Youth Projects
1. Regional Youth Project
In the past few years, with increasing unemployment due to the economic situation and terror activities in our region which have resulted in the loss of dear ones, we have witnessed negative social phenomena amongst our youth. There has been an increase in the number of students dropping out of educational frameworks, as well as violent and other negative behaviors. Out of deep concern and worry about escalating numbers, we have been working in a number of ways to deal with the above phenomena.
It is known that idle time leads to boredom and boredom leads to sin (Kohelet). The behavior of bored youngsters who are not offered alternatives will deteriorate into violence, drugs and prostitution. Stimulating and appealing activities will reinforce positive behavior.
Current activities:
- Developing individual programs of study.
- Appointing instructors and youth leaders, who are in daily contact with youngsters in every community. These leaders initiate and run social activities for youngsters and provide us with early information about those that are at risk
- The Unit for the Advancement of Youth with the help of specialized social workers, and a drug and alcohol rehabilitation therapist will provide guidance and personal instruction to youth leaders for all youngsters and those at risk.
Cooperation and understanding are essential for success.
Unfortunately, this year this project is in jeopardy. In the past, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Welfare, and the National Organization of Matnasim (Jewish Community Centers) have helped to partially fund our projects. The Regional Council and the Gush Etzion Foundation have taken part in funding this project as well. However, due to major budget cuts, there will not be sufficient funds to cover our project costs for the coming year. In order maintain the project the council has gone into a major deficit. This project benefiting our children has top priority for Mayor Goldstein. Many other important projects like security, schools and building have been put on hold.
Our goal is to provide positive activities for the 2900 project participants in an effort to prevent the growing phenomenon of increased violence. In order to reach this goal, additional funding is vital.
Gush Etzion Music Project for Youth
Rational
The Gush Etzion Foundation together with the Matnas, (JCC), music department, has initiated a program to promote youth bands and young musicians. The idea behind the project is :
1) to use music as a vehicle to connect between talented youth and youth in high risk as a confidence builder, by music appreciation.
2) to develop the talent found in many Gush Etzion youth and develop it to become professional playing groups or bands
The project would be under "Community Empowerment", where the emphasis would be initiated by and for the youth. Today there are seven music groups that already exist. We are now in the process of auditions, purchasing equipment and than preparations for a musical happening event.
Goal
1) to develop the music potential of youth in Gush Eztion
2) to create a social interaction between the youth of the different communities
3) to integrate normal youth with youth in high risk
4) to create a productive and quality activity in a supervised framework
5) to create a positive connection between the youth, the communities, and JCC
6) to promote a music festival once a year and smaller events once every 3 months
7) to create a few small bands and groups that can perform together
8) to include more youth in the music activities and department of the JCC
Expenses
The JCC, will provide the room, professional trainers, supplies, and pay the electric and other bills that are necessary to make this project successful.
| Transportation to activities |
$10,000 |
| Workshops for youth on various topics, MDA, drug and alcohol rehabilitation,
archeology |
$10,000 |
| All activities include financial participation of the participants. |
| TOTAL for all youth projects |
$40,000 |
