Last update: 07.04.2010

Successful transition into a new school is a critical key for a child’s academic future.  Two stages that are particularly stressful for children are entering elementary school (first grade) and entering middle school (7th grade).  The change in teaching focus and style emphasizes existing gaps in a child’s ability and skills and is especially challenging for children with parents whose first language isn’t Hebrew. 

Safe Passage is an enrichment program targeting these two age groups.  The program runs for 10 months every year, concurrent to the school year, and every year a new group of students enters the program.

The program for 5 & 6 year olds aims to improve and strengthen learning skills in children who will be soon starting first grade. The program bridges gaps mainly caused by poor language skills and gives children a strong base for successful integration in first grade.  Children gather twice a week after kindergarten for fun learning experiences, activities that improve their fine muscle coordination and social activities. 

Once a month the program brings together the children with their parents for a children’s theater production at Sderot’s Community Center.  Parents also receive advice on how to promote their child’s development at home.

Sixth graders participating in Safe Passage meet at the Ben Gurion Club three times a week after school for tutoring in math, English and Hebrew, and for help doing their homework. 

Safe Passage was originally initiated by Mitzad and is now run by Sderot’s Dorot Center.  The program accepts children of immigrants, particularly those from the city’s Kavkazi community, who compose almost 50% of the city’s population yet are among Sderot’s academically and economically most disadvantaged.

The program has been in operation for several years and has proven a success – 75% of the younger “graduates” are now performing above their grade level average and 8 of the older “graduates” have done well enough to be moved to accelerated classes.

Gvanim thanks its program partners: The Schusterman Foundation-Israel; The Municipality of Sderot.