The Othona Community in Bradwell-on-Sea was founded in 1946. It is a residential centre for people of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds to seek a common understanding in the cause of peace. Othona has welcomed YAP volunteers since the early 1970s. Othona is a multi-faith non-dogmatic Christian Community founded next to one of the oldest churches in the UK (654AD). It fully involves non-Christians. It is an experimental community where work, play, drama, art and study are combined. Volunteers will be fully integrated in the life of the community.
WORK:
During the summer we will be undertaking the refurbishment of our reed bed system alongside this there is ongoing work to the grounds and gardens, ditches to be cleared and fencing to be repaired and painted.
STUDY THEME:
In 2012 there will be a single discussion theme to which all VAP activists are invited to participate and share. The subject is the United Nations Millennium Development Goals which were signed up to by almost every state on Earth in the year 2000.
There are eight areas targeted for action by the world community and these are the eradication of poverty and hunger, the achievement of universal primary education, equality for women, reduced child mortality, improved maternal health, effective treatment of diseases, environmental sustainability and finally, the development of a global partnership for development. These targets were to be achieved in 15 years.
With five years to go what progress has been achieved? Is there anything we can do to promote these positive ambitions?
All incoming volunteers to VAPs British projects will be asked to find out about what each of their countries is doing to fulfill the promises in the goals and this information will be shared with the others and we hope it can lead to some wider discussion and activities.
ACCOMMODATION:
In tents close to the community centre. Food will be healthy and home made. Vegetarian diets can be catered for.
LOCATION:
The Othona Community is situated on the east coast of Essex, next to a nature reserve. It is 5 Km from the nearest village.
TERMINAL:
London and Stansted airports and Southminster train station are the closest for arrivals and departures.
LEISURE:
During the volunteers time there, there will be various themed study weeks including, "Juggling merrily between many Gods", a music week entitled "The Nightmare before Christmas" and the "Othona Games 2012", an alternative Olympics with no winners nor losers! – details of these events can be viewed on Othona's website www.bos.othona.org. Outside their work duties volunteers are encouraged to join in these activities.
HOSTING FEE:
Volunteers participating in this workcamp are expected to pay a participation fee of £20 (GBP) which will be used in a fund to support the creation of new workcamps in the UK.
« I appreciate that constructive criticism may be more useful to you than praise but I honestly have no gripes that I could possibly mention. I can only thank you for the experience that I really enjoyed and will undoubtedly follow-up in the coming year. »
