ISRAEL: Salesians launch new educational and psychological support projects in Arab communities
Scholarships, psycho-social support within educational settings to be provided
(MissionNewswire) Salesians in Nazareth are responding to the unique challenges faced by Arab communities in Israel, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict since Oct. 7, 2023, which has led to increasing levels of fear, anxiety and depression among youth. To focus on these urgent needs, the Salesians have launched two key programs.
A Salesian explained, “Although in principle, legal rights are the same for all Israeli citizens, almost all cities and villages inhabited by Arabs offer significantly poorer living conditions. These communities face numerous challenges, including lower levels of formal education and a range of socio-economic problems. The Christian population is mainly concentrated in the northern district and in Haifa and Nazareth where the Salesian community is located, which has a population of almost 30,000 inhabitants.”
The first initiative is a scholarship program designed to assist 105 disadvantaged students, offering tuition deductions. This program directly addresses the economic hardships faced by many families in war-affected Arab communities. By alleviating financial burdens, the initiative aims to reduce dropout rates and ensure that students can continue their education despite the hardships of their families.
The second initiative focuses on improving psycho-social support within educational settings during the conflict. This includes training 50 school staff and teachers on effective strategies to support students during the war, as well as the involvement of 100 children and adolescents in psycho-social activities such as psychological workshops and expert-led sessions on religious and spiritual guidance. This program will provide psychological support for 655 school students, tackling the significant repercussions on mental health in prolonged conflict including anxiety, depression, anger and sadness.
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