Bayit Rishon Bamoledet

 Project Goals:
• Absorption of young adults, aged 14-16, in kibbutzim of the Jordan Valley Regional Council.
• To assist in the prevention of young adults dropping out of school through a specially-adapted educational program and boarding school.
• Creation of an educational program that will enable young adults to achieve an Israeli matriculation certificate.
• Support and assistance for families through the Bayit Rishon Bamoledet Program.

Program Partners:
Jewish Agency, Ministry of Immigrant Absorption
Jordan Valley Regional Council, Bikat Kinorot School

General Background:
For the past 15 years the Jordan Valley Regional Council has been absorbing families from the FSU, Latin America, Eastern Europe and the West through the Bayit Rishon Bamoledet Program. After leaving the program, many families found permanent housing, work and educational opportunities in the kibbutzim in the Jordan Valley Regional Council and the North of the country.
After the experience of the past three years in absorbing families with children aged 14-16, the parents, children and teachers have all expressed their satisfaction with the Project Noam.
As a result of this sucess we are continuing to offer this Project in the kibbutzim of the Jordan Valley Regional Council.

Project Description:
1. Parents are accepted to the kibbutzim in the Jordan Valley and attend Hebrew lessons at the regional ulpanim. Children learn at regional schools and at the Bikat Kinorot boarding school (from grade 10).
2. Aliyat Hanoar covers the costs of education and board for students: accommodation, food, counselors, medical care, help with school work, seminars, trips, extra curricular activities, etc.

Bikat Kinorot Educational Center
The Bikat Kinorot Educational Center acts as the regional school, combining learning, working and active social activities, and is located near the kibbutzim where the families will be living. Children on Project Noam will learn at Bikat Kinorot for three years. The program covers everything the youngsters need during this time: a specially-adapted program - helping them prepare for the matriculation exams, accommodation at the boarding school, social activities together with Israeli youngsters, enrichment courses and help with homework. The educational programs are funded by the Association for the Advancement of Education. Costs are completely covered during the first year of studies, in the following years, parents are expected to contribute a certain percentage of fees, depending on their financial situation. The students receive meals, books and notebooks, basic equipment for school, and medical and dental treatment.
Parents may visit their children in the dormitories and are encouraged to maintain a close relationship while on kibbutz. The students will visit their families on kibbutz every second week.

Program for Parents:
The following is offered to families on the Bayit Rishon Bamoledet Program:
• Regional ulpan - 5 months of intensive Hebrew studies
• Seminars and trips
• Professional information during their initial stay in Israel
• Assistance in finding work in the area, for those interested in staying on the kibbutz after the program
• Assistance from employment coordinators of the Jewish Agency and the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption. The program also offers professional courses for those interested.
• Every kibbutz also has a local “absorption coordinator” who will help families deal with any difficulties.
• Municipal services: health services, youth activities, cultural events, etc.
• Parents are required to pay NIS 500-800 a month for schooling, depending on the ages of their children.

Kindergarten, Primary and Junior High School:
Children will learn at the schools on the kibbutzim or in the region, including complementary education with other kibbutz youngsters. Every kibbutz has the following educational institutions:
• Kindergarten - open 07:00-16:00, the children are given three meals a day.
• Primary and junior high school - children will receive help with their studies and additional classes. They learn a full day.
• The kibbutz has a swimming pool, sports fields and playgrounds for children.

Housing and Equipment:
The kibbutz gives each oleh family a house with all required equipment: beds, refrigerator, table, chairs, etc.

Costs:
Families must pay for the services they receive from the kibbutz:
- NIS 1,100-1,300 rent per month
- Electricity, phones, laundry and other services according to usage.
- Food - there is an additional fee for meals recieved in the dining room.
- Educational fees - NIS 500-800 per month, depending on the age of the children

For additional information please contact:

In Israel:
Bayit Rishon Bamoledet/
First Home in the Homeland
Elena Kovarsky
Program director
Mobile: +972-52-6130384
Fax: +972-8-6565403
e-mail: elenako@jafi.org

Last Updated: February 2008