My name is Wendy Ben-Haim and I have been on the P2K Living Bridge sub-committee in Arad for the last 6 years. I had the privilege of chaperoning the Arad Youth Wind Band on its tour of concerts in NJ and Deleware last summer. For the last two years, I have worked as sponsorship secretary at "Neradim" SOS Children's Village in Arad. I feel that not enough Americans know about the wonderful work that this International Association does for children. A little background about SOS Kinderdorf:

The idea of founding SOS Children's Villages was conceived by Herman Gmeiner in 1949. He established the international organization based in Innsbruck, Austria. This idea has grown into a worldwide network of non-political and non-religious social and welfare institutions supported by the voluntary contribution and donations of its friends from all over the world. The SOS organization includes over 400 children's villages and institutes in 131 countries throughout the world.

The Israeli Organization for SOS Children Villages was founded in 1977. The first village, "Neradim", was opened in 1981 in Arad and the second one, "Megadim", was opened in 1997 in Migdal Ha'emek. At the moment there are about 150 children that are sent to the village by the Ministry of Labor and Welfare, after they are classified as children at risk or in distress. They are sent to the village from the ages of 4-11 and raised in the village until the age of 18.

The children's village is structured as a family unit with 10-12 houses. The children's house provides a foster home that is run by the "mother" with 7-9 boys and girls of various ages. The house is based on fulfilling all the functions of a natural family in providing a warm and educational atmosphere of special care. The children study in various schools around the city, and they are involved with the community activities in the local cultural center, etc.

In the village there is a support system of the director, social workers, tutors, psychological council, soldier teachers, art therapy, animal therapy, music therapy, etc. Many of our graduates have served in the army, integrated into the community and have started their own families.

With the arrival of a new Village Director, Matti Rose, and Education Coordinator, Itai Kafry, in June 2002, positive changes have taken place at "Neradim" SOS Children's Village, Arad. The two have brought with them many years of experience acquired at "Kedma" Boarding School for Juvenile Delinquents. Matti wrote in our last facility report for our SOS sponsors:

The population of the children in "Neradim" Children's Village has changed over the years, due to the changing conditions in Israel. The children we are receiving are very emotionally damaged and have gone through experiences at other boarding schools or alternative arrangements before they are referred to "Neradim". These children are coming from very difficult family dysfunction, broken homes, neglect, and child abuse. What is most clear is their common "lack of" in all areas (nutrition, education, health, and basic trust of the adult world) in order to lead a normal life. With your contributions and support, we are more able to carry out the suitable process of rehabilitating and educating these children. I am happy to say that during the past half year, there has been a marked improvement in all aspects of the life of the children in the village. Last school year, 14 children finished the year with honors. One of the older children was part of a delegation to Poland from the high school in October. We are also beginning a number of plans to help in the community, such as a civil guard, paramedics (Magen David Adom), and helping the needy.

The children of "Neradim" SOS Children's Village, Arad, took part in the project "Operation Desert Dwarfs" this autumn. 100 white statues of dwarfs were brought into the village. Each child was given a dwarf to paint to his or her liking. The children worked together to place the dwarfs all around the village gardens. They take great pride in showing off their dwarf to visiting guests. The colorful dwarfs beautify the children's little corner of the world during these not so beautiful times.

On November 18,2002, The Israel Society for SOS Children's played in a soccer game hosted by Ben Gurion University of the Negev honoring Mordechai Speigler as FIFA Ambassador of the Children. Before the game, Svetlana our music teacher, conducted a performance by the children of songs accompanied with tarboka drums and electric organ. Matti, village director, also joined in with his guitar. The goal of the partnership of "FIFA" with SOS Children's Villages is to give patronage and to support the young children of the children's villages by creating public awareness of soccer fans around the world (as an expression of their commitment to children in danger). The university donated the use of its sport center, and everything technical needed to stage the ceremony. The sound system was donated by the Free Building Movement. After the ceremony, there was a mini soccer competition between "Neradim" and a local children's team and one between Hapoel Beersheva and the Peace Team (made up of Israelis and Palestinians). Zohir Bahalol, sports broadcaster from Kol Yisrael Israel Radio, volunteered his services as MC.

Visit to the President's Residence

On International Children's Day later in the month, the children were received at the President's Residence in Jerusalem. The same group of children who performed at the game entertained President Katzav, his wife, and other distinquished guests. Afterwards all the children were taken for a visit to the Biblical Zoo.

Reopening of Petting Zoo

The petting zoo at "Neradim" has reopened after a period of inactivity. The petting zoo was founded because it contributes a lot to the atmosphere of the village as well as the village itself. The children like animals very much and the petting zoo gives them an opportunity to pet animals and to take responsibility in caring for them. So far, there are geese, ducks, rabbits, chickens, and guinea pigs. In the future we hope to widen the variety of animals. Our next goal is to raise funds for a small pony. A pony is a regal animal in the eyes of the children. It will be part of the general experience by the children of the after school activities (training and domestication) and care of the petting zoo animals. The pony can be used to give riding treatment for children between preschool and 11 years old. Therapeutic Riding is a wonderful treatment that strengthens self-confidence, self-esteem, responsibility, motor skills, posture, and self-control.

Reopening of the Youth House

Many expectations, hopes, and feelings accompany the reopening of the Youth House. When Yossi and Limor, the young couple who head the household, were asked about their expectations from the house they said it was very important to transfer independence, life skills, and priorities to each teen. They want all the kids to take full responsibility for their actions and they are prepared to give them all the support that they will need in the process.

The "Neradim" Journal

Another positive change at "Neradim" SOS Children's Village is the organization of an in-house newspaper, The "Neradim" Journal. The newspaper was the initiative of our new Pedagogic Coordinator, Rina, and the Education Coordinator, Itai. Rina wants to start a journalism group at the village. The older children are part of the editorial staff and some even have their own column. The second issue came out for Tu B'Shvat and had a special message from Matti, the Village Director. The newspaper also includes fun things like a crossword puzzle, riddles, and jokes. So far the "Neradim" Journal has been a big hit. The following is a translation of a poem written during Chanukah by an 11 year old and appeared in the Journal:

G-d bless the candles that we light
Make much light for those who smile

Let the holidays be days of light and happiness
You can do many things so what do you care?

Make tranquility on our borders
And no more war
Because we have a brother or sister in the field

Miracles happen on Chanukah
Make one more
Behold I am here waiting
Bring peace without delay

And so we light many candles
Of many colors
And the world denied of candles
Will sing of miracles