Galilee Foundation for Value Education: Young Leaders
Galilee Foundation for Value Education: Young Leaders
The Center for Intergroup Understanding (CIU) is taking the Young Leaders program forward, which the Foundation has developed over two decades, working with hundreds of Israelis and thousands from abroad (teens, students and adults). CIU works with teenagers in local towns and villages to build a cadre of young leaders and is now expanding its reach to include Arab youth from a broader range of localities, as well as to reach more Israeli Jews through improved dialog with schools.
In its initial function, the program enables members of each group to gain an introspective understanding of their identity: what it means to them to be a leader, where they see themselves in their communities and in the wider society, and what impact being a part of a minority or a majority group has on them in these respects. For each group this begins the process of getting to know “the other” and developing a dialog about shared and different aspects of their identities.
Following this, the program facilitates encounters between the groups of Jewish and Arab youth where culture, religion and politics are discussed. Although this may involve posing questions to the groups, this is only to initiate a process in which groups are free to discuss whatever they want. One interesting outcome for the Arab youth as a minority group in Israel is their surprise at finding more similarities with youth from abroad than they might have expected, alongside developing a real understanding of their uniqueness. But the success of this methodology lies in its ability to break down barriers and create positive social interaction – what participants go so far as to describe as real and enduring friendships. This program is even more vital in light of current tension in the region.
In a little more detail:
- A staff member meets a group of 16-17 year-olds, selected by their school to participate in the program, on a weekly basis, preparing the ground for the encounters.
- Conversations are held in English – a neutral language for Israelis and an international one for those from abroad – and touch upon topics including history, religion, culture and current events in the village and its environs, as well as questions of human rights, racism, democracy, equality, social change, responsibility and leadership, but with an emphasis on having fun too.
- The only rule is that mutual respect and politeness be maintained.
- In broadening its reach, CIU regularly engages with teachers at the local training college, community centers and schools.