The Center for Creative Ecology, Kibbutz Lotan in partnership with Gaia Education

present

Green Apprenticeship Training:
Ecovillage and Permaculture Design Course

Based on the Gaia Education Ecovillage Design Curriculum – an official contribution to
the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development 2005-2014

Gaia Education is a program of the Global Ecovillage Network

What is the Green Apprenticeship?

The Green Apprenticeship Ecovillage and Permaculture Design course is an intensive 6 week work /study experience run by the Center for Creative Ecology at Kibbutz Lotan in southern Israel. The program offers a highly practically-based immersion into the processes and challenges involved with the design, building and running of sustainable communities, linking together ecological, social, economical and spiritual aspects into a unified whole. Practical skills are developed through hands-on work in our environmental education center, organic gardens, alternative/natural building projects and the Lotan migratory bird reserve, complemented by theoretical sessions in topics such as ecological design, permaculture and sustainability.

Students on the course live in the GA eco-campus – a prototype model for sustainable living that is a learning experience in itself. Living quarters are super-insulated straw-bale and mud geodesic domes, built on-site by previous course participants. Passive cooling systems are employed to combat the desert heat. Electricity is almost entirely from alternative energy sources. Composting toilets and grey-water systems help conserve water. The daily challenges of living together as a micro-community in this low-impact environment form an integral part of the educational experience of the course.

Participants on the course are also interwoven into the daily life of our kibbutz, an intentional cooperative community based on the principles of liberal, egalitarian Judaism. The experience and world view of Lotan is utilized as a case study for focusing on group process and community building. The ideas and ideals behind our way of life and projects are discussed, including talks about

kibbutz economics and social structure. Students are encouraged to take part in cultural/ religious events on the kibbutz and in the region that occur throughout the program. The Green Apprenticeship also integrates tours to local points of interest, neighboring kibbutzim and other ecological projects, and hikes in the region around Lotan.

Every practical experience on the course is reinforced by formal studies, a holistic link to permaculture ideas, and an opportunity for participants to share their ideas and past experiences to influence our projects. The activities are designed with the belief that an individual can bring these ideas to their own homes and communities, empowering them towards making positive change.

The Green Apprenticeship course is an authorized provider of the Ecovillage Design Education curriculum developed by Gaia Education. The Ecovillage Design Education curriculum is an official contribution to the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development 2005-2014 and has the endorsement of UNITAR - United Nations Institute for Training and Research. Gaia Education is a program of GEN - the Global Ecovillage Network.

On successful completion of the course work, participants will receive a Permaculture Design Course Certificate according to the International Permaculture standards, which will be taught as part of the Green Apprenticeship program.

Practical work includes: 

1. Organic gardening
2. Natural, alternative building with mud, straw and straw bales, tires, junk
3. Creative recycling
4. Expansion, maintenance and running of the Center for Creative Ecology
5. Development and upkeep of the bird reserve and nature trails

Topics covered in the course include:

1. Local food production
2. Permaculture
3. Ecological design
4. Natural / alternative building techniques
5. Israeli and international eco-projects presentations with videos, slides and discussions
6. Sustainable technologies
7. Community economics
8. Environmental ethics
9. Sustainable community

Read what past participants have said about the Green Apprenticeship course

 

About Kibbutz Lotan

Kibbutz Lotan is a young community situated in the Arava Desert in the south of Israel. We are far away from urban Israel in a quiet area in beautiful desert surroundings.

Lotan was established in 1983 by graduates of the Reform Jewish youth movements from Israel and overseas. We came together to create a community based on a modern liberal approach to Judaism that strives to fulfill values of equality between the sexes, equality in work, and genuine communication between people. Lotan’s population is equally divided between native-born Israelis and immigrants from all over the world. Hebrew is the commonly used language but English is

also spoken. Our economy is based on date plantations, dairy, tourism, holistic health center, field crops, mariculture and various professions held by members who work outside of the kibbutz. Presently we number 55 adult members and around 60 children.

Kibbutz Lotan maintains a co-operative lifestyle in which means of production and resources are shared. We are members of the “Co-operative Stream” in the Kibbutz Movement.

 

The Center for Creative Ecology

During a period of community redefinition in 1995, a few dedicated members began advocating greater emphasis on environmental concern and ecology as an expression of Lotan’s Progressive Jewish orientation.
 
