The Negev Institute for Strategies of Peace and Development (NISPED) and The Arab-Jewish Center for Equality Empowerment and Cooperation (AJEEC) offer you a unique and once-in-a-life-time opportunity to experience Jewish and Bedouin partnership in the Negev desert: The NISPED-AJEEC Service-Learning Program.

AJEEC's primary target population is the Arab-Bedouin community of the Negev. Comprising 170,000 people, this community constitues the poorest sector of Israeli society. Half of the community resides in towns and villages that have been recognized by the government over the years; the other half live in unrecognized villages lacking basic services such as running water, electricity, roads, telephone service, sewage systems, and building permits. This special community combines its ancient traditions with a desire to fully participate in the democratic life of the State of Israel.

The NISPED-AJEEC Service-Learning Program brings together Arab-Bedouins and Jewish young-adult volunteers from around the world, allowing participants to live and volunteer in the Bedouin city of Rahat, while integrating actively in the community’s daily life and culture.

This five-month program gives participants the opportunity to create and experience a diverse society within Israel that is based on the principles of equality, empowerment and inter-sector cooperation between the Jewish and the Bedouin communities in Israel. Participants will engage in a wide range of topics relating to the community, including:

Living in Bedouin households
Arabic language study
Workshops and seminars about sustainable human development and conflict resolution
Weekly group activities

Cost of Participation: 7,900$ USD. Scholarships may be available. Participant fees include program costs, medical insurance, food and accommodation, Arabic language course, three excursions in Israel, internal transportation in the Negev region and accompaniment of English speaking coordinator. Airfare is not included.
Program Information:

Starting date: February 5, 2012

Ending date: June 28, 2012

Ages: 21 - 27

Application Deadline: December 4, 2011
Open to participants from: All Countries
Language of program: English
Home organization in Israel: NISPED-AJEEC, Beersheva