Delegation members at the teachers' room at Shittim School

The rain and wind that renew our desert region at the end of every civilian year also herald the arrival of student delegations from Australia, who bring some of the warmth of the summer Down Under to the Arava winter After the visit of the Sydney and King David delegations in the beginning of December, the annual delegation from Bialik College arrived at the end of the month, composed of five girls and two boys.

The meeting of the group with their Israeli hosts was heartwarming - the youngsters had become acquainted during the visit of the Arava student delegation in August, and excitement was in the air as they greeted each other with hugs and kisses.

The next week was spent hiking and touring the Arava, visiting tourist attractions in neighboring regions and participating in a workshop and activities with their Israeli hosts. The workshop, held by the lake in Sapir Park, aimed to encourage discussion of the difficulties and issues involved in the establishment of a new settlement or even a new country. The young people, Australians and Israelis together, considered dealing with the differences between different people in a group, cooperation in society, shared vision and more, through a series of creative activities.

 

 
With Israeli counterparts at a workshop in Sapir Park

The home hospitality was as always one of the most important components of the visit, and already existing warm friendships were reinforced and new friendships were born. The exchange of student delegations is at the core of our Partnership, and is surely one of the most exciting opportunities for our young people.