David Palmach,
the director of Nitzana has a constant flow of
visitors that come to find out about this place that is in the middle of
nowhere, but yet is definitely on the map. The visitors range from foreign
diplomats, Knesset members, Israeli school children, tourists and important
officials from the Jewish Agency.
He and his co-workers endeavor to inform visitors
about Nitzana by means of slide shows, walking 
tours and lectures. One of David Palmach's
favorite methods to educate groups is to stop a student, volunteer or teacher
that is by chance walking by and ask them to tell what it is they do at Nitzana, how they got here and if they like it. Some very
interesting facts can be learned about these impromptu interviews, but he does
this so that visitors can get a real feel for what Nitzana
is about.
We have chosen to use the same method of
impromptu interviews, to give you the reader an idea
of what the people of Nitzana stand for, so that you
too can accurately understand what we are about and what we do here.
The question that was put forth to the
people we interviewed was this: "If you had an opportunity to say one
thing about your work or education here at Nitzana,
or what it is that you strongly believe in, what would you
say?"
"Our educational program is special
in several ways. We concentrate on the "future" and expose our
students to the next generation of renewable energies. We combine all of our
studies with the uniqueness of the desert and the students are taught by the
Shin Shineem (youth leaders). The children who
participate find that science and technology is at the same time fun and interesting
and that this is possibly a way of life for them in the future."
Dr. Eli Kalmanzon, Director of
Science and Sun
"Don't think that you know people before
you get to know them. Before you form an opinion about someone, really get to know
them first."
Asaf, a Shin Shineem, 20 years old
"The thing that I really love about my
work is that I have been able to meet such a variety of people that previously
I would not have had an opportunity to. For example, I have met religious
people, people from the cities, settlements and also our neighbors, the
Bedouin. I was their guide but I learned from them. They are great."
Yoni, a Shin Shineem, 19 years old
"I believe that science education
should become a priority for students, especially the ones in the south of
Idit, a Shin Shineem,
19 years old
"I love working here at Nitzana. It's a wonderful environment, great people, great
ideas and it is fulfilling the Zionist cause. The education is unique and is
helping our children become excellent citizens."
David, Systems Analyst
"If Nitzana
did not exist – someone would have to invent it."
Gershon, Deputy and Head Coordinator
"There is no place like the
Becky,
Budget Coordinator
"I am here to help the Ethiopian students with any problems they
may have. Whether it is a problem with their classes, housing, food or even if
someone gets sick. I am like their father, mother and manager all wrapped up in
one. I know that it is very difficult on the outside, so I am always thinking
what I can do to help them."
Sleshi, KEDMA Administrator
"Be honest and respect others.
Sometimes people have honors bestowed upon them but the real thing that counts
is on the inside. Make an effort to be good, modest and show consideration for
others, regardless of what their background may be. Also, treat the environment
with respect".
Michal, Head of Recycling and Environmental
Department
"We teach important and unique concepts
that are not taught in every classroom. For example, there are things that you
see everyday, but you are not aware of why they are that way and how they work.
Why is the sky blue, why do your muscles ache when you bicycle or what makes
the rainbow like it is? This type of knowledge is of great value and can make a
real difference in a student's life."
Tammy, Supervisor of the
"At first when we look at this huge
expanse of the desert it can be frightening, but when we organize our knowledge
and learn how to live with the desert region, we see the great potential and
learn not only how to live with it but how to live in it. The desert is full of
powerful possibilities."
Gidi, Guide of Desert Seminars
"It is great here. I came here 10 years ago when things were very
simple. There wasn't a synagogue, a pool, a club or many of the houses and
trees that you see now. The bus driver dropped me off in the middle of nowhere
and pointed to a small clump of trees and a few buildings and told me that’s
where I wanted to go. As he pulled off and I stood in the hot sun and the dust
of the desert I said, "This is great, where is my Stetson (hat) and where
is my horse?" Today, Nitzana has grown so much
but I still say, "It is really great here."
Yoni, a true pioneer, SELAH and
Security Administrator
"Coming to Nitzana
has been a very positive experience. I learned a lot of English and I realized
that I can speak English. I met a lot of new friends and I have found out
something very important, and that is to always be yourself and to like
yourself for the individual that you are. It's not worthwhile to try to change
your personality for people who may not like you or make fun of you. When I go
home I will miss it here."
Zahava, student of summer English camp, 16 years
old
"We have the ability to understand
what different people and groups want and then provide that for them. Whether
they are students, visitors, individuals or groups – some want rest and quiet
while others want activities every minute. Some are more interested in science,
others in the desert or sports. We are flexible and try to satisfy the needs of
all types of people that come here."
Iris,
Head of Negev Seminar Department
"I learned a lot of things about science
and our leaders and teachers were great, they were funny too. I enjoyed the
pool and the activities by the pool. I also liked the bicycle trips, the sand
and making falafel. I got to meet new friends."
Yorden, student of Science Seminar, 14 years old
"I met a lot of new friends at Nitzana and we had so much fun. We learned a lot about
science, like optical illusions and records set by humans from the World Book
of Records. We also learned about the desert and went to the sand dunes by foot.
We cooked out and prepared the food ourselves. We were able to see
Omri,
Student of Science Seminar, 14 years old