The Golda Meir-Mount Carmel Center and the Folklore Evening in a thumb-nail – Fannette Modek .
 Mina Ben Zvi Founder of MCTC Read about MCTC |
The simplicity of its
accommodations belies the intensity of the learning that emerges from the
presentations, by experienced Israeli practitioners, of the latest approaches and
methods in the field of education, community development , small business promotion,
women’s empowerment by experienced Israeli practitioners, either in the classroom or
in the field.
Asked to apply this learning in practical exercises and/ or present how their
professional challenges back home relate to the new learning and vice-versa, the
sounds of voices and oftentimes laughter continue until the wee-hours of the night.
Above and beyond the opportunity to refresh their knowledge, these young and not so
young professionals are exposed to professional counterparts from regions of the world
they never dreamed to reach.
Curiosity and bewilderment as well as understanding
and empathy quickly come to the fore as they share their leisure time in the dining hall,
the computer room, the T.V. shows, the library (multi-lingual) and the living room
listening, tapping, clapping and finally dancing to the rhythms of each others’ music.
This often culminates in a lovely Folklore Evening organized by the participants and
offered to their lecturers, course and Center staff and Friends of the Golda Meir Center.
The most recent one was held on 8th July in which participated 29 participants from 13
African countries and Haiti (French speakers) and 26 men and women from the
Organization for the Promotion of Women’s Entrepreneurship in El Salvador (Spanish
speakers).
New talents came to the surface as the Center’s technology was mobilized
to present an hour of songs and dances that would not shame any T.V. station
producers.
Either from nostalgia or from heartfelt gratitude from the special experience of learning
at the Golda Meir Center, the hearts of all those present really touched each other on
that evening.
Participants from El Salvador welcome the guests to the Folklore evening
Trainees from Madagascar practice their newly acquired entrepreneurial skills
The Golda Meir Center adheres to the principals of mutual assistance, equality and solidarity among all human beings.
Course participants learn through “hands on” activities-production, marketing, financial management
which they will pass on to others on their return home.
“Friends of the Center” await the opening of the Folklore evening
Yves from Cameroun and Morena Guadalupe from El Salvador are very competent Master of Ceremonies
Our three friends from Madagascar are dancing a traditional dance!
And so are our five friends from Benin!
And our three friends from Senegal!
If necessary, Raymonde from the Seychelles Islands takes the role of the man!
A song and a swaying shake from El Salvador
La Cumbia from El Salvador- danced differently in every town
Even the staff and the guests join in!
The course directors thank the trainees and the guests for sharing and contributing
to a joyous occasion, cementing “friendships across borders”.
Mrs Suzana Gun de Hasenson, El Salvador Ambassador to Israel
poses with Dinora Mendez, El Salvador group leader,
and Soroptimists Hanna Bickel and Fannette Modek for a souvenir photo