Location
Situated in Northern Israel, Maghar is a unique multicultural village, overlooking the beautiful Sea of Galilee. Maghar is historic, originally named "Zar" during the Roman Period. The many olive and grape presses testify to a long history of agriculture in the area, in addition to the numerous hillside caves showing signs of ancient habitation. Today the town has a diverse religious and ethnic makeup of Druze, Christians, and Muslims.
About the project
Established in 1969, the Israel Association of Community Center's mission is to advance the quality of life in Israel's most diverse communities. The Center's mission is to tailor programs to the unique needs of each community. Some projects include innovative early childhood enrichment programs that encourage embracing each other's differences, to coexistence programs between Jews and Arabs. It offers the services of professional training, planning, development, and fundraising for special projects to meet the needs of its network that includes over 180 community centers (40 in the non-Jewish sector) throughout Israel.
GoEco volunteers will have the opportunity to work alongside the Community Center in the diverse town of Mughar and assist with its annual summer camp for Druze, Christian and Muslim children. The themes of the camp are the principles of coexistence, arts, sports and ecology in English.
The National Israeli Service for Adult Volunteering (SHALEM) will assit with organizing and facilitating the program.
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.
During the first 2 day in Mughar volunteers will settle in with their host families and prepare for the summer camp.
Volunteer work and contribution
During the project volunteers will assist the Mughar Community Center run a unique and diverse summer care program for children. Activities include:
- Organizing various activities for the campers
- Setting up and conducting workshops on ecology, sports, music and arts
- Rotating between the workshops to teach English
- Escorting day trips (e.g. swimming pool, nature hikes, theme park, etc)
Volunteer hours during the camp day will be, 08:30 - 14:00. Between 14:00 - 16:00 volunteer will prepare activities for the next day.
Accommodation
Volunteers will have the unique opportunity to live with a local family during the program. During this time, volunteers will learn more about local customs and cuisine. Home stay includes single room with bed, linen and shared bathroom. Volunteers will eat breakfast and dinner at the homestay, and help with daily household duties is always welcome. Lunch will be given at the Community Center. Internet will be available.
Travel Highlights
Volunteers will participate in a day trip to the beautiful Sea of Galilee and other local attractions. During the evenings volunteers can socialize and use the local gym. The community center and host families will try and organize unique events as well, such as cooking classes and lectures.
Minimum requirements
- High level of English
- Excellent state of health
- No alcohol
- Modest dress
- Motivation to work with youth
- Open mind and willingness to experience new cultures
- Police Clearance Form