At an emotional ceremony held in the Jewish Agency building, 42 trustees of the Youth Futures program received an academic scholarship as part of a special enrichment project. The trustees come from 16 different towns throughout Israel – Dimona, Ofakim, Yerucham, Netivot, Beer Sheba, Arad, Beit She'an, Tiberias, Safed, Yokneam, Nazareth, Acre, Afula, Kiryat Shmona and others.

Leah Golan, director of the Israel Department, addressed the guests that gathered to mark the event.

Youth Futures is a unique, novel project that works to narrow societal gaps in Israel on a long-term, nationwide level.  The program creates opportunities for growth and excellence on behalf of children and youths from Israel’s geographic and social periphery, taking into account the unique needs and talents of each participant.  Youth Futures currently operates in 32 towns in the Negev, Galilee and Jerusalem regions, including nearly 6,500 children and youths from all different sectors, through the work of approximately 350 trustees.

The trustees are young social pioneers who serve as role models for the children with whom they work in the program.  The trustees learn of the weak and strong areas of the children and build a personalized program in conjunction with the local educational and welfare systems, according to the child’s specific needs.  The trustee is near the child every day, is involved in all areas of his life and is always available to meet his particular needs.  The trustee serves as a point of contact for all the various figures and institutions involved, ensuring that they all work together to provide full, holistic support for the child.

After the ceremony, the trustees went to visit the Herzl Museum on Mount Herzl, in Jerusalem.

Youth Futures is the first all encompassing strategy, based on a breakthrough partnership model, that targets youth at risk. Combining all available resources, Youth Futures is ensuring that every child at risk has personalized educational opportunities to fill critical gaps and put them on a level playing field. Donate now.

To learn more about Youth Futures, click here.