Ben Yakir
Transforming the lives of Israel’s children at risk
Ben Yakir, located in Hasharon Area is a traditionally observant village which acts as a safe haven for disadvantaged youth who have come from difficult socio-economic backgrounds and broken homes. The village houses approximately 150 boys aged between 12-17, of whom half are immigrants from Ethiopia and the other half comprises immigrants from the former Soviet Union and Israeli born youth from deprived backgrounds. By providing residential care and remedial education, it is hoped they will break out of the poverty cycle, learn self confidence and have a brighter future.
Many of these youth enter the village with low self esteem and a lack of self confidence. This problematic behaviour manifests itself through illiteracy and learning disorders. Therefore, the remedial education program aims to develop basic skills, strengthen overall cognitive abilities and essentially give them their last chance to complete high school or enlist in the Israeli Defence Force (IDF).
To further develop their self confidence, they participate in a variety of extra-curriculum activities such as karate, sports, music and arts. Moreover, they undergo progressive therapy centred on supporting life. Through this, it is envisaged that these children will be able to lead a normative life and secure a productive future. The individual attention and loving care that the children receive from the counsellors and housemothers (who act as surrogate parents) is characteristic of how the village functions which helps restore their feelings of belonging.