 |
|
|
|
Background. The
Tent of Nations is located on the Nassar family land, known as
Daher’s Vineyard, 9 KM southwest of Bethlehem in the West
Bank, in an area totally controlled by Israel per the Oslo Agreement
of 1993. Israel requires a permit for all permanent infrastructure
development. Currently, such permits are only granted to Jewish
settlements located in this area. In addition, the land is not
connected to the power grid or to public water. Because of the
concrete barrier wall that Israel is constructing, very soon
the land will be totally cut from the rest of Palestine.
LAND: DIESEL GENERATOR and SOLAR POWER
Having sufficient electrical power is a critical and urgent need. Furthermore, Tent of Nations is committed to preserving the environment and working toward maximum self-sufficiency. Accordingly, we are currently raising funds for a power generation system consisting of an upgraded diesel generator and an integrated solar power generation and storage system. .
Project: Purchase and install a 13 KW diesel generator and integrated solar power system
Cost: $45,000.
LAND: WATER CISTERN
The Tent of Nations has no running water. We depend on the collection of rain water during the rainy season. This water is used for cooking, washing, drinking and all our agricultural needs, including irrigation and caring for livestock. We have four cisterns but they are not enough to cover our needs, especially in the summer, when everything is dry and we need a lot of water for the newly planted trees and for our visitor groups.
Project: Build a new 80 cubic meter cistern
Cost: $10,000.
LAND: TREE PLANTING
Every year, between January and March our goal is to plant 1000 olive and other trees on Daher's Vineyard. Trees protect the environment, make the land greener, increase our productivity and protect the land from the danger of confiscation. Planting trees is a powerful sign that there is still hope for peace and justice. Tree planting is an act of solidarity and a very effective way to bring people together -- Palestinians, Israelis and internationals. Planting trees overcomes walls between people and builds bridges.
Project: Support continuing tree planting campaign.
Cost: Every $10 sponsors one tree.
PEOPLE: YOUTH CAMPS
Along with developing the land, we want to offer opportunities for people and show them that there is a way for a better future. We pursue this goal through youth summer camps, because we believe that young people are the foundation for the future. For the summer 2008 we are planning a music festival. We will invite volunteers from different countries to come to Tent of Nations to work with Palestinian children from Bethlehem, nearby villages and refugee camps. We will make music instruments from recycled materials under the slogan “Out of nothing, together we can achieve something!”
Project: 2008 Youth Music Camp
Cost: $10,000. Sponsor one child for $125.00
PEOPLE: CLASSES FOR WOMEN
The village of Nahalin is our neighbor. Because of travel restrictions, women can not leave the village for education or work. Furthermore, the traditional society of the village provides few opportunities for women of any age to pursue education and personal development. For several years, we have provided classes in computer skills, English, and handicrafts in a Women’s Center located in the village. We believe that it is very important for Palestinian women to play a role in shaping the future of Palestinian civil society. In addition, the program offers an opportunity for women to come together, meet each other and encourage each other.
Project: Village of Nahalin Women’s Educational Center
Cost: $200.00 sponsors one woman for three months.
Make checks payable to FOTONNA and send to:
Kay Plitt, Director of Finance
c/o FOTONNA
5621 N. 9th Road
Arlington, VA 22205
Certificate Program: Contributors to Tent of Nations under the project structure described above will receive a certificate describing the project and certifying that through your contribution, you have planted hope for the people and the land.