"THE NITZANA CHALLENGE"
YOUTH LEADERSHIP AND EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
This unique educational experience is designed to encourage, instill confidence and develop leadership skills in high school students. Youth from both Israel and Jewish communities from around the world participate in these empowerment courses which help youth realize who they are and what they are capable of accomplishing in life. Seminars range from 2-10 days. Each program is tailored to meet the particular needs of each group.
WHAT THIS PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHES
• Teaches youth about leadership and its characteristics, often using famous leaders who have already helped shape and influence our world.
• The youth interact and explore their personal leadership capabilities through different tasks and exercises, as well as interactions with Israeli youth and youth from other Jewish communities around the world.
• Promotes responsibility and self awareness. Enhances the youths’ future, to see the potential that they have in their life.
• Inspires, encourages and gives the youth motivation and momentum towards enhancing their environment. Challenges youth to make a difference.
• Strengthens their abilities to work together as a group, to help one another and to be proud of one another and themselves.
THE STAFF and LEADERS
The program is overseen by the qualified, professional staff of Nitzana and is taught by the Shin Shineem youth leaders of Nitzana, who are certified by The Israeli Ministry of Education. These are young people who are between 18 and 19 years old who volunteer one year of community service before entering into their mandatory army service. They serve as stellar role models for the students, and they are close enough in age that they relate well to their wants and needs. Students will also learn from community figures, well known leaders, and Israeli soldiers.
ACTIVITIES and WORKSHOPS
The seminar is completely "hands on". Participants of the program are responsible for planning and carrying out personal assignments as well as taking part in group assignments.
Activities include:
- Outdoor survival.
- Physical activities that enhance team work cooperation.
- Nights outdoors.
- Visiting the Ben Gurion Heritage Institute and the Sde Boker Field School.
- The nature of animals and plants are observed, to learn from even these groups what roles leadership and their characteristics play.
- Encounters with well known community figures and soldiers which tell real life personal stories that relate their experiences of leadership.
- Meetings with significant Zionist and world leaders.
- Visits to local agriculture areas and "milk and honey" sites in the middle of the desert, to promote the idea of vision, creativity and survival.
- Planning and attending a final ceremony which includes the attendance of their parents if possible.
RELAXING and FUN ACTIVITIES
The youth are challenged with many new and difficult situations, but we are careful to balance this 'work' with some fun. The young people can take a dip in the pool, bike on a desert path, spend time with friends or play a game of basketball or soccer.
AT THE END OF THE PROGRAM
The Nitzana Challenge promotes self-esteem and leadership qualities while students enjoy the beauty and expansiveness of the desert.
We have received many letters of appreciation from students who have attended this seminar. They tell us that they now have more self confidence and strength to do something with their lives. They also say that they would definitely attend the program again, if they had the chance!
