well I went home after camp for treatment and returned with a letter from my doctor yet it wasn't taken into consideration.
In addition to that, I was still given a query to explain my reasons for going home which I did. Yet no allawee
Only God knows what they did with the money.
So sweethearts please go to Local your Government Area (LGA) and open your bank account.
3) Most importantly Accomodation:
NYSC makes available an Accomodation space called the 'corpers Lodge'. First place everyone runs to for shelter.
Some churches for example Redeem also accomodates corpers in a place called 'Family House'. Corpers are allowed to stay free for a certain period of time until they are able to find a home. If one decides to remain, then you can then begin to contribute some money for upkeep.
Some are comfortable staying in these Accomodations mentioned. While others would prefer to live in the comfort of their own homes with guaranteed privacy.
When house hunting, use a letting Agent. They make it easier for you by reducing the amount of time you spend going to view unsuitable houses. When choosing a space of your own you must ensure that there is;
a) Running water else you would fetch from a well till you pass out.
b) Electricity: This you can determine by asking questions except you are comfortable having a generator. For me I can't stand noise so I ain't got one.
c) close proximity to shops and work: you don't want spend so much getting to the shops to restock your kitchen or other personal items. And also if you find yourself in a very demanding job you wouldn't want to be late. Would you?
Ask your friends who helped them secure their place, so as to determine if the person might be of help to you too.
Don't pay money without being sure that the Accomodation you paying for is yours. If possible demand that you sign a contract stating out the tenant, the landlord or agent, how long you are to occupy the space and so on...
Signatures of all parties and a witness should also be on the contract.
All these advice are just useful tips which would help you avoid making unwanted mistakes and wrong choices. It's just a matter of being very careful and calculative.
Don't forget to have fun... Once all of these is settled you can agree with your PPA as to when you should resume work. Ask them to please give you sometime to return home for your luggages. You can now use that opportunity to refresh and get set for work and many others.
I hope this helps someone out there.
xoxo!!!
