Two programs for "girls at risk" are implemented in Haifa with the help of the Haifa-Boston Connection. The programs are for teenage Jewish and Arab girls and gives them a guided and guarded environment to spend their afternoon. The program enriches the girls in computer skills, tennis, horseback riding, video production, etc with the aim of helping to prevent drop out from the school system.

Professional leaders in social work from Boston are constantly involved in the program via annual visits and video conferences. The programs presently serve 60 Jewish girls and 30 Arab girls. The programs operate separately include many joint activities like the fashion exhibit that they organized in the last GA [November 2003] with "samiramis" - an Arab fashion designer who was assisted by the Haifa-Boston loan fund for small businesses.

Tevet 5764 - January 2004