ABOUT THE LOCATION
This is a truly eye-opening location to earn your PDC. You will be studying on the lowest point of the earth in one of the most testing climates’ to practice Permaculture. With arid soil and very little rainfall, you will be viewing Permaculture practices at their maximum potential.
The local population is made up of traditional Bedouin tribes and long-term refugees stemming from displacement of local populations from within Palestine. The project site is typical of the area – a marginal arid land low-income settlement. It is currently still under development and upon completion it will demonstrate energy-efficient appropriate housing with natural cooling systems and a plant nursery attachment, solar electricity, solar hot water, biological waste water treatment recycling, dry compost toilets, rain water harvesting earthworks and diverse interactive plant, animal and tree systems for local food production and processing. The demonstration house will function as a classroom and administration office for the project and local Permaculture group. Once established, the project will serve as a model that can be replicated within the village, throughout Jordan and other countries in the region.
The project, started in 2008, has already seen significant progress. The first trees were planted and are growing well and the first garden is producing some vegetables. Now, the water tank needs to be expanded, the fence and gate improved and the rest of the project started. The current focus is to set up basic living accommodations for volunteers coming to work on the project. PRI has the people power in place to move on this project, but is in great need of funds to purchase supplies. Any financial support is greatly appreciated. In this heightened time of great tragedy for the Palestinian people, this is something positive we can all do to directly affect their survival.
Cultural Sensitivity
The Jordan Valley is home to an ancient and classical civilization that has had many cultures, traditions, and peoples cross through its land and also settle within. International students are requested to be culturally sensitive to the Islamic traditions and Muslim social protocol. A full orientation will be provided.
General Guidelines
- Open and receptive attitude toward cross cultural communication
- Willingness to ask questions whenever necessary
- Conservative attire is recommended
- Respecting cultural gender relations
- Sobriety at all times during the PDC course
- Respect for elders, religious traditions and practice, and community leaders
- Not photographing locals without permission, with cautionary emphasis on photographing local women and children
For men this would include:
- Respecting Muslim gender relation etiquette
- Wearing long shorts at least to the knee
- Wearing shirts at all times
- Not touching or shaking hands of Muslim women without explicit permission
- Not displaying overly intimate affection in public with wife or partner
For ladies this would include:
- Showing respect for oneself
- Respecting Muslim gender relation etiquette
- Long skits or pants (Shorts considered offensive)
- Wearing shirts at all times
- Not displaying overly intimate affection in public with husband or partner
What You Will Need to bring with you?
The climate during the course will be dry and warm although the extreme heat of the summer will have passed.
Recommended to bring:
- Sun Hat and sunglasses
- Good walking or working shoes
- Casual and comfortable clothing – natural fabrics recommended for coolness
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Your own bedding (sheets etc.)
- Ample supply of any needed medications
- Tent if needed (depending on accommodation option)
- Sleeping bag and hiking mattress if needed
- Sandals
- Personal toiletries
Future Studies and Opportunities
The Permaculture Design course at the Greening The Desert Project PRI Jordan (PDC) serves as foundation for further permaculture work and study and is a prerequisite for the Diploma in Permaculture Design, offered through The Permaculture Institute. Credit for this course is now accepted by a growing number of universities around the world. To date, thousands of permaculture designers worldwide have been certified through this course, and now comprise a global network of educators, ecological activists who influence major corporations, individuals creating new business alternatives and groups of committed people working together to change the way we view and design into our landscapes.
