Youth Futures is an innovative Jewish Agency for Israel program funded by Keren Hayesod that provides life-changing intervention for thousands of the highest risk children in Israel’s periphery. The innovative method developed, which today is exported around the world, is based on appointing a “trustee” who takes all-round responsibility for the child, making sure that he/she doesn’t fall between the bureaucratic cracks. The trustee works with the children and their families, schools, welfare authorities and all the relevant agencies for three years. Sarit Schordiger of Eilat joined the program when she was 14, due to difficulties she was experiencing at home. She met Shiri Hermon, a young trustee working with children from the poorest socio-economic backgrounds, who didn’t see even a sliver of hope for a normal life in the future. But Sarit had a dream, and together with Shiri her life began to settle down. The program strengthened her desire to continue her studies, to succeed in the matriculation exams and to enlist in the army. The program invested Sarit with new life, and strengthened her hope and motivation to realize her potential. After finishing the army, Sarit began to work at an institute that specializes in life-saving medical tests. She met her future husband, married and is building a home for herself, step by step. There are today some 5,000 youngsters like Sarit, both Jewish and Arab, from disadvantaged families in 36 local authorities around the country who, together with their families, are receiving new hope and strength with the help of the Keren Hayesod donors.
Photo: Youth Futures program. Akko, 2016