This project, a joint initiative of NISPED-AJEEC and the Israel Scouts Movement, brings together Arab Bedouin and Jewish high school graduates for a gap year of full time, joint community volunteerism. Working in mixed teams, the volunteers conduct both formal and informal educational enrichment programs for children and youth in both communities, as well as joint activities fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.

The Jewish Arab Volunteer Year Program strives to 

• Develop the leaders of tomorrow
• Promote real and meaningful Arab – Jewish partnerships among the generation coming of age
• Provide young people a unique opportunity for self discovery and self awareness
• Advance the schoolchildren most at risk through mentoring, role modeling and enrichment activities
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The Jewish Arab Volunteer Year benefits the volunteering youth, benefits the participating children and benefits the community!

The Volunteer Projects

Mixed Arab Jewish volunteer teams work in schools and community centers: 

► Tutoring at-risk children in Arab Bedouin primary schools and conducting civics workshops devoted to issues such as violence, prejudice, human rights and positive civic action

► Teaching spoken Arabic and familiarizing children with Arab Bedouin culture in selected Jewish primary schools in Beersheba

► Implementing after-school enrichment programs for at risk Arab Bedouin children and youth. Activities include sports, drama, arts and crafts and other special interests, homework and study labs, social activities and scouting

► Developing and carrying out joint social and sport events for Arab Bedouin and Jewish schoolchildren

►Organizing enrichment activity camps for at risk Arab Bedouin children during school breaks.

Ongoing Training

Pre-service and in-service training are essential components of the Jewish Arab Volunteer Year.

Pre-Service Training: Volunteers undergo an intensive preliminary training course focusing on the theoretical and practical issues that they will encounter during their year long experience. Special emphasis is placed on the forging of positive group dynamics and preparing the group for the reality of a bi-national encounter on a daily basis. In addition, the volunteers receive pedagogical training and professional guidance preparing them for the task of tutoring school children and conducting after-school enrichment activities.

In-service Training and Enrichment: Throughout the year, one day weekly is devoted to in-service volunteer training and enrichment including didactic guidance and instruction from professional teacher–trainers, continued exploration of identity circles (individual, cultural and national), a course in active citizenship, and, moderated discussions on Arab Jewish relations.