For one special day, Youth Futures kids from Migdal HaEmek and their trustees recently turned the city into a film city.  The children participated as actors and interviewers, speaking to key figures such as Migdal HaEmek mayor, Mr. Eli Barda, director of the Community Center, Mr. Danny Kusan, and representatives of the Jewish Agency.  Following the activity, the children produced a film on Migdal HaEmek that was screened on central stage at the 60th anniversary Yom Ha'atzmaut celebrations.

At the beginning of the year, the Jewish Agency Enrichment Fund sent a donation to the Migdal HaEmek education department;  this for the benefit of the children of Migdal HaEmek following the events of the Second Lebanon War.  Thanks to the contribution, a Youth Futures drama group was able to open up at local junior high schools.

A bit about the activities: This is an extensive group activity for junior high school students at Ya'arat Ha'Emek and ORT Rogozin schools-since December has been conducted once a week.  The children are participating in  a drama and cinema group under the guidance of several instructors and have learned the ins and outs of film-how to direct a film, writing screenplays, acting in front of the camera, etc.

We're on TV!

Israel's Channel 2 morning program "A New Day" hosted trustees Ofra Finkelstein and student Yossi Buskila, a sixth grader from Nofim School in Migdal HaEmek.

Yossi talked about his experiences in the Youth Futures program and described the progress he's been making-at school and with his behavior.  Following the broadcast, Yossi's motivation, as well as that of his friends, has gone way up, and they look forward to more of the same type of experiences.  The program has been very successful and highly acclaimed in the local community.