Giving Troubled Teens A Second Chance

Shlomo's Story:

“My name is Shlomo. I am sixteen years old and I study at Na'amat's high school in Hadera. In my opinion, this is the best school. In my old school we were a lot of students and the teacher can't get to anyone. With Na'amat's Hadera school, there are small classes, they care about all the students, and you can express yourself more. When you study here you feel special because they treat you like you're a part of a family.”

Technological High Schools:

Na'amat educates more than 3,500 students annually in its 14 technological high schools. Hadera is one such high school, known as a “second chance school”. It has a reputation for transforming society's so-called “problem teens” to well-adjusted, self-confident achievers.

The average class size at Hadera is no larger than 17 or 18 students. Small classes allow for individualized attention from the teachers and promote success. Specialists are also on hand to diagnose and treat learning disabilities, and create individual programs to prepare the students for life as independent adults.

Almost 500 students are enrolled each year in Hadera's vocational programs such as: computer technology and graphics, communications, video and still photography, photo lab technology, jewelry making, hairdressing, cosmetics, and bookkeeping. New career programs are also being developed in other areas, such as computer engineering.

In addition to the technological schools, Na'amat operates two agricultural residential high schools in Israel.

Agricultural Residential High Schools:

Kanot and Ayanot are Na'amat's two agricultural boarding schools. Approximately 300 students attend each facility and about two thirds of them call these rural schools their home.

At these high schools, students get both a classroom and a rural hands-on education. Kanot also offers a new three-year program in police studies that trains students in criminology and prepares them to join the Police Force. A new Veterinary Program is underway at Kanot, giving students the fundamental courses in the sciences as well as laboratory work and the chance to treat animals in veterinary clinics. Ayanot's new Emergency Medical Technician program will train students in basic medical practices, emergency services and ambulance work, laying the foundation for a career in paramedics.

Apart from school hours, these students our housed in dormitories on campus and are involved in extra-curricular and volunteer programs. Na'amat students visit seniors' residences, help out at hospitals and other institutions, work with animals and become big sisters or brothers to parentless children. As they gain new skills and feel the admiration of others, these young people gain pride in themselves and hope for the future.