The secret of Youth Aliyah’s success over the past 70 years has been the organization’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances, while retaining its essential recipe of an excellent education in a warm and nurturing residential environment. The 2003/04 school-year saw important milestones reached in the evolution of Youth Aliyah’s child and youth rescue program. These included: the successful graduation of the first 12th grade students from the newly introduced high school remedial programs at Kiryat Yearim and Ben Yakir; more emphasis on informal education programs including therapy; smaller classes and more programs involving smaller groups and individual attention.

Most significantly Ramat Hadassah Szold was reconstituted as a new entity with three partners – the Jewish Agency, Hadassah Women’s Zionist Organization of America and the newly formed Oran Foundation. The new framework will enable Ramat Hadassah Szold to nearly double in size including the construction of an on-campus high school.

Youth Aliyah’s high school program was introduced five years ago at Ramat Hadassah Szold, after a survey showed that many students who performed well in their junior high years, regressed when returning home.

A select group of students carry on living at Ramat Hadassah Szold while studying at nearby high schools. Twenty-three students matriculated from Ramat Hadassah Szold this year – the third group of such graduates. They will go on to serve in the army or take vocational training programs prior to their military service.

At Kiryat Yearim there were eleven graduates from the first-ever 12th grade class. “The program has proven itself,” said Hezi Panet, Director of Kiryat Yearim. “These high school graduates would not have achieved what they did had they left here three years ago. Many of them will serve in select army units.” It is a similar picture at Ben Yakir where the first four 12th grade students graduated. “It is important when they return from high school in the afternoon,” said Yossi Krothamer, “that we are here to give them emotional support and help with homework.”

Another important change at Ben Yakir this year, which typifies the new trend in Youth Aliyah, was that the school day was shortened by two hours with that time devoted to informal activities. In particular, more therapy has been introduced. At Hadassah Neurim great strides have been made over the past year to upgrade the academic achievements of Youth Aliyah’s flagship high school. Exam performances have been improved by years ago. Many of them will serve in select army units.” It is a similar picture at Ben Yakir where the first four 12th grade students graduated. “It is important when they return from high school in the afternoon,” said Yossi Krothamer, “that we are here to give them emotional support and help with homework.”

Another important change at Ben Yakir this year, which typifies the new trend in Youth Aliyah, was that the school day was shortened by two hours with that time devoted to informal activities. In particular, more therapy has been introduced.

At Hadassah Neurim great strides have been made over the past year to upgrade the academic achievements of Youth Aliyah’s flagship high school. Exam performances have been improved by tutoring students in small groups, while re-arranged dormitory facilities provide a more family atmosphere and counseling attention, which makes the students feel more relaxed.

Although unique in concept, Nitzana is still introducing more innovative programs. The desert village continues with the KEDMA and SELAH-Science programs for young immigrants. And in addition to its science programs for high school students, Nitzana has introduced sports programs which take advantage of the Negev’s wide open spaces for running and cycling, while emphasizing the scientific changes that sport induces in the human body.

Tamuz 5764 - July 2004