Teens Make a Difference is a program that aims to bring together students from different sectors of Israeli society, while at the same time improving students’ overall English skills, and in particular: their ability to communicate in spoken English. The program promotes tolerance and mutual respect between students of different ethnic and religious backgrounds, providing them with an opportunity to communicate their perspectives and beliefs in a neutral and unbiased setting. Furthermore, it gives students an opportunity to examine their views on controversial issues, current affairs, social equality and co-existence. This unique program moves from the individual realm to the international realm through three formats: Poetry Slam, Social Entrepreneurship, and Model UN. We aim to bring the world into the classroom and as such prepare students for the future as responsible and active citizens and leaders. For many years, this program has been sponsored by the U.S. Embassy’s Branch Office in Tel Aviv.
Poetry Slam
Originating in the U.S., a poetry slam is a competition in which poets perform ‘spoken word poetry’. In this unique program, high school students participate in workshops where they learn the principles of ‘spoken word poetry’ in English and are exposed to written examples of this genre. They learn to express their thoughts and feelings through writing poetry in everyday language and also practice using poetic language to write about any topic concerning their lives and their environment. They are also taught the aesthetics of wordplay, intonation and voice inflection and learn to communicate through body language while exploring issues that are meaningful and relevant to them. This program integrates students from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, providing an opportunity for them to learn from one another while promoting creativity. The students write their own poetry, drawing on personal experience, and learn how to read it effectively. The program culminates in a poetry slam event judged by a panel of students and experienced performers. As a result of the program, participants develop thinking and writing skills in English and acquire tools for standing in front of an audience and overcoming stage fright.
In order to further expand this program, each additional group of 30 students will cost $1,600.
Model UN (United Nations)
This distinctive program consists of facilitated ‘Model UN’ workshops held over a total period of 18-hours throughout the school year in which classes of students from Jewish and Arab schools pair up to participate. Each pair of schools also attends a mini-conference hosted by one of the schools and organized by the facilitators. The program culminates in a special event, a Model UN conference, in which all the students participate together. When possible this is held in the Yitzhak Rabin Center in Tel Aviv. Student participation entails the acquisition of basic theoretical knowledge and practical tools in relation to the work of the UN, an understanding of international politics, and familiarity with the intricacies of the world of diplomacy. It improves discussion, analysis and expression skills and there is a noticeable and significant improvement in the use of the English language (reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension).
In addition, participants are exposed to a wide range of fields with practical importance that can greatly assist them in their future personal and professional development, such as the art of speaking in front of an audience, the use of body language, using humor in a constructive and positive manner, organizing and writing an argument, conducting negotiations and improving the decision-making process. Topics for discussion in the Model UN conferences have included ‘Single-Use Plastic’ and ‘Global Access to Healthcare’. In order to further expand this program, each additional group of 30 students will cost $1,600.
Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship
Students participate in an 18-hour innovation and social entrepreneurship workshop divided into several sessions. Here they learn about the stages of planning a successful project that meet the needs of their communities. Participants from different sectors work together towards a common goal. As an integral part of their English lessons, participants in this unusual program plan and implement a social enterprise. Participants acquire tools which enable them to create a social initiative, construct a work-plan, develop advertising and marketing strategies, and present their enterprise in front of an audience (while overcoming stage fright). The program culminates with a special event where participants undertake voluntary work in their communities, followed by a presentation of entrepreneurship projects by representatives from each school. A team of judges grants awards to the most outstanding projects. In order to further expand this program, each additional group of 30 students will cost $1,600.