I was born 27 years ago and was raised in Ofakim. I went to a local high school to major in Biology, and went on to the Ben Gurion University to study behavioral sciences. At the same time, I've joined the Partnership 2000 program for student leadership in Ofakim.

The young leadership program has opened my mind to my city's real image and its community. Before joining the program I knew Ofakim as it was portrayed convincingly in the media - poor, high unemployment rate, violence and mediocre youth. But through the program I discovered the real Ofakim - the exciting, young and open city, in which school violence levels are of the lowest in Israel, and where the wonderful young people are thirsty for opportunities to improve their image through enriching activities.

I decided to volunteer and work in every community activity I found, and to meet with the younger generation up close, to see the sparkle in their eyes and strengthen them - and be strengthened by them.

I joined the Alon group as a Trustee Coordinator for Youth Futures in 2005. I found that just a little good will and a smile can do so much for children in Ofakim, and this knowledge pushed me to do all I can. Today, I am the Youth Futures Ofakim Coordinator. Beyond working to help children develop their strong points and become significant others in their own peer group - I want to introduce them to the Ofakim I know and love, to bond with their city and create a commitment to their community.

The wonderful Trustees chosen to lead the Youth Futures program is also a group we are targeting, and I hope to bond them into a strong group of motivated ambassadors for their hometown over the next few months.

The feeling of having a home and roots can be strengthened from birth - we will meet 200 children this year, who will get to know another Ofakim.