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Although the town of Shderot absorbed a large percentage of new immigrants in recent years, the range of activities for youth did not increase in accordance with the increase in population. The lack of organized social/cultural activities led many of the young people to hang out in the streets and become involved in petty crime.
The “Blue Lagoon” club is an initiative that was proposed jointly by the town authorities and the youth. The club was to serve as an activity center for youth during the afternoon and evening hours. The goal was to encourage the young people to take the initiative, show responsibility, and form a bond between the different populations in the town.
The project included the renovation of an old building, which was assisted by a group from Zionism 2000. Today the Zionism 2000 leadership group enjoys the club’s facilities and holds a wide variety of activities there. Other groups which use the club are a Young Counselors group, the Keren Kayemet LeIsrael organization, and groups operating school-related activities.
The club contributes to:
- Reducing tension and accelerating integration between different populations.
- Encouraging young people to take on civic responsibility and become involved in their community.
- Maximizing the youths’ potential by providing them with a means for personal self-expression and development.
The club is open in the afternoon and evening hours. A wide variety of cultural and social activities are held, including lectures, cultural evenings, films, parties and more. Approximately 150 youths take part in club activities.
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