The "Connections" program launched this week, focusing on assistance and support by youth volunteers, for children in families where a parent is serving in the reserves. These families carry a heavy burden and are going through a complex and challenging period, which affects the children.
The program is led by the Society, Youth and Young People's Division at the municipality. This year, in the shadow of the war, the program will focus and expand on assistance and support from youth volunteers for children of reserve families.
As part of the program, children of approximately 60 reserve families who live in the city will meet with a youth volunteer once a week. Mentors from grades 11-12 will meet with children of various ages in grades 1-4, with the aim of providing social, emotional and academic support. The aim of the meetings is to deepen connection, collaboration and personal development - for the child and the mentor, according to the child's needs and in an experiential manner.
"Connections" is a special municipal mentoring project that has been taking place in the city for several years by the Youth Department. The project encourages values of social involvement, community, personal empowerment and volunteerism among youth, and is an important pillar in strengthening ties and resilience in the community.
The program takes place once a week on Wednesday afternoons, at the "Red Roof" youth club.
