Vision
The Shacham project envisions immigrant children and families gaining equal opportunities for success in Israeli society. Its rationale is that intensive, holistic support provided by dedicated volunteers can bridge educational, emotional, and social gaps. The main objectives are to strengthen academic achievement, build resilience and self-confidence, and foster integration by creating supportive community frameworks.
Activity
The Shacham program operates in five cities across Israel, focusing on immigrant families, particularly of Ethiopian origin. In each city, a dedicated team of five full-time national-service volunteers accompanies 15–20 families, reaching at least 60 children. Each volunteer commits 40 hours per week, offering personalized academic tutoring, emotional mentoring, and guidance for social integration.
Volunteers are carefully recruited and receive intensive training and ongoing supervision from professional social workers. This ensures that the support they provide is both professional and sustainable. Activities include one-on-one tutoring sessions, family mentoring, group workshops for children and parents, enrichment programs, and community events. In addition, professional staff run training seminars for volunteers, helping them develop tools in resilience building, trauma-informed care, and intercultural communication.
Families benefit from holistic support: children strengthen their Hebrew, math, and learning skills while also gaining confidence and a stronger sense of identity. Parents receive guidance to better support their children’s education and integration. The program also organizes communal activities that connect immigrant families with the wider community, fostering inclusion and social cohesion.
By combining intensive volunteer service with professional oversight, Shacham provides a model of meaningful, high-impact intervention that transforms lives and strengthens communities.