OPGAI to Host its First Bethlehem Volunteer Work Camp: August 10th-14th

OPGAI announces its first Bethlehem Volunteer work camp, commencing on the 10th of August for 4 days. The aim of the BVWC is to bring together approximately 300 participants aged 18- 30 against globalization and occupation to discuss freedom, equality and the possibility and role of youth in realizing the Palestinian aspiration of building a democratic state for all its citizens. Participants from the international community are wanted to work directly with youth from Palestine and the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and serve as a bridge between their communities. Volunteers' presence will provide them with the opportunity to exchange information, discuss strategies, and consolidate and develop communication networks through which they can continue political activism in their local communities after the camp.
Work includes planting trees in community spaces and along streets, cleaning public areas, renovating areas of Aida and Deheishe refugee camps, helping local families with work such as construction and planting, helping organizations with infrastructural work and participating in workshops that highlight the importance of volunteerism.

Participants will also be involved in cultural activities and events, such as enjoying traditional Palestinian food, a photo exhibition, film screenings, a Palestinian music night and folklore show, and a musical procession from the Municipality to the camp.

For more information and to participate in the camp, e-mail us at:

bvwcvolunteers@gmail.com

or call us at our offices on:

+972 2277 5444 and ask for Adnan or Aslynn

Voluntary Work Camp Programme

Monday 10th August

9am Welcome reception for participants and volunteers.

Participant assigned into groups for accommodation and provided with an information pack including the rules, activities, local information and the finalized programme of the work camp.

3pm Break

6pm Official opening ceremony of the camp: March from Beit Sahour Municipality with musical procession to the accomodation site.

7pm Meet and greet with the local officials.

Speeches from representatives of the Beit Sahour and Nazareth municipalities and from the organizers of the work camp from Golan and OPGAI..

8pm Cultural events including:

traditional Dabke dancing, a performance from the Handala center dancing group, followed by a traditional Palestinian meal.

Tuesday 11th August

6am Breakfast, followed by assignment into work teams.

8.30am Participants go with their team leader to their assigned work place:

On site lunch

2-3pm Return to camp site.

3-5pm Free time for the participants.

5-6.30pm Organized activities.

6.30-7.30pm BBQ dinner.

7.30-9.30pm Lecture on the progressive social movement.

END

Wednesday 12th August

6am Breakfast.

8.30am Participants go with their team leader to their assigned work place.

On site lunch

2-3pm Return to camp site.

3-5pm Free time for the participants.

5-6.30pm Organized activities.

6.30-7.30pm Dinner of traditional Palestinian food.

7.30-10-30pm Open meeting and discussion with the leader of the leftist party.

END

Thursday 13th August

6am Breakfast

8.30am Participants go with their team leader to their assigned work place.

On site lunch

2-3pm Return to camp site.

3-5pm Free time for the participants.

5-6.30pm Organized activities.

6.30-7.30pm Dinner

9-11pm End of work camp celebration

The celebration will include speeches from the organizers of the camp, participant speeches; and cultural events such as traditional dancing and music.

Friday 14th August

Breakfast followed by departure.