Throughout the course of history, the captivating and mystical land of Israel has been the meeting point for cultures, civilisations and religions. Serving as the sacred centre and origin for many of the world’s monotheistic religions, the diversity of Israel is second to none.
The Negev desert region, covering the southern half of Israel, is so much more than just sand. Being the least populated region in Israel, means that it is home to a wide variety of people such as the nomadic desert people known as the Bedouin and an incredible mix of unique African wildlife.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
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Live and work in the stunning desert region of Israel
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Explore historically significant sites in Jerusalem
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Develop your hands-on practical construction skills
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Promote sustainable community livelihoods
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
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Minimum age of 18 years
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Conversational English or Hebrew
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Good physical fitness and strong work ethic
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Location |
Arava Desert, Israel |
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Activities |
Earth & Mud Building
Hosting Guests
Maintanence Work
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Transport |
Taxi Transfer to Jerusalem (budget around $20) local transportation to and from project (budget around $40) |
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Accommodation |
Bedouin Style Tents and Mud Huts |
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Before you go |
Pre-departure support
Travel & medical advice & documentation
Equipment advice
Discounted medical kit
Free Frontier t-shirt |
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In-country |
Accommodation
Local orientation
Project training
In-country emergency support
24-hour international HQ back-up |
What Next? Apply Now!
WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?
The project is based at our unique village resort in the desert built entirely from mud and local materials. It is an eco-lodge that was built by hand, from the ground up. It's a creative and gratifying experience that requires a lot of hard work. The use of eco-friendly materials in sustainable building is a really positive initiative as we look for ways to reduce our impact as humans on our planet.
Building with mud is extremely different to working with concrete, wood and acrylic materials. Mud is a versatile material, which once dried the material can be re-worked and re-shaped over a period of time, and of course, you can enjoy getting your hands dirty as you work! This exciting project was the brain-child of a young family who set out to fulfill the principles of simplistic living and a close relationship with the earth. The village hosts many international travelers who come to enjoy the magical setting and to learn about sustainable living.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
The aim of the Frontier-Israel Desert Eco-Construction project is to give participants hands-on experience with earth building combined and sustainable living, whilst contributing towards hospitality work and living in the desert.
Your adventure will begin in Jerusalem, where you will be given a comprehensive orientation to prepare you for the period of volunteer work in the desert. You will be provided with detailed travel advice and taken on a walking tour of the Old City and the famous Machane Yehuda market. We will even provide you with a discount card to experience Jerusalem’s vibrant night-life! The following day you will make your way down to the project site in the Arava desert by public transport.
Once at the project, volunteers will mainly assist local staff with the construction and maintenance of the eco village using earth sourced from the surrounding area. Volunteers will learn different techniques to mould the Earth and sustainable materials to create the following:
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Eco cabins
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Benches
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Sitting Areas
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Decorative patterns
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Renovation of structures when needed
There is also a hospitality component to the program that requires volunteers to be involved in general maintenance duties such as cleaning, gardening, repairs, cooking, and preparing huts for eco-tourist guests. During national holidays volunteers' duties will be focused mainly on hosting the guests at the eco village.
Volunteers are expected to work 6-7 hours per day, 5 days per week. The team is small, intimate and friendly. The work requires manual-labor and spending lots of hours outside in the Negev desert so it is important to bring along a sun hat and protective clothing.
What Next? Apply Now!
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?
You will fly into Tel Aviv airport where you will then use our easy to follow instructions to make your way to the project meeting point in Jerusalem. We will provide you with all the information you need prior to your departure to enable you to plan your journey. Upon arrival at the meeting point you will be met by a friendly Frontier representative and given a comprehensive orientation alongside your fellow volunteers!
WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?
Volunteers will stay in basic Bedouin style huts for 1 - 2 people with mattresses, linens, and wood burning heaters. Facilities include a communal living room, equipped kitchen, shared bathrooms with compost toilets and hot showers, and an outdoor fireplace
WHAT WILL I BE EATING?
Food is not provided as part of this programme. This is a fun element of travelling away from home as it gives you that added freedom and is a good opportunity to bond with fellow travellers when taking it in turns to prepare meals. There is an equipped kitchen on-site for volunteers to use.
What Next? Apply Now!
I'll never forget this experience, it was a dream come true!
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17 Jun 2018
I spent a month volunteering in Israel at the Desert Eco Construction program. It was the most am...
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ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Either before the beginning or following the end of your Frontier project, why not explore more of Israel and see what this incredible country has to offer! Israel has a fantastic selection of historic landmarks, but other popular activities amongst travelers include sleeping in bedouin tents, climbing Mount Masada, floating in the Dead Sea and hiking through the Golan Heights to name just a few!
The international beach resort of Eilat, located within the Negev region is a stunning area where you can enjoy some snorkelling, or simply let your hair down and enjoy the vibrant night life. It is also possible to travel around the country, or visit Israel’s neighbouring country Jordan, home to the historical city of Petra.
If you are looking for more volunteering opportunities, why not check out Frontier’s other projects including our Desert Wildlife Reserve in Negev, interact with children at an Israeli Multicultural Summer Camp, or engage in construction work at the Desert Eco Building project. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to have an incredible time!
To apply for this project, or to register your interest, just click on the orange "Apply Now!" button at the top of the menu. Fill out and submit a short application form and then one of our advisers will give you a call back to answer any questions and to progress your application if you wish to continue.
There is no obligation when making an application, and you do not need to pay anything at this point.
