Android : Making Game Asset Files Readable From C++ Code Using Ndk

I am creating a game using the irrlicht c++ 3D graphics engine port to android platform. The graphics engine is written in c++. I need to be able to load meshes and textures etc from c++ code. My current plan is to place all the game asset files in either the res/raw directory or the assets directory then on start-up copy these files to the sdcard so they are accessible from the irrlicht c++ code.Is this the best way to make the game media files accessible from c++?