Each year for the last several years the NAINConnect has sponsored a local service project. The service project this year will be the Jewish World Watch Solar Cooker Project helping Darfur refugee families and protecting and empowering the women of Darfur.

As a California based service project, Jewish World Watch has placed over 18,000 solar cookers in Darfur refugee camps. Solar cookers are not just fuel saving, they are saving the women from the rape which they are often subjected to while collecting fire wood outside the camps. Jewish World Watch has found an inventive way to support the women in the camps, protect them, help the surrounding environment, and help women's health (smoke inhalation being a major health hazard.) These cookers are now manufactured in the camps as well.

To learn more about the cookers and Jewish World Watch, go to the project website http://www.jewishworldwatch.org/refugeerelief/solarcookerproject.html

Also during the 2008 Connect a workshop will focus on solar cookers and their use. We will hear stories and have a chance to learn more from Rachel Anders of Jewish World Watch during the workshop "Greening our Lives". Treats will be served from solar ovens Saturday during the Connect.

To explore the NAINConnect workshop, click here: Greening Our Lives