The KKL-JNF houses of excellence are multidisciplinary centers that provide an inspiring educational environment for the youth in selected cities of Israel's periphery. The project in Beit She'an is expected to open in February 2024.
KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski: "this house will lay the foundations for the future prosperity of Beit She'an. It will be a significant factor in reducing social gaps."
Mayor Jackie Levy: "this is a great educational and social achievement, which joins a long list of other projects that the city has initiated over the past few years."
The interdisciplinary center for excellence is located in the compound of the ORT educational network, and will have a significant additional operational budget for the coming decade. The structure will spread on 1000 square meters and will include study spots, computer classes, coffee and recreation spots, a large lobby and an auditorium.
The KKL-JNF houses of excellence have been established to close the gaps between Israel's center and periphery, and in order to provide equal opportunities for each school student in Israel to have a better future. As part of the project, nine heritage centers are now being built in selected cities. The centers are multidisciplinary facilities, operating as part of both the formal and informal education.
The KKL-JNF houses of excellence provide a platform with an inspiring educational environment for the youth – the fast lifestyle of the digital Generation-Z. Contents are created in collaboration with the youth in order to provide them with required skills for the 21st century, along with education for Zionist values.
In the KKL-JNF houses of excellence, the youth of Beit She'an will get help with their high-level school studies in English, math, science and technology and a variety of additional technological classes: computer sciences, cyber, website building and more, all aimed at providing the youth with additional tools for success. The students will also learn classes in geography, leadership, empowerment, sustainability and environment.
KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski: "the story of Beit She'an is an Israeli story. It brings together ancient history, the Jewish people's struggle for independence, and Zionist return of the Jews to their land. From the early days of Zionism, KKL-JNF has made its goal to develop the country – the soil, Aliyah and integration, and closing social gaps. These challenges are still here for us to meet and this is why we're here. The KKL-JNF house of excellence, which we inaugurate today, contains all the components of a great Zionist story – a place where the youth get tools and skills to develop. There are no greater means for closing gaps. This house will lay the foundations for the future prosperity of Beit She'an. I intend to continue the project in other cities, empower and expand it. It is an exciting national project."
Mayor Jackie Levy, who worked on the project over the past few years in collaboration with the KKL-JNF management: "KKL-JNF holds an important role, not only in the development of the land and protecting the environment but also in nurturing the future generations of Israel. This is a great educational and social achievement, which joins a long list of other projects that the city has initiated over the past few years, projects that have significantly advanced the city's education system alongside leadership and excellence projects for our youth. This house will nurture Israel's future leaders in all fields."