Vision
The Center aims to make practical environmental education accessible, relevant and action-oriented. It will serve educators, environmental entrepreneurs, institutional leaders and communities, providing knowledge, training and tools to turn environmental challenges into educational and community initiatives. By combining field experience, professional learning and a shared knowledge library, it seeks to become a leading Israeli hub for practical environmental education.
Activity
The Ecological Greenhouse at Ein Shemer is one of Israel’s pioneering institutions in practical environmental and agricultural education. Founded in 1977 by artist Avital Geva, it represented Israel at the 1993 Venice Biennale and has since developed into a distinctive educational center where young people from across Israeli society learn, research and create together. Jewish and Arab students, new immigrants and veteran Israelis, outstanding students, youth at risk and students with disabilities work on real-world challenges in agriculture, climate, water, food, biomimicry and technology, together with researchers, industry experts and community volunteers. Each year, approximately 1,000 students participate in sustained educational programs, alongside professional development for educators, workshops, public events and community initiatives. The Greenhouse has received national and international recognition, including the Energy Globe Award and the President of Israel’s Award for Volunteerism. It also supports municipalities, schools and organizations in establishing agricultural and environmental education centers across Israel. The Keshet Matanel Center will transform the Greenhouse’s accumulated experience into courses, practical programs, professional training, a digital knowledge library and support for educators, environmental entrepreneurs, institutional leaders and communities.