In addition to the praise he has received for his paintings, Issek has been recognized for becoming an advocate for the physically disabled population in Cameroon. Intent on providing options to disabled children in his region, Issek founded HandiArt Issek, a school to give others with disabilities a way to provide for themselves through the arts. HandiArt offers an alternative to a life on the streets.

The center has grown in scope since its inception and currently aims to provide for all of needs of the disabled population. For example, HandiArt now functions as a safe house for disabled men and women who may need only temporary housing. The organization is in the process of establishing an orphanage for disabled children without homes. In 1998, the governor of Issek’s home province officially inaugurated Issek's school, which has since been functioning as a registered nonprofit.

For further information, view Jega International’s fact sheet on Issek (PDF, 4.1 MB). You may also view a recent update from Jega's founder.