A special cornerstone ceremony for the KKL-JNF Heritage Center was held today (May 23), attended by KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski, Mayor Shimon Lankri, UK JNF Chair Shmuel Hayek, KKL-JNF Head of Resource Development and External Affairs Division Ronnie Vinikov, and KKL-JNF Head of the Education and Community Division Sar Shalom-Gerbi. KKL-JNF houses of excellence are a platform for an inspiring educational youth environment of the fast-paced digital generation. Now, after opening several KKL-JNF heritage centers throughout Israel, the project comes to Acre too.
The center is located at Arik Einstein Street. It is expected to open in 2024. The center spread over 836 square meters and include study spots, computer classes, coffee and recreation spots, a large lobby and an auditorium.
The heritage center is a flagship social-educational project of KKL-JNF. It was created to close the gaps between the center and the periphery in Israel and to provide equal opportunities for a better future each child in Israel. As part of the project, nine new heritage centers are being built in selected periphery cities. The centers are multi-purpose areas that act as part of the formal and informal youth education.
In the heritage centers, the Acre youth will get additional lessons in major subjects – English, mathematics, science and technology, in addition to a wide variety of technological classes: computer science, cyber, website design and more, aimed at providing additional tools for success. Classes on geography and history of Israel, leadership, empowerment and environmentalism will also be provided.
KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski: "In KKL-JNF we believe that every child has the potential to go far. KKL-JNF continues its educational efforts to empower the youth of the periphery, to help the youth reach its potential and increase their feeling of belonging. The KKL-JNF houses of excellence feature educational programs about the geography and history of Israel, empowerment, leadership and sustainability, using 21st-century skills. Above all, this house will be a tool to close social gaps and we stand proud and excited at this ceremony, eagerly awaiting the center's opening."
UK JNF Chair Shmuel Hayek: "This is the second we choose to lead, along with KKL-JNF, the establishment of an excellence center that will provide the youth of the periphery with equal opportunities. Our commitment to them is an important mission in making the Zionist dream come true. We intend to keep doing everything we can to empower the youth and help them realize their potential. Our goal is to see the periphery youth reaching all the different sections of the job market and the academy and putting their talents to use."
Photograph: Michael Hori, KKL-JNF Photo Archive