Priority Projects

In its most recent initiative, the Partnership has identified and launched an array of programs and projects that the Galilee Panhandle’s towns and regional councils consider to be of the highest priority. Ranging from informal education to young leadership, this Priority Programming aims to make an even greater impact on the region.

With Gesher Chai and BeYachad operating at full strength, the Partnership embarked on a third major initiative in 2005. Volunteer representatives from each of the Coast-to-Coast Canadian communities, together with officials from the Galilee Panhandle’s towns and regional councils, identified four areas of high-impact programming to further develop the region.

Enhancing the Future Through Community
The lack of academic and professional opportunities in the Galilee Panhandle has led the region’s best and brightest students to migrate toward Israel’s centre. The following programs will motivate students to remain in the area and contribute to its future development:

Student Community Activities, Kiryat Shmona
Scholarships for young local residents wishing to attend the region’s Tel Hai College in exchange for 10 hours of volunteer work with children and youth.

The Social Leadership Institute, Upper Galilee
Scholarships for high school graduates wishing to attend the Ma’ayan Baruch Social Leadership Institute.

Creating a Safe Environment for Children
Israel recently initiated a five-day school week in parts of the country, including the Galilee Panhandle, which leaves students in those areas without a formal framework on Fridays. The following programs offer an opportunity to instill a new set of values in pupils, while enriching their educational and social activities, and keeping them safe and off the streets:

Community Centre, Metulla
Programs including sports activities, counselor-training sessions, and community TV.

Zionist Values, Mevo’ot HaHermon
A program on modern Zionist values for 800 elementary school children; run by high school-age counselors.

Active Fridays, Yessod HaMa’ala
Thursday night social programs for teens and Friday morning activities for elementary school children; developed and supervised by parents.

Adding Value to Formal Education
Matching individual skills with local needs, these programs help foster civic responsibility and the building of community ties, while cultivating young leadership by encouraging volunteerism.

Idan Youth Movement, Kiryat Shmona
Increased activities of the city’s largest youth movement, which organizes community volunteer projects and recreational outings.

Youth Community Service, Kiryat Shmona
A program enabling 11th and 12th graders to volunteer for a year of community service in the region prior to entering the army.

Youth Leadership, Metulla
Social programs on themes such as Israeli and Jewish holidays, violence prevention, road safety, and the local community for 1st-8th graders.

Young Entrepreneurs, Mevo’ot HaHermon
A program that helps 9th-12th graders initiate social and economic projects.

After-School Enrichment, Yessod HaMa’ala
A program that enables 80 teenagers to participate in a range of weekly social activities.

Jewish History and Community, Metulla
Scholarships for 11th and 12th graders wishing to participate in a Holocaust studies trip to Poland in return for volunteer work.

Gifted Young Musicians and Dancers, Galil Elyon and Kiryat Shmona
Scholarships for music and dance training to over 70 children whose families cannot afford full tuition.