The Posterus Foundation

BACKGROUND

The rural community of Jilore, Kenya is located approximately one hour west of Malindi in the Coast Province. The town only recently received electricity over the last few months, and most residents have never had the opportunity to use a computer or access information about the world.

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GOAL

Providing youth and the community of Jilore with a multi-purpose, educational space.

Under the guidance of Peace Corps Volunteer, Lee Ann Sobczak, the community seeks to build the Jilore Vijana Resource Center – the first project of its kind in the area. The goal is to create a fun, educational environment to encourage youth and community members to make achievable goals to improve their futures.

PROBLEM

Youth and community members have no safe gathering place.

No access to newspapers, computers or libraries currently exists for the community of Jilore and the surrounding towns. Although the Jilore High School is an established institution, it does not offer youth the opportunity to expand their skills and knowledge in a nurturing environment. Rather, they are left to the streets where idleness breeds criminal and substance abuse behavior. The community members currently have meetings under the shade of trees, or not at all when there is adverse weather.

SOLUTION

Construct a youth and community center, with funding from The Posterus Foundation.

With construction completed in September 2011, the JVRC has been established as a multi-use space for the entire community of Jilore. The center is a meeting hall for the community, available to hold events for the school, and a location for youth to come and expand their knowledge and creativity. In time, there will be sports equipment for physical development, a library full of books, and a stage for performances. Computers, televisions, Internet and books will help to foster an educational environment for all.

Peace Corps Volunteer, Lee Ann Sobczak, is currently working in the Jilore community and reached out to Posterus in January 2010 with a project proposal to build the JVRC on the secure grounds of the Jilore High School. In three phases, from structural construction to electrical and lighting, the JVRC is a true partnership between local government, church groups, community members, students and international organizations. All funds have been administered through the Peace Corps Partnership Program through Lee Ann.

To view the JVRC project draft budget, click here.
To view the JVRC final budget, click here.
To view the JVRC final budget summary, click here.
To view the JVRC local support letters, click here.
To view receipts for the JVRC project, click here.

The Posterus Foundation has raised funds for JVRC through several avenues including online, events and Team Posterus sponsorship.

TESTIMONIAL

“Jilore is a great community with a lot of potential, but due to its rural location, we lack access to common resources found in large towns or cities. You don’t notice the convenience and benefits of having a daily newspaper or a local cyber cafe until you have to travel an hour one way to find them. The resource center will provide simple, but hugely beneficial, educational and fun resources to our community. By addressing some of the unmet needs in our area, I hope it will empower the community to continue to advance in the future.”

- Lee Ann Sobczak, Jilore, Kenya Peace Corps Volunteer

To read Lee Ann’s full letter to Posterus following the successful completion of the JVRC project, click here.
To read the testimonial of Shumaa Munga, Headmaster of Jilore High School, click here.
To read the testimonial of Benjamin Ngumbao Mae of the Emmanuel Church in Jilore, click here.

Donate Now to Posterus’ future education projects and help spread the success of JVRC Kenya!