Lotan’s Center for Creative Ecology is rooted in “Tikun Olam” -- the Jewish concept for repairing and transforming the world. The Center started as a dream and vision. It began with a small desert organic garden, and expanded to include an ecological theme park, migratory bird reserve and nature trails. Each project helps us evaluate new directions we wish to pursue. It now includes alternative building construction within the kibbutz and in the region and the establishment of a unique desert ecological education center that combines hands-on, experiential environmental

education in creative recycling, organic gardening and alternative building techniques with Jewish values within the framework of a living community making progress towards sustainability. In 2000, Lotan received the Ministry of the Environment’s Shield award for work in environmental education.

Lotan is a member of the European branch of the Global Ecovillage Network and in 2006 received the organization’s award for Ecovillage Excellence in recognition of its work in promoting ecological building, waste management and environmental education; and also for its work in promoting sustainability through the building of bridges between different ethnic groups in Israel.

Our Educational Team

Mike Kaplin - born in England, a graduate of The London College of Furniture (Design/Craft). Certified in Permaculture and Organic Agriculture. He has many years of experience in building, welding and carpentry. Mike is the manager and initiator of Lotan's "Ecological Projects" that grew into the Center for Creative Ecology. A member of Lotan for 22 years, when Mike is not working, he can be found with his twin sons and new baby, playing with mud or birdwatching.

Alex Cicelsky - grew up in New York State, a graduate of the Hebrew University Faculty of Agriculture with a degree in Soil and Water Sciences (affectionately called BSc of Mud) and Environmental Quality in Agriculture. Alex is a founding member of Lotan and works as Planning and Construction coordinator for the kibbutz while researching and developing facilities and educational programs for our Center for Creative Ecology. For pleasure his wife and four children join him in search of creative arts and theatre, forest streams and ice cream.

Leah Zigmond grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and has been a Lotan resident for 8 years. Leah works at Lotan's Center for Creative Ecology overseeing new developments in the 'Eco-Kef' ecology park as well as creating environmental education programs for visitors of all ages and teaching classes on plant biology and sustainable desert gardening. With a recently completed MS in Environmental Science and Management and a background in both market gardening and agricultural research Leah's particular passions include sustainable irrigation practices and community supported agriculture. When she is not in the garden Leah enjoys baking, hiking, and reading with her husband and two kids.

Mark Millstone Naveh - born in England, grew up in Australia. Graduated from the University of Sydney with a BSc in ecology, followed by Honours in marine ecology at the James Cook University of North Queensland. Moved to Lotan in 1989. Recently completed an MSc through South Bank University in London in Education for Sustainability. Mark is the head of educational programming of the Center for Creative Ecology.

Israel Piperberg - born in Israel, Israel is a new addition to the kibbutz. Holds a permaculture design certificate and brings much experience in organic agriculture. Israel teaches practical and theoretical classes in organic agriculture and permaculture.

Rounding out the staff is the general population of Kibbutz Lotan. Educators, artists, farmers, therapists, dancers and others add a special flavor to the Lotan social and educational experience.

Program Details

• The course is based on a 5-day week; Friday is set aside for travel, rest or working on group/ personal projects; there is no work on Shabbat (Saturday). Jewish holidays are observed.
• All studies are held in English.
• Shared accommodation in the eco-neighborhood GA campus (two to a dome).
• Full board - all meals are in our communal dining room (kosher) with vegetarian alternatives.
• We encourage participants to schedule travel time before and after the program dates in order to explore Israel.
• Places on the course are limited. Notification of acceptance into the course will be sent out by the applications committee within two weeks of the deadline.

Fees and Dates of the Next GA Courses

11000 NIS* for the 6 week course (includes room, board and tuition)

• 15 December 2008 - 29 January 2009
• 16 February 2009 - 4 April 2009
• 20 April 2009 - 4 June 2009

*Consult xe.com for current exchange rates.

How to Apply      

           Please contact Leah Zigmond for an application form. 

          

Special thanks to the Hazon bike ride for sponsoring scholarships to the Green Apprenticeship.

Support for the Green Apprenticeship Program including seed money for the building of housing for program participants has been generously provided by the Kibbutz Representatives Charitable Foundation.