Driving education in Israel
Ofanim converts buses into mobile classrooms and introduces at-risk youth to the highest quality instructors and after-school enrichment programs in computers, science, math, English, and two new robotics programs co-sponsored by the Technion (Israel’s MIT) in the North and Ben Gurion University in the South. Founded by Israeli social and business entrepreneur, Haim Dahan, Ofanim’s inspiring vision is to empower the next generation of Israeli leaders, scientists and entrepreneurs. Together, we’re driving real change in Israel’s forgotten periphery.
Serving a forgotten Periphery
It’s amazing what Ofanim is accomplishing right now! This year we will extend our reach to 2,350 deserving at-risk youth in over 50 remote villages operating just eight buses. If not helped, these children often turn to crime and violence, so Ofanim is literally helping to save lives and provide real futures to communities that have been ignored for decades. For our contributions to Israeli society, the organization was recently awarded Israel’s highest award to nonprofits by the Ministry of Social Welfare.
A Different Way to Learn
Each bus, staffed with Israel’s finest undergraduate and graduate students, delivers classes in subjects important for the development of critical and creative thinking skills for young students. Ofanim’s curriculum also includes social skills training and enrichment field trips to major institutions and universities. Students have the opportunity to engage with high level professionals and academics, building on the subjects they have been introduced to through Ofanim. For some, this is the first time they leave their hometown and the first time they are on a college campus; for each and every child, the Ofanim experience transforms the way they see their education and their future.
Ofanim’s Virtual Community
Using the latest in social media and technology, Ofanim is creating a larger virtual community composed of dozens of small, poor and remote rural communities in Israel. If these students aren’t able to access the resources of Israel’s strong economic center, Ofanim brings the “center” to them. Click to access our social media sites and learn more about how we’re raising awareness here in support of small communities all across Israel. Lend your voice to the mission of Ofanim!
Ofanim’s Fundraising Guidelines
Please note that, in strict conformance with IRS guidelines, Friends of Ofanim does not accept contributions that are earmarked or required to be distributed to Ofanim or any other organization. The Directors of Friends of Ofanim have complete discretion and control over the ultimate disposition of any contributions received by the organization. While donors may suggest that their gifts be used for a specific purpose, these requests are non‐binding on Friends of Ofanim. This ensures that gifts made to Friends of Ofanim are tax‐deductible and that Friends of Ofanim fulfills its duties and obligations as a U.S. tax‐exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Code. Donors may make unrestricted contributions to Friends of Ofanim, and in these cases, the Directors will determine the manner in which contributed funds will be used.
