Friends of the Earth, Auja EcoCenter, Jordan Valley
• Eco-Tourism Development • Desert Agriculture •
• Build Mud-brick Houses • Solar Applications
• Graywater systems
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| QUICK FACTS | |
| Location of Project: | Auja village, Jordan Valley - Map Link |
| Duration: | 4-12 weeks |
| Accommodation: | Shared room or private room |
| Food: | Self catering with volunteers and/or staff |
| Preferred Skills: |
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| Fees: | from $1,075 - more details |
Detailed Description
LocationAuja Village is situated about 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of Jericho on route 90 in the Jordan Valley. The area is 230 meters (750 feet) below sea level and is part of the Rift Valley that stretched from the Red Sea to Lebanon. The population is mostly Bedouin and other Palestinians.
Palestinian buses and taxis are available for transport into nearby Jericho, and Israeli buses go through the village on their way to Jerusalem, which takes about 40 minutes. So it is possible on a day off to go to Jerusalem for the day. However Israeli buses do not operate from Friday afternoon until Saturday night due to the Jewish Sabbath.
The best way to learn about the area is to hike the Auja Valley (or Wadi), which stretches west from the village. A variety of animals call the valley home, including wolf and hyena, ibex and gazelle. the region is also a migratory corridor for birds travelling between Africa and the northern Middle east and Europe.
There are carpets of wild flowers in the springtime after the rains, in addition to dozens of medicinal herbs and plants. Adjacent areas are home to some of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, and archaeological ruins from ancient times often litter the ground in unexpected places.
About the ProjectAuja EcoCenter views the Jordan River Valley and the Dead Sea as an interconnected ecosystem – one in which the aquifers, rivers, and springs that support all life here are distributed in a just and sustainable manner; in which cultural heritage is protected, biodiversity is nurtured ,and human communities flourish.
These goals are accomplished through programs that illustrate the value of organic agriculture, water conservation, ecological technologies, and sustainable community development.
The Center also advocates on behalf of the local people who are victims of Israeli government administration which denies equal access to water resources and agricultural land.
Volunteer WorkVolunteers are offered a wide variety of work and learning opportunities both within the Center, the host village of Auja, and the surrounding area.
The Center is also building a series of mud-brick (adobe) structures both for their practical use and also as a demonstration project for the residents of the Jordan Valley. Volunteers also have the opportunity to take trips with Center staff and visiting groups, to explore the region and learn about the water sources, and the flora and fauna of the Jordan Valley.Working in the demonstration organic garden is an important activity, and also helping develop and expand the gray-water system is of critical importance since water conservation is of critical importance in this desert region. Educating the youth of the village is also a high priority and volunteers can be involved in environmental education, teaching English, and sport.
Living Arrangements & Community Life
The rooms were recently renovated with full modern bathrooms and facilities. The kitchen is shared with other volunteers, guests, and staff, so meal preparation is often a communal activity, and an opportunity to learn the preparation of Palestinian dishes.
The immediate neighborhood around the center is a quiet residential area. Shops for basic needs are within walking distance, and on the main road are some interesting shops with local handcrafts.
Palestinians are very social so volunteers are often invited to local homes for coffee or meals. Please remember that this is a socially conservative community and dress appropriately. Shorts and revealing shirts are not appropriate.
Minimum Requirements- Minimum age 17
- Interest in ecology & the environment
- Travel and medical insurance
- Good spoken English
Fees| Option One Includes: • Program Fee • Shared dorm or room • Self catering |
2 weeks
4 weeks
6 weeks
8 weeks 10 weeks 12 weeks |
$1,075
$2,145
$2,705
$3,285 $3,865 $4,445 |
| Option Two Includes: • Program Fee • Private room • Self-catering |
2 weeks
4 weeks
6 weeks
8 weeks 10 weeks 12 weeks |
$1,320
$2,640
$3,465
$4,290 $5,115 $5,940 |
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