By Dikla Asido-Hakim

Matan is 8 years old, the eldest of four in his family.

His father has had a tumor removed from his head, and is unable to work, and the family has gone through difficult times - both financially and emotionally - but Matan's parents are doing their best to show their love and warmth.

My relationship with Matan is strong and has improved significantly since the beginning of the year, he is very cooperative during group and one-on-one activities. He has never had the opportunity of taking a course or participating in an extra-curricular activity, and ever since Youth Futures enabled him to participate in a soccer program - he's been so much happier and more open to me and his friends.

As for myself, I enjoy working with Matan, he arrives on time for each meeting, and is really working hard to succeed in the goals he sets for himself. I can see his self-confidence grow, and even though his life isn't easy, I know that he has a chance to develop and become a beautiful person through this program.