COVID-19 has affected daily life in uncountable ways, and everyone has had to adjust to the new realities. However, Israeli families from lower socio-economic backgrounds, many of who live in Israel’s underdeveloped outlying regions, who have less tools and resources with which to cope, are struggling. Children are particularly vulnerable in this period of social distancing, as they lose their sense of structure and the natural support usually provided by ongoing social interactions with their peers and instructors in the school framework.
KKL-JNF's Education Division is mitigating some of the gloom and insecurity through its unique MAOF summer program, which is providing a range of enriching social and educational activities that restore a sense of calm and normalcy to these children's lives.
MAOF is KKL-JNF's innovative informal education program designed primarily for youth in the periphery. The program, whose name in Hebrew means imagination, ingenuity, and vision, integrates KKL-JNF’s core values of Zionism and ecology while advancing a sustainable model for community change. This program is only one of many KKL-JNF initiatives that strengthen the Negev and Galilee by increasing educational and employment opportunities, empowering youth to excel and cultivating the next generation of leaders.
Working within restrictions imposed by the corona pandemic, and adhering closely to Ministry of Health regulations, MAOF’s mobile unit has been traveling this summer to communities in the Negev, offering children and their families a wealth of educational activities that instill Zionist values, increase social and environmental awareness, empower youth and hone leadership skills. Activities integrate outdoor and indoor challenges, games, teamwork, activity kits and more. Participants learn about their country and heritage, explore a range of issues connected to environmental protection and nature while enjoying quality time with their families and peers. Most importantly, they have a lot of fun. All activities are facilitated by KKL-JNF’s dedicated youth counselors, some of whom are certified tour guides.
MAOF activities include ODT training, in which middle school and high school students learn teambuilding, collaboration and leadership skills; ‘Sounds of Nature’, in which children explore the magical worlds of music and nature with musical instruments from around the world; and drumming circles, in which participants experience the power of improvisational orchestra.
This summer, KKL-JNF's MAOF program will reach over 1000 children in communities around the Negev. So far, close to 500 children of all different ages from the Merhavim Regional Council and from the town of Netivot have enjoyed MAOF activities. In August, the program will reach over 600 more children, as well as their families, for whom MAOF has planned a family fun day in conjunction with the Netivot municipality.