HELLO

We nest wherever we’re needed

Yanshufim is an educational association that works to reduce gaps in education by providing empowering learning spaces for students in the social periphery in Israel.

OUR VISION

To enable every child to push beyond the limits of learning

We work to enable each and every student identify their uniqueness and strengthen their sense of belonging and capability through meaningful experiences of success.
We believe that when these children grow up they will become productive adults, and that this is the best way to build a society with good values that is constantly moving forward.

Our challenge

EDUCATION IS AT THE HEART OF ISRAELI SOCIETY

Promoting the education system and encouraging young people to take their matriculation exams and acquire higher education has made Israel a world leader in medicine, technology and the smart industries.

And yet, we’ve got a problem… International studies and tests have shown that the quality of core studies in Israel is insufficient, and that Israeli student achievements are deteriorating from year to year. In addition, the gaps between students from different backgrounds are becoming more acute. As a result, both Israel’s security and world status may be impacted.

7 YEARS OF LOWEST ACHIEVEMENT

-20

-10

IL Average

+10

+20

Finland: 95.00%

Japan: 87.50%

Australia: 80.00%

Germany: 78.50%

OECD: 76.25%

United States: 72.50%

Israel: 50.00%

Israeli student scores in math, reading and science over the last 7 years, lag behind those of the other OECD countries.
WIDENING INCOME GAPS

-30

-20

-10

IL Average

Finland: 30.00%

OECD: 56.67%

United States: 60.00%

Sweden: 68.33%

Germany: 70.00%

Japan: 71.67%

Australia: 75.00%

Israel: 100.00%

Of OECD member countries, Israel records the most significant achievement gaps between weak and excellent students. In generations to come, widening educational gaps will inevitably lead to widening income gaps.
THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF POVERTY

-15

IL Average

+15

+30

+45

Finland: 88.33%

Japan: 75.00%

Australia: 66.67%

OECD: 58.33%

Germany: 55.00%

United States: 54.17%

Sweden: 52.67%

Israel: 25.00%

The weakest Israeli students rank far below the weakest students of other OECD countries. Because Israel has the weakest of weak students globally, Professor Dan Ben David of Tel Aviv University has demonstrated that this will lead to an endless, self-perpetuating cycle of poverty.
LOSS OF THE COMPETATIVE ADVANTAGE

-5

IL Average

+5

+10

Finland: 93.33%

Japan: 86.67%

Australia: 73.33%

Germany: 68.00%

OECD: 63.33%

United States: 62.00%

Sweden: 60.00%

Israel: 33.33%

The top 5% of Israeli students are significantly weaker than the top 5% of students from other OECD countries. This loss of brain power will curb Israel’s ability to compete in an advancing global economy.
Source

Prof. Dan Ben David, Taub center & Tel Aviv University

Data

PISA OECD 2009

Our model

We Must Act Now

The expansion of the social periphery and the erosion of educational achievements in those areas have led us to focus on the younger ages. The aim is to prevent the creation of educational gaps in the first place, rather than trying to reduce them after the fact, when it may be too late.

We provide solutions to address the difficulties students experience with their core curriculum studies, by introducing students to inspirational teacher role models, and providing them with access to a vast knowledge and tool base, all while strengthening their sense of belonging and competency.

1. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
  
  Any student that wants to learn, improve, and succeed can take part in the program. By doing this we avoid the stigmatizing participating students.
2. PERSONALIZED APPROACH
  
  Studying in small groups, allows us to give each student the individualized attention he or she needs.
3. TEACHING THROUGH COACHING
  
  In our programs, instruction combines the provision of learning skills together with a response to the emotional and social aspects of the student’s environment.
4. COMPLETE LEARNING ECOSYSTEM
  
  Yanshufim harnesses the support of teachers, schools, parents and local municipalities to ensure that all variables in our students’ environments are working together to ensure their success.
5. CONTINUOUS SUPPORT
  
  We accompany students throughout their 6 years of elementary school. Our programs complement one another and enable the gradual construction of a personal toolbox for each student on their way to success.
6. LOCAL COLLABORATION
  
  Yanshufim sees every school and every student as an indivduals maintains constant and continuous dialogue to ensure we meet our partner schools’ unique institutional needs.
7. THE RIPPLE EFFECT
  
  We care about broader result of our work. The students we empower will continue to empower and nurture our next generation of thinkers, teachers and educational role models.

Programs

So what can we do? change from within!

We operate within schools in several ways:
– Provide an immediate solution to difficulties in the core subjects
– Expose students to new areas of knowledge and interest
– Provide students with the tools, abilities, and skills applicable to the 21st century
– Develop new, innovative learning programs

1. Move your English
  
  Opening doors to the English language
  
  An advanced learning methodology that enhances the language learning experience by integrating a fun, active approach through physical movement.
2. Math Lab
  
  Teaching math through play technology
  
  A unique program for the development of mathematical thinking, based on investigative learning and the integration of didactic games, adapted to the students’ needs.
3. Zoom In
  
  Mindful movement in the classroom
  
  Integrating the practice of mindfulness together with methods from the world of movement. The program’s purpose is to strengthen the self-assurance of the student, to minimize the impact of external stressors, and to build a personal toolbox for dealing with challenges.
4. Learning and empowerment center
  
  Effective learning in small groups
  
  The Center supports learning and enrichment for students in grades 4 – 6.
  The program offers focused work in small learning groups to strengthen learning in core subjects and to improve students’ reasoning and learning skills. The goal of the program is to make a real difference in their academic achievements through holistic vision, trust-building and the creation of an enabling and hands-on experiential space with a real connection to the content being studied.
5. Compass
  
  Breaking the boundaries of learning
  
  This unique program, developed by Yanshufim, is integrated into the regular study program. Compass strives to help students push past the limits of regular learning on their way to adulthood. The program introduces students to areas of knowledge that are not part of their formal curriculum to expand their horizons by enabling them to explore and experiment in an empowering experiential learning space. These areas of knowledge include: Sustainability, environment, improvisation, creative writing, music, cinema, communications and movement.
6. The national program for children and youth at risk
  
  A safety net for children at risk
  
  The Center for Enrichment, Empowerment and Educational Support in Jaffa, as part of the “National 360° Program”.
  
  Students in the program enjoy a supportive framework that offers them help with their homework, and also exposes them to new worlds of content: Music, drama, art and sports. The activities take place after school and provide individual and complementary solutions to the educational and scholastic experience in school.

Our Vision

Confident and active students make a society, well-prepared for the challenges of the future.

Therefore, we encourage our students to learn about their various options in higher and continuing education, assist them in finding a field that suits their skills and ambitions, and provide them with the tools to achieve their goals. The result: an active, enterprising, entrepreneurial society, that is always moving forward and creatively responding to new challenges.

Achievements

Change is already here

Over the past year, we’ve worked with 7,300 elementary school students around the country. The improvement in scores and the satisfaction of the students, parents and schools have exceeded all expectations.