3. Desert Shanti In Israel there are five centers for youth at risk, although not even one of them is located in the south . As we write this letter, work is in progress on the 'Desert Shanti' project, a village that will help expand the treatment that 'Beit Hashanti' gives to youth at risk and will provide a suitable answer to the problem in the south of the country as well as the rest of Israel. 3
4. A) Abraham's Tent / Entrance - Hospitality Orchard The entrance to the site will be surrounded by a garden of trees, spices and bushes. The main structure will be Abraham's tent – a tent that signals hospitality and will be open 24 hours a day for visitors and travelers. 4
5. B) Promenade / Trail Planned throughout the wadi and connecting the main buildings with the bus station at the highway. Trees and shaded sitting areas are planned throughout the path, using rocks, trees and bushes as natural definers. 5
6. C) Amphitheatre The Amphitheatre will provide a stage where the teenagers can express their feelings through music, dance and theater. In addition, it will enable artists from all over Israel to come to the south and provide entertainment and income towards the continuing support of the village. 6
7. D) Bonfire Plaza & Avenue Different activities will take place in this special area, such as dancing, stargazing, workshops and meetings with alternative therapists. All of this will be held in the open spaces of the beautiful Israel; Desert . 7
8. E) Sports Courts Sports are one of the tools that bring relief to the body and soul. It is also a substitute of addictions such as alcohol drugs and violence. The sports courts will be combined and the kids will be able to use them for soccer, basketball and volleyball games. In addition, it will be an attraction for kids that live in the surrounding areas. 8
9. F) Landscaping (Stables) After suffering from abuse, sexual, physical and psychological, the teenagers start to understand the source of treatment through compassion and love to animals. This is a very important tool in the healing of kids from their past traumas. 9
10. G,H) Panoramic Plazas Two bird's-eye lookouts are planned at the end of the walking paths, starting at the village. they will provide places of inner peace and relaxation. 10
13. 1) Reception This office will serve the village's needs in different ways: Answering phone calls to admit the new kids, welcoming and hosting donors and volunteers, managing the administrative needs of the village, accepting visitors and helping spread the word about the village and its purpose to the youngsters that live in the south of Israel. 2) Bedrooms The rooms will include 5 built-in beds and will also have a personal closet for each boy or girl. The idea of 5 beds in a room was born from the belief that the kids should learn how to share, compromise and live together with their peers. 13
14. 3) Club At the house, the center of everything is the living room, in it meetings will be held between the kids and the counselors. will serve as a TV and Music lounge and more… 4) Library 'The Path of the Spirit’ - A defined area that will be a warm spot for the youngsters, where they can be exposed to the world of writing and imagination and will develop their vocabulary and knowledge. 14
15. 5) Classrooms Classrooms will be used for personal lessons, computer use etc .The idea is to give the kids all the help they need to succeed in their studies at school, at the site in and the community at large as well. 6) Dining Room The dining room will be used for various functions: A room to gather in, lectures to visitors, workshops and as a part of the 'Shanterapia' project. 15
16. 7) Dance Studio The dance studio will also serve as a shelter in times of war if it ever occurs and will be used for the 'Shanterapia' project, one of the most important therapeutic tools in the house having big influence in the rehabilitation of the youth in the house. The 'Shanterapia' project combines alternative treatments, group activities and workshops. Through this project the kids learn how to release anger, sadness and frustration and is a source of joy and happiness in their lives. The project helps to give the kids the feeling they are a part of something larger and generates the feeling of equality between the kids among themselves and with the community around them. 8) Kid's Kitchen The kitchen will be open 24 hours a day like in every home. Will be besides the three meals a day that are served at the house, the kids in the house can have something to eat or prepare something whenever they like; One more aspect of feeling completely at home 16
17. 9) Counselor's Suite X2 The counselors are a part of the staff that will be brought together from dear people living in the south of Israel. Two counselors will live in the site and will be the first answer to the youth's problems. When the rest of the staff goes home, this two counselors provide the feeling of older brothers and sisters that are there to help and support the kids 24 hours a day, like in a normal, loving and healthy family. 10) Assistant Counselor's Bedroom x 2 These two are rooms that will be used by the kids that have lived in the house and were found suitable to work and help the teenagers currently living in the house. 17
18. 11) House Mother's Suite The house mother is one of the most important positions in the house. This amazing position started from Kabalot Shabat, cooking and taking care of youth at risk with nowhere to go. The position requires being an integral part of the project, where the youth can feel they have a substitute of a family during the time they live in the house. 12) Laundry Room The youngsters will use that room to do their laundry and visitors laundry as well if needed – that is part of their commitment in order to make them feel responsible for the home they live in. 18
19. 13) Resident Family's Home This home is appointed to the headmasters of the house. They will be completely devoted to living in the village and giving a 24 hour response for any problem that may occur. This way the kids in the house know they always have someone to go and feel a healthy parenthood 19
20. Email: [email_address] Web Site: www.shanti.org.il Tank you
