About The Centenary
WIZO is an outstanding organisation started in 1918 by extraordinary women, including Rebecca Sieff, Vera Weizmann and Romana Goodman among many others. This year we in the UK celebrate 100 years of fundraising achievement for social welfare in Israel. We have been joined over the years by sister federations in 50 countries worldwide. There are now over 250,000 WIZO members working to support vulnerable families in Israel regardless of their race or religion.
Our 2018 celebration programme is full of attractive initiatives including golf and bridge tournaments, as well as many extra events from local WIZO groups keen to help raise funds for the WIZO School of Dreams. Our aim is to raise £1.8 million pounds to renovate and refurbish the WIZO Vocational High School in Jerusalem.
The culmination of our year will be a gala dinner on 21st November with guests from Israel and the community here who will join us in honouring our history and safeguarding our future.
About School of Dreams
This year WIZO is celebrating its Centenary and to mark this special occasion we have launched our School of Dreams appeal to raise £1.8 million for vital renovation and refurbishment work at the WIZO Vocational High School situated at the Rebecca Sieff Centre for the Family.
The school supports 100 teenagers, both boys and girls, referred to WIZO by social services, giving them their last chance of an education. These young people have severe emotional, behavioural and psychiatric problems, or have special needs but have been failed by the traditional educational system. They
have slipped through the net for many reasons such as difficulties at home, trouble with the law, physical and sexual abuse, mental health issues, drugs and violence.
Kobi Hillel – WIZO Vocational High School, CEO
It is said ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. In my 11 years as Director, I have seen hundreds of students arrive with little or no confidence, completely giving up on life. Slowly, with the experience and passion of our dedicated team, they begin to open up and to enjoy and thrive on the successes that they never thought possible. WIZO’s school provides that ‘village’. Every day I see how we are truly changing lives and building futures.
The school’s unique method caters for students in Years 9 to 12. As well as completing their mainstream education a team of psychologists, social workers, counsellors and therapists adopt a holistic approach in small classes to prepare the students for employment and life as independent and confident young adults. WIZO works to enable every student to become skilled in a marketable trade. There are currently three vocational tracks to choose from – music and sound production, culinary studies and hairdressing. Students also participate in regular counselling sessions and weekly enrichment activities such as woodcraft, art and drama, giving them a real sense of self-worth.
Over 80% of graduates find gainful employment nd most importantly 90% are accepted into the IDF, thereby helping to secure Israel’s future by strengthening its valuable workforce.
To donate and help us reach our fundraising target for the School of Dreams, click here.
