The Village of Kersa Illala
The Village of Kersa Illala is the focus of our efforts. It is about three
and a half hours south of Addis on the main highway between Addis and Nairobi,
Kenya. This road has recently been rebuilt by the European Community and is one
of the nicest roads in Ethiopia. Kersa is located between two larger towns, Arsi
Negelle immediately to its North, and larger, Shashamene to its south. When we
travel on expeditions we stay at a small hotel in Shashamene, "The Lilly of the
Valley". The accommodations are simple, the beds are clean and
relatively comfortable, there are toilets, showers and a TV. The staff prepare a
nutritious, healthy and American breakfast and dinner for us each day.
When you see villagers working in the field with wood hoes and plows, using oxen to cultivate their ground, you will feel like you have been transported back in time 2 or 3 thousand yearsThe people of Kersa are subsistence farmers, who raise their meager crops in some of the most beautiful soil you can imagine. They have no irrigation except the rain, unless they carry it from the river, about a mile and a half from the village. They have had no electricity, no medical care, no clean drinking, washing, bathing or cooking water. They have no toilets and few latrines. They own no cars, TVs, radios, phones, or any other modern conveniences. They have very little money and unemployment is astronomically high. There are many infirm. Fifty percent of their children die before age five. The disease load of the villagers is overwhelming. TB, typhoid, malaria, parasites, polio, yellow fever, venereal diseases - including AIDs, dysentery, pneumonia, and many other diseases are very common. Most villagers suffer from several of these maladies simultaneously.
As a result of past expeditions and ongoing efforts, there are now more latrines, smokeless stoves, family gardens and family income projects in the village. In 2005 a well was constructed that has helped to dramatically improve the lives of the villagers as health and sanitation also improved.
The villagers are loving, appreciative, intelligent, tough, religious,
courageous, prayerful people. You will be recognized as an answer to their
prayers. The second you step into the village, you will see the
light of hope begin to gleam in their eyes, and their smiles will overwhelm you.
They will hug you and kiss you, touch you and love you. If you bring them
nothing more than hope, you will see that your visit has been worthwhile. They
will never forget you, nor you them, as long as you both shall live.
When we go on expedition to Kersa Illala, we work on various projects. There is much to do, but lots of fun to have, as you
inspire these great people, and are inspired by them. With your help they can
improve their lot, become self sufficient and prosperous, and you are there to
help them do exactly that.
How You Can Help: