October passed with a variety of activities as our joint project progresses. Hila Amoyal, the "Women for Women" project coordinator, lectured before students from the Sociology Department at the Yizreel Valley College prior to their selecting an organization that is to be the research subject of their individual theses.

The students gained an insight into the significant activity being accomplished at the center in the fields of social entrepreneurship and self-empowerment of the women of the Afula-Gilboa region, they heard about the cooperative ventures taking place between SNEC and the region as well as the willingness on the part of the communities to promote these important issues.

Local banks and businesses have stepped forward to contribute equipment to our renovated center. This new equipment gives a home-like feeling to the center especially for the women who have come for aid and assistance during the most difficult time of their lives. Currently we are working on a new project that aims to introduce women to the field of investments and the stock market. Avi Alkabetz, Afula's mayor and economist by profession, volunteered to be a guest lecturer on the subject of the Israeli stock exchange!

We are pleased to inform you of both the center's progress and that of the women participating in the project. Thanks to SNEC, women from the Afula-Gilboa region have grown, developed and opened up to a variety of new aspects in their lives.

In conclusion, we would like to quote a letter received from Professor Victor Friedman, a lecturer on social entreprenurism at the Yizreel Valley College, following the lecture on the women's program in the region given by Hila Amoyal:

"I would very much like to thank you for your presentation concerning "Women for Women" before our student seminar. Your presentation and the lively discussion that followed exposed the students to important and fascinating issues relating to social entreprenurism and women's empowerment in Israeli society.

It was my special pleasure to see you make this presentation and have the opportunity to view your work. I couldn't hope for a more suitable and qualified source of inspiration and personal example for your students."

Heartwarming, isn't it? All this thanks to you.  Thank you!