Several months ago, we were approached with rather a unique request - to host three young ladies from South Africa who wanted to volunteer in our P2K region for a few months. The request in itself is not so special, as we have a volunteer project, within the Partnership 2000 framework, but what was different, was that one of the volunteers is confined to a wheelchair.

It was a project that required monitoring, but the determination of Gaby Gamzu, Belinda Katz and Megan Bailey to come and volunteer in Israel was such, that we made every effort to accommodate them.

The three girls are graduates of the Yeshiva College in Johannesburg and supportive of each other. They assist their friend Gaby in every way, but she herself, is a most independent young lady and makes it a pleasure to be with.

Arriving in Israel, they were met at the airport by Mr. Clemo Buzniak, the Head of the Department of Education of the Beit Shemesh Municipality, Ofira and Guy of the P2K office. Mr. Buzniak also arranged for the three girls to teach English at two different schools. Each morning they are fetched and taken to the schools where they have made a huge impression.

They told us in their words "It is a great experience and we love being here - everyone is so warm and friendly and we have been kindly received" Home hospitality over Shabbat is arranged, if they require it.

Partnership 2000 provides a well furnished and equipped apartment and constant attention by the staff, who are always on hand to help and to makes the stay of volunteers a happy and useful one.

P2K thanks Gaby, Belinda and Megan for their contribution and wish them future success.

Sivan 5764 - May 2004