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The Beit Shean Model -Objectives and Outcomes
The “Region in Transition” program began operating in 1999 in the Beit Shean Valley. Following its success, the model has been adopted by the Prime Minister’s Office as a plan of action for other development towns, as part of the “Target Intervention” program.
Activities are currently taking place in the following spheres, in accordance with the strategic program established:
- Building the community foundation mechanism: In order to implement the strategic program established for the Beit Shean region, the following groups joined forces: Zionism 2000, the Cleveland Jewish Community, the Jewish Agency-Partnership 2000, the Beit Shean Municipality, the Beit Shean Valley Regional Council and the Israeli Government.
The Beit Shean Community Foundation, forged of a partnership between the Jewish community of Cleveland and Zionism 2000, is the only organization of its kind in the country.
- Economic development-identifying assets to serve as the basis of the program: Economic development is the highest priority of the foundation’s activities. Economic activity is based on identifying local assets and potential, developing new, quality employment opportunities (such as in high tech), establishing regional cooperation with Jordanian organizations and business people, developing the regional tourism industry, etc.
- Development and improvement of the educational system: In order to bring about regional progress, it is paramount to establish a quality educational system that provides children equal opportunity for future development. For this purpose, all of the institutions involved in education are working together to create a joint educational vision, which will be the basis of an overall educational program.
- Organizational development in the municipality: A process for organizational development was initiated in the municipality, providing managerial tools to the various departmental managers. An annual operational plan was established, all the municipal departments were computerized and a balanced budget was achieved.
- Cooperation between the city and the regional council: The cooperation between the municipality and regional councils in the Beit Shean area in over 30 projects, serves as a national model for cooperation of this kind. The main significance of this cooperation is the consolidation of resources and the expanding ties between the population of the city and the region.
- Community leadership: In conjunction with Partnership 2000, a third course for regional community leadership is currently being held. Course participants from the city and the surrounding area take an active part in improving the quality of life in the region. This group participates in regional dialogue and works towards establishing and operating community projects.
- Business for the community: Introduced by Zionism 2000, this project seeks to recruit regional businesses to take part in community activities. There has been a particularly impressive response to the project. Many businesses from the city and the region cooperate in these activities, and have committed themselves to social action.
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