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.
Orientation in Jerusalem
The volunteer adventure will start off with a GoEco orientation at the Abraham Hostel in the center of Jerusalem. The orientation is a great base to meet fellow volunteers / travelers and includes the following:
- Volunteer preparation and travel directions to the program
- Expert travel advice in Israel for during and after your volunteer placement
- Walking tour of Jerusalem, including the Old City and the famous Machane Yehuda market
- Discount card to experience Jerusalem's vibrant night-life
- 1 night dorm accommodation and breakfast (private rooms available for extra price)
The GoEco orientation will begin at 10:00 AM on arrival day. The next morning, volunteers will travel to the volunteer project with public transportation. Full travel details to Jerusalem and the project will be provided upon registration.
Volunteer work and contribution
Volunteers will mainly assist with the construction and maintenance of the eco village, according to the following schedule:
Sun to Wed - 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.
Thu - Maintenance: Cleaning, gardening, cooking and preparing huts for eco-tourist guests
Fri - Sat: Free time
Accommodation & Facilities
Volunteers will stay in basic bedouin style huts for 1 - 2 people with mattresses, linen and wood burning heaters. Facilities include: communal living room, equipped kitchen, shared compost toilets, hot showers and outdoor fireplace. Food supplies will be provided for cooking.
Internet: The family has one computer for emails, 10 minutes walk from the resort
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 the weekends off to explore other regions of Israel such as Eilat and Jerusalem. Volunteers can also join Yoga lessons once a week at the resort.
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