So its nearing the end of the first part of the OTZMA program. I can't believe how long its been already and how much has happened in just a few months. It feels like the longest time and yet the shortest time as well. I have had some really amazing experiences and I can't even begin to imagine what still awaits me with OTZMA.
One of the things that I had the pleasure of doing recently was going to Ofakim to get a run-down on what the volunteering opportunities will be. Richard and I went early in the morning with Noah and met Tal and one of the staff members from the OTZMA office. The first thing that we did was go for a cup of coffee. During our morning coffee we found out that the restaurant that we were sitting at is the only dairy restaurant in Ofakim. We also heard a bit more about Ofakim and the problems that exist there in addition to the proposed solutions that are being worked on right now. Basically, the new mayor is attempting to make the citizens feel more invested in their town. I also got to see Osi (my host mom) for a little bit which was awesome as well.
So, when we left the cafe we headed over to the elementary school where either Richard or I (probably me) will be volunteering. We were told that one of us is expected to be at the elementary school during the mornings and one of us should be at the high school in the mornings. Richard prefers to work with high school students and I am pretty indifferent about it... so elementary is just fine with me. That will probably be about 4 days a week in the mornings. The elementary school is very close to our place in Ofakim so it shouldn't be too bad to get to, although I will have to rent a bicycle while I am there.
So, after we went to the elementary school and met the amazing staff there we had the chance to go to the women's club which also has a room for the Warm center for young women. The youth center is absolutely beautiful and was donated by MetroWest (the P2K city that Ofakim is partnered with). The girls come there after school 3 times a week. There are 2 groups, one for the younger girls and one for the older girls, so each group gets 2 days a week alone and then one day is split with activities for both groups. I am really hoping that I get to work with them... apparently most of them don't speak English but I feel like that is an area where I can really make a difference with these girls. Attached to that is the Women's center and there was mention of a weekly English class for the women of Ofakim, which I also offered to lead.
So, I am really behind on my blog posts and its been so long since I started this that I have actually found out what I will be doing already. I will be working in the elementary school 3 mornings a week and working on the farm with Richard one morning a week. I'm pretty excited about that because I love baby animals and want to feed the baby cows. I am sure it will involve cleaning poop as well which is not so cool but hopefully the awesomeness of baby things will make up for the poopy part.
I will also be working at the warm home for girls two afternoons/evenings a week, with youth future two evenings a week and at the youth cafe or with the elem car two nights a week. Thats what I have been told for sure and I'm pretty excited about. I could elaborate but I figure when I get to Ofakim I will know many more details and will be able to elaborate way better. So... that is all for now!
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