Ofakim suffered a blow when dozens of its residents were murdered on Black Saturday. Since then, the city has been trying to return to normal despite the loss.
Police surprised Daniel Blanky for his birthday, after his father fell in battle in Ofakim
Elementary-age children attend school frequently, but many of the youth still find it difficult to return to high school. Following their exposure to the scale of the disaster, many of them sank into mourning and preferred to shut themselves in their homes. This complex reality led to a partnership between the Ofakim Municipality, Rashi Foundation and CISCO to establish "The Magnet" – a unique and innovative youth space that will provide educational, social and emotional solutions.
The "Magnet" center was launched yesterday in the presence of Ofakim Mayor Itzik Danino; Rashi Foundation Executive Director, Michal Cohen; Cisco Israel CEO Oren Sagi and representatives of the bereaved families from the city.
Studies, music and therapy
The "Magnet" complex was equipped with a variety of advanced equipment and includes three large spaces: a designated area for innovative learning and group activities, an area with spaces for music and movement, treatment rooms and a courtyard for youth meetings. The entire complex is networked with a wireless network donated by Bezeq. In the youth complex, educational and teaching teams, therapeutic teams and youth counselors will lead the activity. The activity in the complex will take place as part of the formal educational activities in the city, and after school hours a variety of enrichment activities will take place in the area.
"The new youth complex will connect formal and informal education in Ofakim." Cohen, Danino and Sagi at the opening ceremony,
One of the teenagers participating in the new program is Ariel Cardenas, 17, whose brother-in-law was murdered on Black Saturday. "He was like a brother to me, I've known him since I was little," he tells Israel Hayom. "His story is the story of our city. The incident itself happened five minutes from our house. It's hard to go to school and get back to normal. When I paint I feel that he is part of me, it helps me try to immortalize him."
Michal Cohen, CEO of Rashi Foundation: "The center we established is significant for the education and treatment teams and is designed to create a safe, educational and social environment that will encourage youth to participate in activities that will meet their needs and interests. I hope that the center will serve as a place of learning, developmental and social encounter, and will be able to provide calm and stability in our challenging and complex reality."
"The new youth complex will connect formal and informal education in Ofakim," said Ofakim Mayor Itzik Danino. "The youth in Ofakim - it's worth it for you to come."
Wrong? We'll fix it! If you find a mistake in the article, please share with us