Location
The Negev is a desert region that covers the southern half of Israel. The least populated area in Israel, it is a home to (among others) the nomadic desert people known as the Bedouin and unique African wildlife. The Negev offers some spectacular scenery and is home to captivating sites and places.
About the project
Desert Days is a unique village resort built from mud and local materials. Located in the southern part of Israel near Tzukim, the resort is nestled in the Arava desert between the dry river Zofar cliffs on the west and Jordan's red mountains on the east. Desert Days was created by a young family to fulfill the principles of simplistic living and close contact to the earth. Guests are hosted from around the world to enjoy this stunning place and to learn about sustainable living.
Volunteer work and contribution
Volunteers will mainly assist with the construction and maintenance of the eco village.
Eco Building: working with earth is completely different to working with cement, acrylic plastering and such. Earth is a durable material that can be revived and endure a long sculpturing process. It's also a lot of fun getting dirty by working with your hands. The huts are constructed from straw bales and earth. This method has a number of advantages: the walls isolate heat and cold, the building materials are biodegradable and the final result looks quite beautiful. The building steps are: preparing foundations, building the construction and then plastering. The plastering is made of three layers: sculpturing layer, clay layer and a final external plastering layer. Volunteers and staff will use earth found in the surrounding area.
Maintenance: cleaning, gardening, cooking and hosting guests
Accommodation & Facilities
Volunteers will stay in open space style huts with a low cabinet to separate the sleeping area from the sitting area. The huts are practically built to enable the comfortable stay for 4 volunteers. Each hut has a compost toilet, hot water shower, coffee corner, private outdoor sitting area, a bone fire place with a supply of wood.
Internet: one shared computer is available for emails
Laundry: washing machine is available
Travel Highlights
After work hours, volunteers can enjoy this unique desert region, relax by the new eco pool, and just chill out under the stars. Volunteers will receive 1 day off a week to explore other regions of Israel such as Eilat and Jerusalem.
Minimal Requirements
- Conversational English or Hebrew
- Good physical fitness
- Strong work ethic
- Motivation to do physical and demanding work
- Able to work in harsh desert climate
- Highly independent
- Full travel &medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)