Mor began studying for her BA in psychology at the Open University, when a friend recommended her for the YOUTH FUTURES program. For the past three months, Mor has been a Trustee for the program. She works with 18 school children, one-on-one and in group settings. She gives them the tools to build their self-confidence and take responsibility for helping themselves.

During the recent war, Mor, and a number of other YOUTH FUTURES Trustees worked with children who were stuck for weeks on end in underground bomb shelters. They organized activities for the traumatized children and kept them busy during the frightening days of constant explosions and bomb scares.

"My job as a Trustee is to support these children in every aspect of their lives – with their families, their teachers and friends. I work on their strengths and help them to break out of the cycle of despair. For many of these at risk kids, this is the first time that someone is showing faith in them as a person."

Mor will accompany these children for two years. Her first step was to get to know them and to gain their trust. Now, she is in the process of building a comprehensive work plan for each child with YOUTH FUTURES' educational advisors.

"I want to give these children the tools to become productive members of Israeli society. Each one has the ability to be something."

YOUTH FUTURES is operating successfully in 13 locations throughout Israel. The program ensures that every child at risk has personalized educational opportunities to fill critical gaps; an appropriate role model committed to his or her success; activities to motivate and cultivate self-esteem and confidence and opportunities to excel in a variety of self-selected fields based on the strengths of the youngster's own community.

Photo Credit: Naftali Hilger 

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