Shani Bar, 12th-grade high-school student from ORT, is set to represent Israel in an international social initiatives competition in India.
Shani Bar’s groundbreaking: Anchor” initiative, has captured the attention of judges in the highly esteemed DFC “Creating Change” program, which operates in over 70 countries worldwide. This transformative educational program, brought to Israel by the renowned Ruh Tova non-profit organization from the Arison Group, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, aims to empower educators and their students to become compassionate and engaged entrepreneurs within their communities. By fostering a belief in their own abilities, this program encourages children across Israel to take the lead in driving positive change in areas that resonate with them.
Every year, the program culminates in a national competition where exceptional initiatives are showcased to a panel of judges. These initiatives, born from the minds of the program’s participants, tackle a wide array of social issues and make a tangible difference in their respective fields. It is at this highly anticipated event that the most outstanding projects are celebrated, and this year, Shani Bar’s “Anchor” project has emerged victorious.
The “Anchor” project, a pioneering mentorship program, focuses on supporting children from divorced families—a concept that is truly one of its kind. By leveraging the power of peer mentoring, Shani and her fellow students from secondary school lend a compassionate hand to children from primary school who are experiencing the challenges of divorce. Shani’s personal experience as the daughter of divorced parents, combined with her participation in the “Creators of Change” workshop, fueled her determination to create a safe and supportive space for children navigating the complexities of divorce. Through extensive conversations, interviews with professionals, and the invaluable insights of teenagers who have experienced their parents’ divorce, Shani discovered the importance of empathy and providing a listening ear.
Now, armed with her innovative “Anchor” project, Shani Bar is set to embark on a transformative journey to India. She will represent Israel at the prestigious “Be the Change” conference, organized by the global DFC (Design for Change) movement. This conference serves as a global platform for young change-makers from around the world, bringing together thousands of children and youth who are committed to making a difference in their communities.
Shani’s remarkable achievement is even more significant considering the fierce competition she faced. Over 300 social initiatives were submitted for judging by the competition committee, making her first-place win all the more impressive. Her selection as Israel’s representative for the international conference in India is a testament to her dedication, ingenuity, and unwavering belief in the power of positive change.
As Shani prepares to embark on this extraordinary journey, we extend our warmest wishes for her success in the global competition. Her journey serves as a shining example of the potential that lies within every young person to create a brighter, more compassionate world.
