Arad, Israel
Volunteer in: Arad, Israel
About the Center
The Project TEN Center in Arad, Israel opened in September 2015. Located in a small city in Israel’s Negev desert, the center opens its doors to groups of participants throughout the entire year.
Join our team of volunteers to support the local population's needs and take an active part in developing the region. You will be engaging with the community of Arad and other local Jewish and Bedouin populations, implementing much-needed educational projects in order to strengthen sections of the community, ranging from the elderly to children at-risk and new immigrants. You will also be part of an ecological desert tourism initiative, promoting sustainability in the region.
The TEN Center in Arad is maintained by a Center Director. The director also coordinates the volunteer projects in the center. Center staff is available 24-7 for anything you need during your trip.
While living in the center, you will engage in unique volunteer projects and educational activities, giving you hands-on experience while developing skills and connections that will remain with you for a lifetime. You will have the opportunity for self-exploration while forming your identity on a personal and communal level.
Participants of the TEN Center in Arad are eligible for Masa grants.
Accommodation
Participant accommodation is located in the center of Arad and includes several apartments with 2 people per room. Each apartment contains a kitchenette, bathroom, and basic furnishings.
Men and women have separate dormitories.
Food
The food supplied by the center is strictly vegetarian, locally purchased to ensure freshness. We maintain a kosher-style kitchen, and supervised food products may be easily purchased in local supermarkets.
All meals are prepared by the center volunteers.
Shabbat and Holidays
The program welcomes religious and non-religious participants. All of the activities organized on Shabbat or Jewish festivals are suitable for those who observe religious practices, however each participant is free to observe Shabbat in their own way.
Each week we arrange kabbalat Shabbat activities and share a festive meal.
Explore Israel
Participants of the TEN Center in Arad will have a unique opportunity to explore Israel, gaining real insight into the diverse populations that make up Israeli society. In addition to the daily volunteer projects and learning components, volunteers will tour the country, experiencing sites of historical and cultural significance, and hiking the beautiful landscapes. Participants are encouraged to use free weekends for additional travel.
Safety and Security
The safety and security of our participants is always our number one priority. Project TEN is committed to continually reviewing and updating our safety procedures in order to protect volunteers and staff from harm. Our centers are approved by the Jewish Agency’s Security Department.
In addition, we ensure that all of our directors are first aid trained, with immediate access to a full first aid kit. Hospitals and medical centers are located in close proximity, and a car is always available for transportation.
Volunteer Projects
The TEN Center in Arad, Israel operates projects in three main areas: Co-existence between the Jewish and Bedouin communities, ecological tourism, and strengthening communities of the elderly, children at risk, and new immigrants. You will have the opportunity to educate tourists about sustainability in the desert, while also being able to be part of a close-knit and diverse Israeli community.
Local Need
Arad is on the border of the Negev and Judean Deserts. Arad was founded in 1962 and after slow but steady growth was declared a city in 1995. Its population is diverse, including secular and religious Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews; Bedouins; and Black Hebrews. More recently, it has also become home to many new immigrants from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia. Additionally, there has recently been an influx of refugees from Darfur who settle in Arad.
The city of Arad was once a hub of economic stability and tourism, famous world-wide for its exceptionally clear air and proximity to well-known tourist attractions. However, in the last 20 years, the social and economic profile of Arad has changed significantly. The city is now struggling with rampant poverty. The level of unemployment has risen and the rates of high school students who pass their matriculation exams (necessary for university admission) have dropped dramatically. As a result, the education and welfare systems in Arad are overwhelmed.
The local Bedouin population we serve is classified by a number of risk factors, including a low socio-economic level, limited educational facilities, and high unemployment rates. We seek to enhance opportunities for children and youth from these villages and towns through informal education and community engagement.
Local Partners
- Masa-Tlalim
Masa-Tlalim works to make it as easy as possible for young Jewish adults to go to Israel. They offer grants and scholarships to help make the experience more affordable. All Masa-Tlalim participants are eligible to apply for universal grants and need-based scholarships towards the cost of the program.
Masa-Tlalim is a leading provider of Israel-based programs funded by Masa Israel. Masa-Tlalim is a part of Tlalim Group, a pioneer of Israeli tourism for the past 30 years. They are also part of Authentic Israel, the parent company of Israel Outdoors Birthright.
Take a look at Masa-Tlalim Grant and Scholarship Policy to find out more about eligibility criteria and for information about what you’ll need to apply. For more information: http://www.masa-tlalim.com