Community Development
Kersa Illala Education and Cultural Center
In late 2007 land was donated by the village to be an area where the youth can gather to learn, grow and play. Plans were drafted to develop the land as an Education and Cultural Center. Construction on the center began in spring 2008. The center has have three key areas:
Independence Center
This area will include a section of irrigated farmland where improved farming techniques will be taught and practiced by youth, an animal fattening yard where the focus will be improving meat and milk production and over 300 fruit trees that will be used to support the youth program and provide food for the most needy in the village.
Athletic Center
This area will include a soccer field, track and basketball/volleyball area. These will provide an area where youth can play and the village of Kersa Illala can host tournaments with neighboring villages.
Cultural Center
The Cultural Center will provide an area for the village and visitors to gather and share the beauty and history of this ancient culture. The covered pavilion and cultural hall will provide areas for community gatherings and celebrations. The youth will perform music, dance and dramas. Small “learning village homes” will be built by the youth, using traditional materials, but incorporating into each design features that will promote a healthier environment for the family, thus teaching and showing the village how to improve family health by better design.
Center Fundraising
Fundraising for the center is in the early stages. Donations received from St. John’s Volunteers/Brookside are being used to build the exterior fencing and covered pavilion in Spring 2008..
Other donation opportunities still available include;
| Area | Donation Needed | Area | Donation Needed | ||
| Exterior Hedge* | $500 | Water Hookup & Irrigation | $5,000 | ||
| Fruit Trees* | $750 | Basketball/Volleyball | $10,000 | ||
| Learning Homes (each) | $1,000 | Guard House | $8,500 | ||
| Soccer Area/Equipment | $4,000 | Animal Fattening Center | $45,000 | ||
| Public Restrooms | $4,000 | Cultural Hall+ | $300,000 | ||
* Make great Eagle Scout Projects
+ $200,000 donation provides opportunity to be named sponsor for the Education and Cultural Center.
Click here to learn more about the Education and Cultural Center and youth programs.
Click here to donate toward building the Education and Cultural Center