Type of Organization(s) [government or non-government organizations such as universities]:
Government
Organization Contact Information:
Ministry of Education
2 Devora Hanevia
Jerusalem Israel
Tel: 972-2-5603237, 972-506282050
Fax: 972-2-5603256
E-mail:judybe@education.gov.il
Contact Person(s):
Judy BenEzra, Director School Counseling Services
Summary
The mental health services in the ministry of education ('Shefy') is responsible for providing mental health services throughout the education system in the country. We provide service to children and staff members from K-12. The service is given by over 5000 professionals ( counselors and psychologists).
Description of Organization’s Work in CRE
One of the goal of this service is to implement preventive programs throughout the whole system. Programs are developed and adjusted culturally in our department, and through the school counselors the teachers are trained to implement them. We work with a wide range of programs such as: life skills, peer mediation, narrative and prevention of self destructive behaviors like drugs, sex abuse, bullying etc'. One of the goals of the educational system is to provide opportunities for students to develop a “national identity”, while simultaneously maintaining his/her own religious/cultural identity. Another, related goal is to broaden the student’s knowledge and appreciation of people from backgrounds different than his/her own and to acquire the skills necessary for effective communication and conflict resolution.
Legislation and Policy Initiatives
Several years ago, the Department of Psychological and Counseling Services in the Ministry of Education and Culture in Israel was given the responsibility for designing and implementing a program aimed at achieving the aforementioned goals. The Department has established a “Committee for Improving Multi- Cultural Understandings and Resolving Conflict Peacefully through Education”.
Resources
- A “Multi cultural education” curriculum has been prepared and is being piloted in Arab, Jewish and Druse schools in Israel. Narrative and conflict resolution (emphasis on mediation skills) processes are taught and school staff and students from different backgrounds have opportunities for self exploration and for meeting “others”.
- Training programs for mental health and teaching professionals have been designed and implemented; enabling them to acquire knowledge and skills for dealing with multi culturalism in education.
- Professionals have been trained in and make use of interventions in schools and communities where multi cultural based conflicts have occurred ..
- Committee members have represented the Ministry at National and International Conferences and have participated in numerous programs provided by non-profit organizations which bring Arabs and Jews together for dialogue and cooperation.
- Recently, political changes in the Middle East have intensified the need to prepare young people in Israel for the “new reality” of peace and cooperation with the Palestinians and Israel’s other neighbors. Committee representatives have attended conferences held in Israel and abroad, where professionals have been given an opportunity to exchange ideas and knowledge, and to begin to work together toward the creation of an education for peace program.
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