The On Front Stage program of Partnership 2000 through the Jewish Agency proudly opens its third season of culture and volunteer activity for the youth of Beit Shemesh-Yehuda Plains

The On Front Stage program seeks to expose local high school students to the leading artistic and cultural treasures in Israel with the goal of expanding their cultural horizons. Apart from its cultural value, the program tries to install the values of volunteerism and social involvement on behalf of the community. The uniqueness of the On Front Stage program lies in the opportunity it provides for the youth of the Region to be exposed to culture and art which was until recently only a privilege enjoyed by youth in the large urban centers.

During the past two years, the high schools of the region have planned and implemented a number of community and environmental initiatives as part of On Front Stage. These included the adoption of an old age home, the renovation of archaeological sites, the cleanup and beautification of forests and the production of an information booklet on local Biblical sites. During the activities, which were implemented jointly with Keren Hakayemet and the Antiquities Authority, the youth made significant archaeological finds.

During the 2006-7 school year, some 2,200 Grade 9 and 10 students from nine high schools in the Region will enjoy four high-quality performances in a wide range of art forms: art, theater, film, movement and music. This year, emphasis will be on repertory theater at the leading theater houses in the country: HaBima, HaCameri and Beit Lessin. The students will get to view the selected plays together with the regular theater subscribers. As part of the exposure and learning process, workshops will be held in which the students will meet writers, directors and actors. The volunteer programs will continue to focus on community and environmental activity with emphasis on recycled art.

The activity of the Grade 10 girls from the Beit Shemesh Amit Ulpana opened the year of volunteer activity. The girls of the ulpana chose to adopt the Shelev elementary school for special education and to give it a colorful and fresh look for the new year. The girls decorated the walls of the music room and the library with entertaining illustrations. They also covered books in the library and held a hands-on activity for the schoolchildren. The girls described the activity as an enriching and satisfying experience and are impatiently waiting for the next activity. Meanwhile, the schoolchildren are excited about being adopted by their new friends. This appears to be the start of a wonderful friendship between the two schools.