Sindiana – The Arab Youth Village for Young Leadership
Sindiana is a unique and pioneering project in Israel. Initiated by the Association for Educational Advancement in Jerusalem and a group of social entrepreneurs and educators from the Arab community, in collaboration with Givat Haviva and the Menashe Regional Council.
The educational model of the youth village combines a school, a boarding facility, and an agricultural farm, offering optimal learning conditions alongside personal and group support, non-formal education, and significant experiences in learning and agricultural work. Currently, there is a lack of non-formal education frameworks in the Arab society in Israel that provide youth with meaningful and comprehensive educational and social experiences.
Establishing an educational framework for Arab youth serves as a tool for training and developing a generation of young social leaders who will actively influence their communities and society.
Sindiana was born out of this need and a commitment to multiculturalism, pluralism, and civic and social equality. It offers a holistic educational framework aimed at the personal development of students, empowering their academic and social abilities, fostering activist leadership rooted in Arab cultural heritage, and exposing them to the broader global culture.
The youth village, located at Givat Haviva, includes a middle school, a high school, and a boarding facility, currently serving over 400 students.
The Three Pillars of Sindiana: The Arab Youth Village for Young Leadership
The youth village is built on three core pillars: academic and social excellence, culture and identity, and leadership. It provides a meaningful educational framework, preparing and developing a generation of impactful young social leaders.
Target Audience
The campus is designed for Arab youth with academic and leadership potential, a desire to grow, dream, and make an impact, while achieving academic, social, and ethical excellence. It nurtures values of academic and social excellence, leadership, and identity, opening pathways for success in academia, employment, and society.
Educational Principles
The youth village operates based on the following principles:
- Holistic Approach: Addressing the needs of students, staff, the community, and the region through a wide array of educational and social solutions.
- Goal Setting and Achievement: Encouraging excellence in academic, social, and community fields.
- Leadership Development: Strengthening leadership capabilities and instilling a sense of responsibility and influence through formal and extracurricular activities.
- Social Involvement: Educating for active participation and fostering social awareness.
- Arab Identity and Culture: Enhancing personal and collective identity while deepening understanding of Arab culture and heritage.
- Multiculturalism and Pluralism: Broadening horizons through exposure to diverse cultures, communities, and perspectives.
- Innovative Learning Environment: Utilizing modern pedagogical tools, including project-based learning (PBL) and alternative assessment methods like portfolios and visual outputs.
The teaching and management staff at Sindiana actively participate in shaping the vision and implementing innovative approaches in the school and boarding facilities, ensuring the success and development of the youth village as a leader in education and leadership.
