Proud to be a Yahelnik / by Justin Lichtenstaedter

We have been in Gedera for almost four months now, working in different areas and on different projects. We have become acclimated with our everyday schedules and have a greater understanding of our new home. This week, however, marked a new chapter for us as we embarked on our very own project here in Gedera. After months of observations and meetings with community members and the like, we decided that contributing to the already existing community garden would be most beneficial. Our idea was to set up weekly activities in the garden that would provide the youth with structured activities and also encourage integration.

We decided that there would be no better way to kickoff our weekly event then throwing a Hanukah party in the garden on the first night of Hanukah. We had two arts and crafts projects, a seedling seminar, fresh pita cooking, Hannukah sing-a-long, homemade menorah for candle lighting, and Sufganyot (Hanukah Doughnuts). Everything was set up for a great evening; the only thing left to worry about was the turnout.

Garden party: Justin lighting the menorah for the first night of Hannukah

We had spent so much time preparing this event and coincidentally another Masa program, Eco Israel, just so happened to be joining us on that day to see what Yahel was all about. We spent the morning talking to them and showing them around our neighborhood; Eating Ethiopian food and sharing laughs. We tried to make them feel as comfortable as possible but lingering in the back of all of our minds, we knew we had to have a successful afternoon.
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A glimpse into volunteering in Israel

Back in September, the Yahel Social Change Program participants were asked to take on a group project. The objective was to learn about the needs of the community, think creatively and collaborate with community members to create a project that was helpful and sustainable. Nine months later and almost towards the end of the program, we are so proud to share with you this video that was put together by program participants. It tells the story of one of the projects they have been involved with – a glimpse into some of the amazing things that have been happening in Gedera.

NEW: Additional scholarships available!!!

Have you worked with youth in the past, or do you have camp experience? Are you interested in the Yahel Social Change Program? If so, what are you waiting for?

A limited number of scholarships are available to Yahel Social Change Program participants who have experience working with youth. The scholarships are up to $1000. If you are interested in hearing more about these scholarships, or have questions about the Yahel Social Change Program, contact us.

Go, Yahelnikim. Go!

When you blow by your fundraising goal in less than 48 hours, some tough questions come up. Questions like: what do you do with the funds raised beyond the target. Who determines the priority of needs, and how do you involve the community in your success? Tough questions, for sure, but one the Yahelnikim are pleased to be wrestling with. Other questions too, like: now that the budget is there, could you fit two pool tables in the small converted youth center?

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