Hamifal Afula - The Children and Youth Village (MMD) named after "Lou Van Leiban"
The Lou Van Leiban Religious Children’s Village was founded in 1980, and is located at the foot of Givat Hamoreh in Afula, the capital of the Jezreel Valley in the centre of a lush green area.
In the village, 80 children aged 6-18 live in seven family homes. An additional 30 children enjoy a range of activities at the youth village every day, as part of two day-cares in the village.
The main objectives of the village are to give children a sense of home and family and to provide them with a family model with which they can emulate and identify, while caring for their mental-emotional wellbeing. Jewish education and lessons on values in the village follow the religious Zionist concept of tolerance and good will. This approach allows us to treat each and every child individually and help them realize their full personal and educational potential. Our model prepares them for adequate social integration, good citizenship and personal independence, with the hope that one day they will be well-equipped to deal with the socio-cultural reality, in an accepted normative way.
The traditional nature of the village is reflected in daily life, Saturdays, holidays and celebrations as well as at the synagogue, where Torah lessons are given in the afternoon, and during Shabbat, and where social and Torah activities take place.
In addition to the regular core studies program, there is an afternoon social support program, specially adapted to the needs of the children. It includes:
- Art Therapy: A unique therapy designed to help children who have difficulty expressing their feelings verbally.
- Learning reinforcement: Remedial teaching and tutoring in core subjects to assist children with their schooling.
- Library: A rich theoretical library that includes computers, a listening centre and a loan library, open in the afternoon.
- Family Club: A club which provides educational services for the children of the community.
- Classes: The children of the village are integrated into the ongoing village classes, the local community centre and the youth movement "Tzedak."
- Extensive Music Activity: This includes a singing band, a choir and musicians.
- Summer Activities: These activities combine learning and fun for homeless children.
- "Scales": In collaboration with the Philharmonic Orchestra, this program allows our children to understand their capabilities, secure their self-images, and break the circles of distress, through the use of music.
- Student Council: Elected in a democratic process, the Student Council initiates and runs various activities and is involved in village decision-making.
- Bnei Mitzvah Project: This project has been operating in the village for many years. We work in coordination with the biological families in order to pull off the Bnei Mitzvah Project, which has become a household name.
- Parent-Child Activities: Here, we enable children to bond with their biological families.
Most of the village’s graduates are able to advance in the next stages of their lives, serve in combat units in command positions as part of their military service in the IDF, and integrate as good citizens into Israeli society.
If you are interested in helping us deliver the level of services these children deserve, we will be happy to provide you with more information and even give you a tour of the youth village.
Contact details
Village management:
Shlomo Malka – manager
Liora Weizmann – Therapeutic Services manager
Gabi Ohayon – Education Coordinator
Miri Blocka – Administrator
Address: HaHinanit St., corner of Yitzhak Sadeh, PO Box 1003, Upper Afula 18532
Phone: +972 (0)4-6593970
Fax: +972 (0)4-6594390
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