The Jewish Agency has announced major new plans for social and cultural projects in the Negev, totalling some $6 million. The sum is to be spent over a two-year period and comes, according to the Agency spokesman, in addition to the regular Agency programs for individual settlements in the Negev and Arava.
The spokesman stressed that the Agency’s plan is not in any way intended to substitute for government plans and activities in the region. Among the projects included in this new and ambitious scheme are:
* Libraries in the Arava Kibbutzim of Grofit, Yahel and Samar.
* Youth clubs in Merkaz Sapir (also in the Arava), and in the Moshavim of Idan, Tsofar and Paran. Each of these centers will cost $150,000.
* A large theater in Merkaz Sapir — to serve the entire Arava region. The sum earmarked for this: half a million dollars.
* Swimming pools in kibbutzim Telalim and Retamim and Moshav Kadesh Barnea.
* A new live-in facility in the Sde Boker College ($300,000).
* A regional sports facility in Tamar ($450,000).
* Eight baby creches at the Eshkol Regional Authority.
* A youth club in Mitzpe Rimon ($400,000.)
* Enlargement of the community center in Dimona ($250,000.)
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