The 2003/04 school-year has been characterized by partnerships, deepening the use of therapeutic educational methods, and integrating innovative programs. We began implementing a comprehensive strategic program developed for the Ramat Hadassah Szold Youth Village within the framework of a new management structure and partnership between Hadassah, the Oran Foundation and the Jewish Agency.

At Hadassah Neurim the cuts and efficiency measures decided on by the Board of Governors committee headed by JAFI Treasurer, Shai Hermesh, are being implemented. Over the past two years Kiryat Yearim has taken in highly disadvantaged students with very difficult behavioral problems. Ongoing efforts are designed to help them through

Ben Yakir this year received a commitment for a major contribution for a new dining room and kitchen, which will improve the quality of life there. Here too intensive efforts have been made over the past year to improve the school. Nitzana continues in its activities for immigrant young adults in the SELAH and KEDMA programs as well as Jewish-Zionist educational programs. Many special activities are planned for the Negev village during the summer.

We are studying and evaluating the changes being implemented. The aim is to bring about a broad change in the way that children and youth-at-risk are educated in Israel.

Tamuz 5764 - July 2004