WHO We Are
Friends of Ofanim is the philanthropic arm in the United States for Ofanim in Israel. It increases awareness of this award-winning organization which drives STEM education for elementary school children in Israel’s underserved regions in the north and south. Friends of Ofanim works to expand its network of dedicated supporters who believe in the power of STEM education to transform individual lives and Israel’s economic and social resilience. Founded in 2005, Friends of Ofanim works strategically with Ofanim on program design and development. It arranges site visits in the Negev and the Galilee to meet the children and dedicated instructors and organizes missions for Friends to see first-hand the power of Ofanim’s work.
WHAT We Do
Our network of Friends and Ambassadors hosts events throughout the U.S to introduce Ofanim, inspires new supporters and increases awareness of the serious challenges in Israel’s education system. When Ofanim Israeli board members and staff visit the U.S. we make introductions and arrange meetings with supporters as well as potential funders.
Ofanim receives significant funding from individuals, philanthropists and corporations in Israel. The Israeli Board has determined that no more than 50 percent of the funds raised for Ofanim will be raised in the US. As such, Ofanim is a true US-Israeli partnership.
HOW We Work
We provide essential financial and advisory support to Ofanim, which helps ensure that it continues to provide excellent educational opportunities to Israel’s most disadvantaged children for years to come. We welcome anyone who would like to become involved, contribute financially or learn more about our work.
Partnership with the MOE
”Growth to the Future” Program
In 2019 Israel’s Ministry of Education (MOE) chose Ofanim to lead its national informal STEM education in Israel's periphery
Our GOALS
To close critical education gaps and advance social mobility for children growing up in Israel’s geo-social periphery
To expose children to exciting hands-on technology and science enrichment at a young age
To empower children from underserved communities to believe in their ability to succeed, overcoming Israel's critical shortage of engineers for a secure, safe, and prosperous future for Israel
To awaken children’s curiosity, creativity, problem-solving and communication skills; all essential to integrate into the 21st-century workforce
Our IMPACT
The President of Israel
Mr. Isaac Herzog, about Ofanim
Our ACHIEVEMENTS
In 2009, Ofanim was recognized as an Outstanding Nonprofit Organization from the Ministry of Social Services and Social Affairs
In 2014 the founder and president of Ofanim, Dr. Haim Dahan, was awarded the "Effective Philanthropist Citation" for his contribution to advancing the children residing in Israel’s periphery
In 2011, we were awarded the "Midot Seal of Effectiveness" for our success in creating social value and generating positive change in children’s lives
Swords of Iron
The immense tragedy of 7th of October caught all of us off guard and derailed many NGOs in Israel. Ofanim promptly reevaluated its plans for the current school year, carefully navigating risks in light of the realization that in a crisis like this, the first to be affected are social organizations and NGOs. In addition to the trauma, displacement, and added fear of life-threatening rockets over children’s heads, the ongoing conflict in Gaza has a similar impact on education in Israel as Covid-19 often forcing schools to close. Not only is Ofanim continuing with its routine STEM programming for our partner communities in the periphery of Israel, but has also responded quickly to the needs of those children who have been evacuated from their homes in the north and in the south. Recognizing that now Ofanim’s activity is more important than ever, in narrowing educational gaps that widen in times of distress such as these.
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Our PARTNERS
Stay in Touch
Thank you for your dedication to Friends of Ofanim.
You enable us to help thousands of children from disadvantaged families level the playing field and transform their future pathways. We are grateful for your time, support, and friendship. We invite you to subscribe and stay in touch. We have so much happening and periodically want to keep you up to date.
Between information about new projects, ways to get involved, and information from Israel, this is a priceless resource for a look into Friends of Ofanim.
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