September 24, 2007 / 12 Tishrei 5768

Growing up in an impoverished society didn’t thwart Shauli Kabesa’s ambition- it served as a catalyst for the pursuit of a better life.  To help others overcome similar obstacles, Shauli volunteers at the Youth Employment Center, a foundation partially funded by the Jewish Agency that helps young adults like Shauli stay focused on their goals while helping other children get on the path towards a promising future. 

Now 24, Shauli is part of a growing movement among thousands of idealistic young activists who devote their lives to making Israel a more just society. Working as a volunteer with children and youth in his development town of Hatzor Haglilit, Shauli and his friends saw poverty and despair lead to a growing number of children at risk. Pooling their own resources they began making food packages for the needy and established a group, “Vision for the Younger Generation”.  Shauli also volunteered to be a big brother to an 11-year-old boy who the welfare department could no longer handle. “I did homework with him, took him for hikes, and gave him a lot of attention. Histeacher was amazed at the change in him after a few short months.”

Working at the Youth Employment Center in Hatzor Haglilit, partially funded by the Jewish Agency’s Partnership 2000, Shauli is instrumental in helping youth to understand the importance of work, to reach goals and to become responsible individuals.

“There are young people in my town with great potential. But they need on-going guidance and direction. That’s why I am excited about Youth Futures”
Youth Futures is a breakthrough partnership model bringing together young social change activists and children at risk to ensure that children at risk are given comprehensive, high-impact, tailored intervention that will allow them to take their place as independent, constructive members of society.

“My friends and I will be Young Educational Trustees (YET), mentoring and guiding the holistic development of individual children at risk. We want to make a difference and to make sure that the children in our town have equal opportunity for a better future.”

With your help, the Jewish Agency can continue to support initiatives like these that enable Israeli youth to overcome the challenges of everyday life and to contribute towards a stronger, more stable Israeli society.  To learn more about how you can help, click here.

To learn more about Youth Futures, click here.