Results of a satisfaction survey conducted earlier this year show that over 90% of Central Arava residents are satisfied with life in the region, the calm surroundings, the quality of life and the landscape.

The Elixir Research Institute conducted a satisfaction survey among Central Arava residents during the spring of this year. The survey sought feedback on the quality of service of various Regional Council agencies and attempted to identify residents’ needs. Its results will guide Regional Council personnel in preparing for the coming years. The sample consisted of 280 households, about half the total number of households in the Arava. The survey, financed primarily by the Ministry of the Interior, was anonymous and its results were calculated as percentages and overall scores according to place of residence, age and gender.

Elixir Director Dorit Ben-Baruch was astounded at the high rate of satisfaction and the high percentage of survey participation, noting that “over 90% of survey participants expressed considerable satisfaction with life in the Arava, especially with matters concerning quality of life, landscape and calm atmosphere. These figures are of extraordinary magnitude compared with those of other areas, in which satisfaction rates with local or regional life are markedly lower. Despite our vast experience in studying numerous local authorities in a similar manner, we were surprised at the impressive rates of response, that turned out to be much higher than average for surveys of this type, proving beyond a doubt that residents ascribe importance to the survey and accord it a significant role in local public discourse. In our experience, satisfaction surveys and identification of needs help local authorities define spheres of activity and shape their policies accordingly.”

On a scale ranging from 1 (not satisfied at all) to 5 (totally satisfied), life in the Arava received a very high average score (4.49).

Education – At the Head of the Class
Arava residents consider education to be of supreme importance, the key issue facing the Regional Council in the coming years. Their expectations are reflected in Council policies, which consider education to be of the highest priority. Among survey respondents, parents whose children attend local schools accorded the educational system the highest scores.

Quality of Education
Only parents of children in elementary school or high school were asked to evaluate the quality of education.

Elementary School: Overall score – 50% of respondents ranked quality of instruction high to very high.

High School: Overall score – 41% ranked quality of instruction high to very high.

What We Want
Local residents would like to see the following issues placed at the top of the Regional Council’s agenda:
1. Education (noted 133 times)
2. Regional Development – roads, infrastructures, lighting (73)
3. Employment (especially non-agricultural) (58)