The second teacher exchange between Shittim School in the Arava and Bialik College in Melbourne kicked off in the middle of December with the arrival of special education and English teacher Diana Yitzhak. Diana settled in quickly and smoothly, teaching English at the elementary school, and also working at her own request with students from the high school to try and reinforce their English lessons.

Diana is multi-lingual, having lived in Columbia and Brazil, spending her teen years in Israel, and also studying in the United States before settling in Melbourne with her family. She says that when the family felt that they had to leave Brazil they considered several options, but the friendly welcome that they received from the Melbourne community tipped the scales in favor of staying in the Southern hemisphere.

In addition to her work at the school, Diana was asked to join a meeting of volunteer activists who were brainstorming for ideas to develop reciprocal relations elements for some of the Partnership 2000 educational and regional development projects. She took an active part in the meeting and everyone was excited by her new and authentic ideas. Diana also joined the Key Workers' Mission at their festive meal during their home hospitality visit to the Arava, as well as the tour of the region with the Bialik student delegation.

Partnership 2000 Director Rina Peretz Gal says that Diana's stay in the Arava has been a truly positive experience for all concerned. Although her contribution and warm smile will be sorely missed in the region, she will be an invaluable link between us when back home in Melbourne.

Diana and Reciprocal Relations Coordinator Nili Lipsky Melamed share a moment at the Antelope Ranch