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Zionism 2000 has initiated a unique program, in cooperation with “Ashalim”, which aims to present a model for assisting youth at risk through education and business entrepreneurship.
The goal of the “Business Entrepreneurship” program is to develop a system, which will provide a meaningful, effective and protective environment for youth at risk in Israel. Zionism 2000 currently works with municipal youth advancement departments and schools, throughout Israel. In each selected location Zionism 2000 establishes a non-profit organization, which becomes the rightful owner of the business. The aim is to provide services to the community, which would otherwise rent outside services for the same purpose. The nature of the business is determined by two main factors:
- The youths’ background- In “Miftan” institutes, in different boarding schools and in vocational schools, the school usually has a variety of vocational programs such as electricity, mechanics, handicraft and others. In this case the project’s staff will make an effort to empower these students by establishing a business in which they can implement their skills professionally.
- Cooperation with a local business- In the case that there is cooperation with a local business establishment, it will assist the youths in establishing a business related to the company.
Zionism 2000 aims to combine these two factors in all projects. The combination of the two provides the youths with the opportunity to work in the field that they study, to receive professional training, and most importantly - to work in the cooperating company. Once the nature of the business has been determined, an initial client is located, in order to secure the preliminary income of the business. The location of a client is a precondition for the establishment of the business.
Each business usually comprises of 15 employees (youths), and is led by a business coordinator as well as an educational guide, whose main responsibility is to make through the youths complete their education. The youths spend two days working and three days studying. The employees receive a salary from the business. The business will receive initial funding from the program’s fund, for the acquisition of equipment, salaries, maintenance and other expenses. The aim is that after a period of six months the business begins to break even and covers the expenses.
During their employment the youths are obligated to participate and achieve the following:
- A minimum of 10 years of study, a matriculation diploma or a completion of whichever studying program which they participated in before they joined the project.
- Professional studies and training courses, relevant to the specific business they are involved in.
- Introductory courses in basic subjects of business administration.
The program gives the youth a work ethic, creates a meaningful link between the youth, raises their self-image and directs their energies into positive directions.
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Personal Story
Three years ago I began working in Zionism 2000’s Young Leadership program...
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