The Youth Futures Initiative in Hatzor

 "We have high-quality youth in Israel," says Michael Daudi, Coordinator of the Hatzor "Vision of the Next Generation" group whose members serve as Youth Futures trustees in the Galilee town, in Partnership with the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. "Unfortunately,  a great many of Israel's 'at-risk' youth never realize their full potential, largely stemming from a flow of degrading comments, directed at either their academic skills or personal traits - physical appearance and the like -  undermining their self confidence. Children hurt by such comments don't feel they belong in mainstream frameworks, and tend to look for alternative social frameworks such as street gangs, which empower them and encourage them to 'excel' by means of negative behavior."

The "Vision of the Next Generation" community includes about forty members, primarily Hatzor "Bnei Akiva" Youth Movement graduates who have completed their Army or National Service. The community aims to develop the abilities of local youth, both academically and socially. Ten members of the community were selected to serve as Youth Futures trustees. "We actually thought of a concept quite similar to Youth Futures," says Daudi, "and were quite pleased to join the Jewish Agency initiative, which gives us the organizational umbrella and the tools needed to bring the vision to fruition. Dozens of programs operate in Hatzor. What makes Youth Futures unique is the comprehensive approach to educational and social needs, and the program's ability to grow and adjust to local needs."

Daudi stresses that all of the young community members are Hatzor residents who attended local schools with a thorough knowledge of educational programs operating in Hatzor. "We believe that by inculcating high school youth with a sense of responsibility and community involvement," adds Daudi, "it will likewise greatly bolster their chances of successfully graduating, and will open new horizons before them. The goal is to develop the children's latent talents and to empower them.

"Beyond that, community members have undertaken to cultivate an atmosphere which will encourage Hatzor's young adults to build their future here. Youth Futures' success will greatly contribute to this goal's successful attainment as well."

Even though Youth Futures is just beginning, the new Jewish Agency flagship program is already creating great expectations and is garnering support. Daudi notes the cooperation with the Director of the Hatzor Education Department, and adds that the Director of the Social Welfare Department has expressed great faith in the young community and is assisting in every possible manner. "The entire town supports the program," sums up Daudi. "This is the first time that we he have a young community composed of local residents spearheading a major educational/social initiative, backed by the Jewish Agency's significant support."