The Nigeria Itinerary (Updated 2007 – Subject to Change)
Educational goals
- To understand the political relationship between Nigeria and Israel
- To learn about efforts of Jewish and Israeli organisations to help Nigeria
- To discover the emerging Nigerian Jewish community from the Igbo people.
- To explore the many challenges facing Nigeria today, including AIDS, poverty, illiteracy, safe drinking water, and others.
- To learn about African culture and Nigeria's quest for democracy.
Sunday, Day 1
Theme: African History – From Slavery to Freedom
Sites: Tour of Lagos, second largest city in Africa. Tour the National Gallery of Arts and Design for Nigerian Art. Memorialise the dark history of slavery – see the Black Heritage Museum in Badagry where over 1/2 million slaves were deported to the new world. Discuss colonialism and British rule. Visit Oba's Palace where the monarchy sits.
Overnight: Lagos
Monday, Day 2
Theme: Modern Nigeria
Sites: Go to Victoria Island. Swim in Tarkoma Bay. Shop in Falomo. Meet with representatives of Nigerian-Israel Camber of Commerce and Industry to see how Israel is involved in the Nigerian economy. Hear from a panel of students from the University of Lagos on their thoughts for the future of Nigeria. In the evening attend a theatre performance in JK Randall Hall.
Overnight: Lagos
Tuesday, Day 3
Theme: Nigerian Culture
Sites: Visit the Nike Arts Centre and partake in creating traditional African crafts such as adire, batik, indigo, beadwork, painting, or carving. On Lagos Island visit the Idumota Market which houses one of the studios of Nigeria's burgeoning film industry referred to as Nollywood. In the evening see a classic African dance performance.
Overnight: Lagos
Wednesday, Day 4
Theme: Sounds of African Nature
Sites: Travel to Yankari National Park. Go on a short safari in the heartland of the West African Savannah. Hopefully spot baboons, monkeys, antelopes, lions, buffalo, hippo, stork, vultures, or a member of the largest herds of Elephants in Africa. Refresh yourself in Wikki Spring, the crystal clear water that is 88 degrees all year around! Explore the nearby ancient wells and caves.
Overnight: Yankari National Park
Thursday, Day 5
Theme: Nigerian Emerging Democracy
Sites: Travel to the capital of Nigeria and meet government officials and explore the Presidential Complex, National Assembly, and Supreme Court. Discuss the role of the two major religions in Nigeria (Islam and Christianity) while touring the Nigerian National Mosque and the National Ecumenical Centre Cathedral. In the Israeli embassy meet with the ambassador and discuss Israel's historic and current role in Nigerian society. In the evening attend a traditional African Music performance.
Overnight: Abuja
Friday, Day 6
Theme: Israel, the Jews, and Nigeria
Sites: Speak with a representative of the Agroproject – an Israeli initiative in international agricultural project development. Meet representatives of the American Jewish World Service - Project EVA: Education as a Vaccine Against AIDS Inc. dedicated to controlling the epidemic amongst Nigerian Youth. Travel to Zuma Rock – one of Nigeria's most famous landmarks. The awesome Zuma Rock sits near the main road going north from Abuja to Kaduna, a great, grey rival to Australia's Uluru. In the evening go to shul with the Gihon community (somewhat Orthodox) representing the emerging Jewish community of the Igbo people.
Overnight: Abuja
Shabbat, Day 7
Theme: The Jews of Nigeria
Sites: Attend synagogue with the Sar Habakkuk community (Masorti style). Take walking tour of area. Attend a panel discussion of local Jews about their life in Nigeria and their hopes for the future. In the evening hear local bands play in The Elephant Bar located in the Sheraton Hotel.
Overnight: Abuja
Sunday, Day 8
Theme: Farewell Nigeria
Sites: Run activities for local Jewish children. Return to Israel.
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