Rationale

For children growing up in poor and distressed neighborhoods, role models of success are ‎hard to come by, sometimes making criminal behavior look like a tempting shortcut and ‎perpetuating the cycle of poverty and distress. Those who have the ability and foresight to ‎break out and seek higher education, lack the financial means to achieve it. The program promotes social integration and community involvement for youths and their families while mentoring students are provided with accommodation and study grants

Target Audience

University students and children from disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Netanya: 41 students living in 15 apartments mentor 160 children from 3^rd to 6^th grades in 4 neighborhoods

Akko: 8 students living in 3 apartments mentor 32 students from 3^rd-5^th grades

Objectives

Children:

• Personal and group social development
• Educational reinforcement

Students:

• Financial support to ensure graduation
• Creating activists in Israeli society

Duration

 A long term project, pupils: 3 -4 years, Students: 2-4 years, 2 hours twice a week plus community events and projects

Results

In 2019-2020, 190 pupils participated in the project, of which about 50% are in their second year in the project or more
85% of the pupils are persistent in the activity, improved their achievements in Hebrew and mathematics by 15% compared to the last year, feel a significant improvement in self-confidence and social skills
100% of the students complete their degree, and 50% of them participate in the project for two years or more
95% of the students feel that the project contributes to them socially and personally and would like to continue to contribute to the community after the project too

Location

Netanya, Akko