Absorption of Immigrants from the Caucasus Region

GOALS
To promote the self-image and the scholastic achievements of immigrant children from Caucasus region and enable them to fulfill their potential and gain higher education.

BACKGROUND
AICR was founded by professional immigrants from the Caucasus region to promote the integration of children in Israeli life. The organization is active on the issue of the rights of immigrant youth from the Caucasus region in the formal education system, and is a member of the Coalition for Immigrant Youth at Risk, coordinated by SHATIL.

STRATEGIES
Building and implementing a curriculum to acquire and bolster Hebrew as a second language; enhancing self-image of children and parents; and raising awareness in the education system to the special nature of the immigration from the Caucasus region.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Running four learning centers – for 6th, 7th and 8th graders – in order to bring them back into the educational mainstream, and prevent their being referred to special education. Over 100 pupils benefited from the centers' activities.
• Cooperation with Center for Educational Technology on developing special culturally sensitive textbooks and curricula.
• Establishing a locality-based steering committee aimed at influencing decision makers to develop a holistic approach to the integration of children and adolescents from the Caucasus region in Israeli society and its education system.
• Conducting social activities to develop and strengthen individual and group identity.