The IDF and International Youth Day

1. th August 12 The IDF and International Youth Day

2. WHAT IS INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY? • International Youth Day is celebrated annually on August 12th. • It is a political day created by the United Nations in 1999 and adapted in Resolution 54/120. • The day provides the opportunity for governments and non-governmental organizations to draw attention to youth issues worldwide. • During the course of Youth Day, concerts, workshops and cultural events take place around the world.

3. UN RESOLUTION 54/120 Below are some of the resolution’s main points: “All United Nations bodies, the specialized agencies, the regional commissions and the intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations concerned, in particular youth organizations, to make every possible effort towards the implementation of the programme of action… in accordance with their experience, situation and priorities” “All relevant programmes, funds, specialized agencies and other bodies within the United Nations system, as well as other intergovernmental organizations and regional financial institutions, to give greater support to national youth policies and programmes within their country programmes as a way to follow up the World Conference” “Endorses the recommendation made by the World Conference that 12 August be declared International Youth Day, and recommends that public information activities be organized at all levels to support the Day as a way to promote better awareness, especially among youth, of the programme of Action”

4. The Education and Youth Corps The IDF is the nation’s army; the majority of the Israeli population serves, has served or will serve its part through army service, leading to the maxim - “a nation builds an army, an army builds a nation”. The IDF is composed of soldiers who represent the entire spectrum of the population, and, as it contains a slew of cultures, influences the identity of the Israeli society, playing a significant role in its development. The IDF, unlike most militaries around the world, contains a specific corps responsible for education, implemented because of the firm belief that the Israeli youth are the nation’s future. The Education and Youth Corps symbol

5. The Education and Youth Corps Founded in 1957, the Youth and Education Corps operates in multiple fields, including aid in education, preparing youths for their upcoming army service, assistance in the integration and advancement of minority groups which demand special attention, absorption of immigrants, development of leadership capabilities, national heritage, culture, etc. Despite being a military body, the corps works with youths in various civilian environments as well, including schools, boarding schools, recreational clubs and more, providing support for youths of minority groups. This presentation’s objective is to present the primary aspects of the IDF contribution to youth in Israel, in honor of International Youth Day. This effort is spearheaded by the IDF’s Youth and Education Corps. "Nation Builds an Army Builds a Nation" Education and Youth Corps

6. The MAKAM Project MAKAM: Center for Advancement of Special Population Groups This project was established in 1980 by former Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. (res.) Rafael (Raful) Eytan, earning the project the name “Raful’s Youth”. In 1981, the project was established under Israeli Government Resolution 165, which stated that the project’s objective was: “the maximal advancement of all individuals from special population groups and their integration into their military positions and civilian activity, to the greatest possible extent. This will emphasize the individual’s ability to contribute, advance, and function as a productive member of society”. Soldiers in the MAKAM project generally suffer from severe personal issues, tend to have aggressive tendencies and come from low socio-economic backgrounds.

7. The MAKAM Project (cont.) MAKAM soldiers undergo customized and special basic training by instructors on the “Havat Ha-Shomer” training base. Soldiers who are interested and are physically capable are given the option to continue regular combat training in any fighting unit in the IDF, following their MAKAM basic training. During the course of their service, every MAKAM soldier has the right to receive help and support, in accordance with their special needs. A personal follow-up is executed by the MAKAM offices stationed in each IDF command.

8. The Unit for Teacher-Soldiers The Teacher-Soldiers unit provides IDF assistance to the State of Israel’s educational system This unit was founded in 1951, as a part of the vision of Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion, who aimed to end Israeli illiteracy and facilitate the complete absorption of immigrants from the Diaspora. The teacher-soldiers function in peripheral settlements and locations with an abundance of new immigrants, where they aid in teaching Hebrew, immigrant absorption, teaching Israeli heritage, non-formal education and preparation of the youth for their service in the IDF. The Ministry of Education retains control over the professional and educational aspects of the teacher-soldiers while the IDF retains control over their conditions of service and their status as soldiers in their mandatory service.

9. The Unit for Teacher-Soldiers The Teacher-Soldiers operate in multiple fields: • Boarding Schools:Teacher-soldiers in boarding school education programs assist in instruction and education at various boarding schools throughout the country. They work alongside educational and psychological instructors, social workers and teachers. Their role is to accompany the children and to contribute in all aspects of their life. • Hearing Disabilities: In this course, the soldiers are responsible for helping students with hearing problems. The soldiers guide, instruct and train these children.

10. The Unit for Teacher-Soldiers • Heritage and Culture: This program focuses on teaching Israel’s legacy, emphasizing both current events and other areas of enrichment. The course is composed of religious soldiers and allows them to continue their religious lifestyle and observe their own traditions. • Daily Boarding Schools: In this course, the teacher-soldiers are in charge of relatively large groups of children (15), who participate in various activities in the afternoon after they finish school. • Non-Formal Education (Enriching Programs): This course is designated to enrich the youths’ leisure time by cultivating their leadership skills. This is done with the belief that this will shape the next generation, “rescue” youths on the verge of breakdown, and prepare them for their future service in the IDF.

11. The Unit for Teacher-Soldiers • Guidance NCO’s – Field, Nation, and Society: This unique course focuses on education of Zionism, Israeli heritage and survival skills. The course educates youth in a number of environments, including field conditions, volunteering in organizations and other activities which take place in coordination with the IDF and the Ministry of Defense. • Immigrant Absorption: Through teaching of the Hebrew language, the soldiers aid and support children (7-14 years old) throughout their immigration process. The soldiers assist teachers during the morning and help immigrant children with homework, engage in recreational activities, accompany the children to playgrounds and more during the afternoon. • Connecting to Nature: Guidance of students on nature tours, which contributes to their acquaintance with the country.

12. MAGEN infrastructure in Israel:The Youth and Education Corps Youth counselors and Nahal (Fighting Youth Pioneers) groups throughout Israel who are part of the MAGEN infrastructure (teacher-soldiers, Israeli youth battalions and the Nahal soldiers) lead activities in multiple educational frameworks, including schools, after-school activity centers and community centers. These activities, which take place in both the morning and afternoon, involve thousands of youth throughout the country.

13. GADNA Week GADNA- Israeli Youth Battalions GADNA is a five day course in which youth, aged 17-18, experience military training prior to their draft. Throughout the course, the youth experience a daily military routine including discipline, military hierarchy, donning uniforms, basic training, military timing and schedule, field training and shooting. The purpose of the GADNA is to present the IDF lifestyle to the youth and to increase motivation to serve as an IDF combat soldier.