Georgia is smiling – and for good reason. At the age of 12, she got a fresh start at CHW Nahalal Children and Youth Village. She feels supported after years of struggling at school. Thanks to a tailored program that targets at-risk children, Georgia is receiving the emotional and learning support she needs to thrive.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia found her happy place at the Therapeutic Riding Stable, where she enjoys one-on-one coaching and works alongside peers to care for horses.

“I started coming here during lockdown. At first, I was afraid of getting close to a horse, and now I’m riding on my own! I’m learning to take charge and believe in myself.”

Professional instructors help students set personal goals and overcome challenges through riding and caring for horses, which help to reinforce self-confidence, promote teamwork and enhance social and communication skills.

Rebekka Dullman Britain, Head of the program, reflects on the unprecedented period;

“The stable felt like the only island of sanity We stepped up our efforts to help students reduce the anxiety and stress brought on by the pandemic. Lockdown was an opportunity to also get them more involved and I could see how relived they were to be in a safe place. The daily routine and support we provided helped them cope better with the chaos and build resiliency.” 

The Israel Equestrian Team has a new rider from CHW Nahalal Children & Youth Village!

At 9 years old, Elias was suffering from communication issues. His parents, concerned about their son, encouraged him to enroll in the Therapeutic Riding Centre at CHW Nahalal Youth Village. And, this is where his story began! Elias took his first ride at CHW Nahalal and he simply fell in love with horses and riding!

Today, 21-year-old Elias is doing remarkable things, entering the world of international horseback riding!

Click here to read a recent interview to learn more about Elias!

*Name changed for confidentiality purposes

CHW is feeling the pride as Sarah*, a recent graduate from CHW Nahalal Children & Youth Village has successfully completed the Cyber Shield Course with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The IDF’s Cyber Shield Course, taught through the school of Computer Studies and Cyber Defense, is one of the most prestigious and highly recognized courses in the country as it enables these graduates to protect Israel against cyber-attacks.

Eighteen-year-old Sarah is now equipped to protect Israel and help defend her country.

Students from IDF’s Cyber Shield Course (Photo Credit: Yedion Afula Ve’amekim)

Sarah shared, “In high school at [CHW] Nahalal I majored in physics and chemistry. Before this course, I took part in a program of excellence for studies in computers and cyber in the periphery. I received lots of valuable tools there and I was exposed to some of the content I learned in the IDF’s cyber course. Through my studies I discovered that cyber defense is a very interesting field.”

Sarah is an excellent example of how CHW’s youth villages put young adults on the right path to success, empowering young women and instilling within them with the tools to succeed!

Karni is a 14-year-old student studying at CHW Nahalal Youth Village. One of Karni’s passions in life is horseback riding. In fact, since she was a little girl, Karni has been riding horses; for her, it is as natural as walking!

Recently, Karni took part in a national horseback riding competition in Israel. The winner of the competition not only received a place in the National Cup Finals, but also had the opportunity compete in an international competition.

Karni won the nationals and went on to represent Israel in the International Competition where she won first place!

CHW Nahalal is the perfect fit for Karni as it has horses on campus and every day, when Karni finishes school, she is the first to the stables riding horses.

Congratulations to Karni and CHW Nahalal!