Menashe (his name is changed to protect his privacy) is 12th grade boy who has been a regular attendee at the Youth Outreach Center in Sderot for a number of years, and an enthusiastic participant in the Center’s functions and activities. Yet he never took an interest in using his skills to lead other children, and refrained from participating in the Young Leadership seminar offered at the Center. During 2012-13, after discussions with the Center staff on his abilities and talents that pointed out that he had much to give to others, he made the decision to join take part in the Leadership seminar and slowly became directly involved in activities for older students at the Center.

This led to active cooperation with students who were members of the Bnei Akiva movement. By the end of the year, the staff were so pleased with his maturity and success working with his peers that they chose Menashe as an experienced youth counselor. And, reports the staff, “he does wonderful work!”