As Israeli children prepare to return to school after a long summer break, the impact of the surrounding violent events is taking a significant psychological toll. The National Council for the Child has reported a 33% increase in anxiety diagnoses among youths aged 12-17. Arab children make up about 27% of all school-age children in Israel and are more vulnerable due to socio-economic disparities, putting them at a higher risk of developing mental distress. The Listening Spaces program is designed to address the needs of Arab schoolchildren, who are particularly vulnerable given the ongoing conflict and rising crime rates.
“Listening Spaces” is an innovative Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program. Developed by the Listening Spaces Development organization in collaboration with emotional health experts and educational staff from within the Arabic community, the program is culturally adapted to meet the unique needs of its participants. It aims to bolster emotional resilience, foster cohesion, and promote empathy among children and teenagers. It also implements deep-rooted mechanisms for violence prevention. Designed for students from fourth to ninth grade, the program is integrated into the school timetable, ensuring that each child participates consistently over six consecutive years—critical years during which their moral and social worldviews are shaped.
Currently, “Listening Spaces” is implemented in nine schools in Kfar Kassem. In 2025, the program will involve 2,000 students and 120 teachers. The success of the program in Kfar Kassem over the past three years has been made possible through funding from the city, donors and NGOs.
“Listening Spaces” are held within schools in specially designed rooms called “Listening Spaces.” Meetings occur as part of the school schedule in small, consistent groups throughout the academic year. These groups are led by school teachers who have undergone specialized training. The continuity and personalized nature of these sessions foster trust, cohesion, and empathy among students and their teachers.
Research consistently demonstrates the positive impact of SEL programs on students’ self-esteem, behavior, and academic achievements. Long-term studies reveal that SEL programs significantly increase the likelihood of higher education attainment, career success, healthy relationships, good mental health, and active citizenship. This year, the Ministry of Education’s evaluation within the “Gefen programs” awarded the program a perfect score of 100, assessing factors such as efficiency, cultural alignment, and overall satisfaction.
The program’s effectiveness is driven by its integration into the familiar school environment, where regular teachers lead sessions in the students’ mother tongue. Small, stable groups meet consistently over six years, fostering deep personal development and strengthening mental health, emotional resilience, cohesion, and empathy. This setup allows for early identification of students with emotional and social difficulties, enabling timely referrals to individual therapy. After the initial setup, the program is designed to be sustainable, allowing schools to continue it independently.
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