It is KAVA's intention to serve as a catalyst and change-agent to improve the quality of life in African Villages through Development, Education and Empowerment activities, while identifying "best practices" that have possible application significance for other villages facing similar circumstances.
Impacting the local economy by improving its ability to be viable, diverse and sustainable, while being competitive in local, regional, state, and national markets, with the initiation of affordable projects.
Assisting in the development of strategies that will support, improve, and maintain key community functions (social, political, economic, and cultural); basic village infrastructure, the expansion of educational opportunities, health care availability, housing options, and telecommunication accessibility; Supporting and assisting with efforts/programs to stabilize families in crises.
Increasing local capacity for identifying, monitoring and preparing responses to political issues impacting the life of the village communities; building the skills of citizens and leaders to plan.
During a return visit to the farming village of Oshoba, Ifo, local government (Ogun State) in Nigeria where he was born and raised, Alani Ogunlade observed conditions that appalled him and he decided that something must be done immediately to make improvements. The elementary school he attended which had become dilapidated was his first challenge. He raised money to tear down the school and build a six classroom modernized facility which was completed in December 2005.
The magnitude of the social needs of his village/ community led Alani to create a nonprofit organization called KAVA (Keep A Village Alive). KAVA's vision expanded beyond the boundaries of his home village to include countless villages throughout Africa experiencing similar challenges. KAVA's mission is to provide a vehicle for committed people across the continent to work together on a common goal – to save from extinction the "African Village" and the values and traditions that have sustained innumerable lives for generations.
In order to maximize available resources, KAVA focuses on projects which benefit village clusters. This cost effective and efficient method allows more than one village at a time to take advantage of improvements being made.
For centuries, African Villages have been a source of life and energy. They have been the heart of society – tight-knit communities where family was revered, unity promoted, values upheld and traditions celebrated and passed down from generation to generation. Once vibrant and thriving, the past glory of villages continues to fade. Today, Africa's Villages are struggling to survive.
A declining population means villagers now are either old or school age: Throughout Africa, villages in rich and poor countries lack quality education, adequate medical services, community programs and many other basic amenities and necessities, such as safe drinking water, plumbing facilities and electricity. As a result, poverty and diseases abound, and many residents have fled to cities in search of better opportunities.
If the villages continue to lose population and suffer from neglect, their future is dire. Village life is worth preserving. KAVA (Keep a Village Alive), a nonprofit organization, aims to serve as a catalyst to improve the quality of life in rural African villages through education, social development, economic empowerment and political awareness. KAVA's goal is to increase awareness, build political will and instill hope to revive these communities and help preserve cultural traditions.
We Hope You Will Join Our Team As We Continue To Make A Difference In The Lives Of Those Living In Endangered Rural African Villages. Your Tax Deductable Donation Will Be Greatly Appreciated.
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