Dear Partners
There are moments when you realize that hope is not just a word. It is an action. It is small hands holding a flowerpot, shining eyes watching a first sprout emerge, and the smile of a child rediscovering that they are capable.
For 1,400 children in communities across the border with Lebanon, this is a time to recover from a complex and challenging reality. We would like to share with you a special moment of hope and growth they experienced thanks to you.
A Journey of Renewal and Growth
What happens there, in the classrooms?
The flowerpots were distributed among students as part of a special activity, accompanied by a meaningful discussion that allowed them to reflect on their learning process and on the personal, emotional, and social growth they have experienced. This process strengthened their sense of efficacy and confidence.
Each child received not only a flowerpot, but an emotionally rich encounter. The children shared with their facilitators what Nitzan has given them, their own growth process, and what they hope to see flourish in their future. The flowerpot symbolizes the ability of each child to grow, develop, and thrive, especially during challenging times.
Why is this so important right now?
These children have been through a period that left scars. These are evident in their surroundings, in their academic performance, in their emotional wellbeing and in their social life. But at the same time, something wonderful is happening. These children are learning to recover.
A sapling that needs consistent watering, sunlight, and patience; so are the children. This is exactly what they receive at Nitzan. Personal attention, ongoing nurturing, and unwavering belief, even when growth is slow.
Words from the Heart – Voices of Children, Parents, and Our Facilitators
We are excited to share with you some of what the children had to say:
- “I am now able to resolve conflicts, be a better friend, help a friend, and cope with longing.” Hadass, 4th grade, Neve-Yarak School, Hatzerim.
- “For me, Nitzan means knowing how to speak properly, how to express myself, and how to write an engaging text.” Linoy, 5th grade, Metzudot School, Kiryat Shmona.
- “Our son integrated very well into first grade socially; he has friends in class. He arrived in first grade already recognizing all the letters. At this stage he is among the leading students in reading and writing, and he is also quite advanced in mathematics.”
Parents of A.S., a student from Ofakim who participated in a first-grade readiness program
What our facilitators see:
- “There are children who, at first, did not dare to speak. Today they talk about how they feel.”
- “I saw a child who wrote on the stick in his flowerpot: ‘I want to be strong like this tree.’ It broke my heart and gave me strength to continue.”
- “There is a girl who asks me every morning if her flower has grown. She learned that growth takes time, and it changed the way she relates to herself as well.”
60 Years of Experience, Thousands of Children, One Moment of Truth
Our Continued Path – Together
At Nitzan, we continue to expand the scope of support across all frameworks, with an emphasis on:
- Personalized support for each student.
- Assistance in learning processes and personal growth.
- Strengthening a sense of capability and confidence
Thank You – In Words and in Action
Thank you for being true partners on this journey.
Thank you for believing in these children even when they do not believe in themselves.
Thank you for giving them not only support, but for the future. Every sapling planted, every hope written, every small step forward is thanks to you. Together, we will continue to plant hope and nurture growth.
With hope and gratitude,
The Nitzan Association Team
