On March 9 ADI had its first overseas volunteers outing. Twelve dedicated volunteers from the Netherlands and Germany working at ADI Gedera, ADI Negev and ADI Jerusalem gathered at the capital of Israel, Jerusalem.

We started the day with coffee and cakes at the ADI Jerusalem location

After an introduction we were given a tour of ADI Jerusalem, which was especially interesting for the volunteers who work at other locations of ADI. Different experiences were exchanged.

This was followed by a time of brainstorming. What is going well in our volunteer program and what can be improved? How can volunteers share their experiences at ADI when they are back in their home countries in order to raise awareness of ADI and assist in recruiting new volunteers? We had a lively discussion with good and constructive feedback. In general, the volunteers gave an eight (!) for their time volunteering at ADI. We aim for a 10!

Then it was time for lunch. We walked to the market and enjoyed a very tasty trADItional Sephardic meal. This was followed by more cultural experiences, made possible by the guide Yomi Groner (also on a voluntary basis) who gave us a tour, first on the market. Then we walked to the Old City and he showed us Mount Zion, the Zion Gate, the Wailing Wall and other interesting places. He even had organized a close meeting with the US Vice President, Joe Biden, in whose honor the Jaffa gate was closed for us ;-(.

Summarizing, we can look back on a very successful and fun event with all our volunteers from abroad, which certainly tastes for more. To be continued…..

ADI wants to thank all special and dedicated volunteers who help us care for the most severely disabled children of Israel, thank you!