December 8 – The Israeli Friends of Tibetan People (IFTIP) is bringing 50 Tibetans to the Arava in southern Israel for agriculture training next month.The Arava Project is a unique agricultural training program offered in cooperation with the Moshavim (agricultural settlements) of the Northern Arava. Over the course of a year, students from developing countries learn advanced agricultural techniques both formally in classrooms and practically in the field. The IFTIP is a non-profit organization established by a group of Israelis in 1989. IFTIP’s founding members sought ways to channel their sympathy for the Tibetan plight into practical plans of action. Over the past five years, over 200 Tibetans have participated in the Arava Project. The knowledge and experience obtained is invaluable for the agricultural economies of the Tibetan communities in exile. The Tibetans believe that advanced agricultural will be a critical element in the future economy of a free Tibet.
