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Refurbishing Bet Arial Hostel in Jerusalem - and an
overseas cruise
The March 2005 Essence Graduates decided to execute its
project at the Bet Arial Hostel in Jerusalem. The Hostel takes care of
15 young women who have found themselves outside of the normal social
framework - abandoned, and outcasts. The adolescents come from families
that do not have the ability to give their kids education, to integrate
them into normal society, and other normal care.
Bet Arial strives to accept adolescents between the ages of 13 - 19, with
standard intelligence suffering from normal functioning in daily life.
The girls were removed from their homes due to court orders.
The therapy methods include group therapy, family therapy
and personal therapy, together with professional rehabilitation, education
studies, and social help. Therapy is coordinated with going to school,
or work in the community. Each girl receives individual assistance according
to her needs and abilities. The emphasis is on preparing the girls to
be independent and responsible adults.
Although the girls received excellent professional support and a roof
over their heads, their basic living conditions were in need for improvement.
We took it upon ourselves the following projects to improve the quality
of life of the girls.
- Transform the hostel to warmer and more pleasant atmosphere.
- Fun days for the girls - we organized several fun days (without
our participation), and one fun day with our participation.
- obtain donations and stipends - for necessary therapies and for
special courses.
- Presents for the girls - clothing, cosmetics, etc.
First stage of the project
The day we did the renovations at the hostel was an amazing
experience. Our group, other volunteers and the girls at the hostel all
rolled up our sleeves and went to work. The feeling togetherness between
all involved was amazing. In addition we obtained for the girls several
stipends for a photography course, horse riding,, and a cosmetics course.
And last and not least, every girl received a basket full of cosmetics.
We came to give, and were moved by the indescribable appreciate shown
by the girls.
It was a great honor being part of such a wonderful group:
Cochi and Ronni Ben-Melech (group head), Yoram and Dodo Hilel, Vered Ratbi,
Veradian Boum, Oded cohen, Nati Tzamerit, Gil Shimshon, Iris Glasman,
Eli and Ronit, Ravit and Anat Glarter, and others who came to help- Nira
Kopit and family,Yona Sief , and Gal (Hanni Bar's daughter).
Second stage of the Project
After the renovations that we did at Bet Arial, we decided
to take the girls on a cruise. On a Thursday we left Haifa Port enroute
to Elnia, Turkey. On Friday we toured with them in Elnia, and on Saturday
we were all together in Larnika and Nicosia. Sunday we arrived back in
Haifa. 5 tour guides joined us. The girls were totally stunned that a
group of strangers would arrange something of this magnitude for them.
What could possibly be in it for the group?? This was the first time that
many of them felt equal to the rest of those around them, and for now,
they are not just the "girls from the hostel".
The girls had a fantastic time, as well as of course those
joining from the Essence Group: Ilana Hillel, Etti Cohen, Amos Sharabi,
Ofir Afik, Rivka Almaleach, Ruchama Dov, Shiri Harari, Sarah Smoli-Bitan,
Yossi Pinto.
In addition our appreciation to others who joined the cruise:
Yoram Halev, Etti Sultana, Dani and Malka Mizrachi, Elana, Efrat, Chico,
and the wonderful daughters of Amos, and to the continuous support of
Ronnie.
The photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.
OUTLOOK SEMINAR TRAINING
Nechemia 12, Ashkelon
Tel: 08-8693558 Fax: 08-8690250
outlook@012.net.il
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